Head-to-head · 2026
Flathead Valley Community College vs Great Falls College Montana State University
Compare average net price ($8,099 at Flathead Valley Community College; $12,468 at Great Falls College Montana State University), ROI score (11.89 vs 7.63), ten-year median earnings ($38,520 vs $38,034), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Flathead Valley Community College; Open / not reported at Great Falls College Montana State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Flathead Valley Community College has a 3-1 metric-level edge. Flathead Valley Community College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Flathead Valley Community College | Great Falls College Montana State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.89 ✓ | 7.63 |
| Avg net price | $8,099 ✓ | $12,468 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,520 ✓ | $38,034 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 29.3% | 34.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,500 | — |
| Enrollment | 1,202 | 894 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Great Falls College Montana State University costs $4,369 more per year than Flathead Valley Community College ($12,468 vs $8,099). Flathead Valley Community College graduates report $486 higher median earnings after ten years ($38,520 vs $38,034). On EduGradify's model that puts Flathead Valley Community College ahead on projected ROI (11.89 vs 7.63, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Flathead Valley Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Flathead Valley Community College vs Great Falls College Montana State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Flathead Valley Community College or Great Falls College Montana State University the better value?
Flathead Valley Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.89 vs 7.63), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Flathead Valley Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,099 per year vs $12,468 at Great Falls College Montana State University. The annual difference of $4,369 adds up to about $17,476 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Flathead Valley Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $38,520 vs $38,034 at Great Falls College Montana State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $486.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Flathead Valley Community College reports a A value grade; Great Falls College Montana State University reports B.