Head-to-head · 2026
Helena College University of Montana vs Montana State University-Northern
Compare average net price ($11,593 at Helena College University of Montana; $12,664 at Montana State University-Northern), ROI score (8.79 vs 9.77), ten-year median earnings ($40,738 vs $49,505), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Helena College University of Montana; Open / not reported at Montana State University-Northern) using federal College Scorecard data. Montana State University-Northern has a narrow 3-2 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 | Helena College University of Montana | Montana State University-Northern |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.79 | 9.77 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,593 ✓ | $12,664 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,738 | $49,505 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 33.3% | 41.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,580 ✓ | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 585 | 761 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Montana State University-Northern costs $1,071 more per year than Helena College University of Montana ($12,664 vs $11,593). Montana State University-Northern graduates report $8,767 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,505 vs $40,738). On EduGradify's model that puts Montana State University-Northern ahead on projected ROI (9.77 vs 8.79, 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
Helena College University of Montana vs Montana State University-Northern, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Helena College University of Montana or Montana State University-Northern the better value?
Montana State University-Northern has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.77 vs 8.79), 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 $12,664 at Montana State University-Northern. The annual difference of $1,071 adds up to about $4,284 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Montana State University-Northern reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,505 vs $40,738 at Helena College University of Montana. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,767.
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-Northern reports B.