Head-to-head · 2026
Helena College University of Montana vs Montana State University Billings
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Helena College University of Montana, 1 for Montana State University Billings — Helena College University of Montana 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 | Helena College University of Montana | Montana State University Billings |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.79 ✓ | 6.70 |
| Avg net price | $11,593 ✓ | $16,524 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,738 | $44,296 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 33.3% ✓ | 30% |
| Median debt | $14,580 ✓ | $18,209 |
| Enrollment | 585 | 2,626 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Montana State University Billings costs $4,931 more per year than Helena College University of Montana ($16,524 vs $11,593). Montana State University Billings graduates report $3,558 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,296 vs $40,738). On EduGradify's model that puts Helena College University of Montana ahead on projected ROI (8.79 vs 6.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Helena College University of Montana) 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
Helena College University of Montana vs Montana State University Billings, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Helena College University of Montana or Montana State University Billings the better value?
Helena College University of Montana has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.79 vs 6.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Helena College University of Montana is cheaper — average net price $11,593 per year vs $16,524 at Montana State University Billings. The annual difference of $4,931 adds up to about $19,724 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Montana State University Billings reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,296 vs $40,738 at Helena College University of Montana. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,558.
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. Helena College University of Montana reports a B value grade; Montana State University Billings reports C.