Head-to-head · 2026
Montana State University Billings vs The University of Montana
Compare average net price ($16,524 at Montana State University Billings; $16,784 at The University of Montana), ROI score (6.70 vs 6.63), ten-year median earnings ($44,296 vs $44,511), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Montana State University Billings; 95.9% at The University of Montana) using federal College Scorecard data. Montana State University Billings has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better 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 | The University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.70 ✓ | 6.63 |
| Avg net price | $16,524 ✓ | $16,784 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,296 | $44,511 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95.9% |
| Graduation rate | 30% | 48% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,209 ✓ | $22,400 |
| Enrollment | 2,626 | 7,488 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1190 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
The University of Montana costs $260 more per year than Montana State University Billings ($16,784 vs $16,524). The University of Montana graduates report $215 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,511 vs $44,296). On EduGradify's model that puts Montana State University Billings ahead on projected ROI (6.70 vs 6.63, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Montana State University Billings) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, The University of Montana reports 95.9% acceptance; Montana State University Billings does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Montana State University Billings vs The University of Montana, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana the better value?
Montana State University Billings has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.70 vs 6.63), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Montana State University Billings is cheaper — average net price $16,524 per year vs $16,784 at The University of Montana. The annual difference of $260 adds up to about $1,040 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
The University of Montana reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,511 vs $44,296 at Montana State University Billings. The annual gap in the federal data is $215.
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; The University of Montana reports C.