Head-to-head · 2026
Flathead Valley Community College vs The University of Montana
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Flathead Valley Community College, 2 for The University of Montana — Flathead Valley Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Flathead Valley Community College | The University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.89 ✓ | 6.63 |
| Avg net price | $8,099 ✓ | $16,784 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,520 | $44,511 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95.9% |
| Graduation rate | 29.3% | 48% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,500 ✓ | $22,400 |
| Enrollment | 1,202 | 7,488 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1190 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
The University of Montana costs $8,685 more per year than Flathead Valley Community College ($16,784 vs $8,099). The University of Montana graduates report $5,991 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,511 vs $38,520). On EduGradify's model that puts Flathead Valley Community College ahead on projected ROI (11.89 vs 6.63, 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, The University of Montana reports 95.9% acceptance; Flathead Valley Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Flathead Valley Community College vs The University of Montana, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Flathead Valley Community College or The University of Montana the better value?
Flathead Valley Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.89 vs 6.63), 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 $16,784 at The University of Montana. The annual difference of $8,685 adds up to about $34,740 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
The University of Montana reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,511 vs $38,520 at Flathead Valley Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,991.
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; The University of Montana reports C.