Head-to-head · 2026
Montana State University-Northern vs The University of Montana
Compare average net price ($12,664 at Montana State University-Northern; $16,784 at The University of Montana), ROI score (9.77 vs 6.63), ten-year median earnings ($49,505 vs $44,511), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Montana State University-Northern; 95.9% at The University of Montana) 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-Northern | The University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.77 ✓ | 6.63 |
| Avg net price | $12,664 ✓ | $16,784 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,505 ✓ | $44,511 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95.9% |
| Graduation rate | 41.1% | 48% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,500 ✓ | $22,400 |
| Enrollment | 761 | 7,488 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1190 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
The University of Montana costs $4,120 more per year than Montana State University-Northern ($16,784 vs $12,664). Montana State University-Northern graduates report $4,994 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,505 vs $44,511). On EduGradify's model that puts Montana State University-Northern ahead on projected ROI (9.77 vs 6.63, 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, The University of Montana reports 95.9% acceptance; Montana State University-Northern does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Montana State University-Northern vs The University of Montana, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Montana State University-Northern or The University of Montana the better value?
Montana State University-Northern has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.77 vs 6.63), 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 $16,784 at The University of Montana. The annual difference of $4,120 adds up to about $16,480 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Montana State University-Northern reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,505 vs $44,511 at The University of Montana. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,994.
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-Northern reports a B value grade; The University of Montana reports C.