Head-to-head · 2026
Montana State University Billings vs Montana State University-Northern
Compare average net price ($16,524 at Montana State University Billings; $12,664 at Montana State University-Northern), ROI score (6.70 vs 9.77), ten-year median earnings ($44,296 vs $49,505), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Montana State University Billings; Open / not reported at Montana State University-Northern) using federal College Scorecard data. Montana State University-Northern has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Montana State University-Northern 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 | Montana State University Billings | Montana State University-Northern |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.70 | 9.77 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,524 | $12,664 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,296 | $49,505 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 30% | 41.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,209 ✓ | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,626 | 761 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Montana State University Billings costs $3,860 more per year than Montana State University-Northern ($16,524 vs $12,664). Montana State University-Northern graduates report $5,209 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,505 vs $44,296). On EduGradify's model that puts Montana State University-Northern ahead on projected ROI (9.77 vs 6.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Montana State University-Northern) 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
Montana State University Billings vs Montana State University-Northern, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Montana State University Billings or Montana State University-Northern the better value?
Montana State University-Northern has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.77 vs 6.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Montana State University-Northern is cheaper — average net price $12,664 per year vs $16,524 at Montana State University Billings. The annual difference of $3,860 adds up to about $15,440 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Montana State University-Northern reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,505 vs $44,296 at Montana State University Billings. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,209.
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. Montana State University Billings reports a C value grade; Montana State University-Northern reports B.