Head-to-head · 2026
Great Falls College Montana State University vs Montana State University-Northern
Compare average net price ($12,468 at Great Falls College Montana State University; $12,664 at Montana State University-Northern), ROI score (7.63 vs 9.77), ten-year median earnings ($38,034 vs $49,505), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Great Falls College Montana State University; Open / not reported at Montana State University-Northern) using federal College Scorecard data. Montana State University-Northern has a 3-1 metric-level edge. Montana State University-Northern leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Great Falls College Montana State University | Montana State University-Northern |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.63 | 9.77 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,468 ✓ | $12,664 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,034 | $49,505 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 34.1% | 41.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | — | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 894 | 761 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Montana State University-Northern costs $196 more per year than Great Falls College Montana State University ($12,664 vs $12,468). Montana State University-Northern graduates report $11,471 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,505 vs $38,034). On EduGradify's model that puts Montana State University-Northern ahead on projected ROI (9.77 vs 7.63, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Montana State University-Northern) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. 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
Great Falls College Montana State University vs Montana State University-Northern, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Great Falls College Montana State University or Montana State University-Northern the better value?
Montana State University-Northern has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.77 vs 7.63), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Great Falls College Montana State University is cheaper — average net price $12,468 per year vs $12,664 at Montana State University-Northern. The annual difference of $196 adds up to about $784 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Montana State University-Northern reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,505 vs $38,034 at Great Falls College Montana State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,471.
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. Great Falls College Montana State University reports a B value grade; Montana State University-Northern reports B.