Head-to-head · 2026
Salish Kootenai College vs The University of Montana
Compare average net price ($7,945 at Salish Kootenai College; $16,784 at The University of Montana), ROI score (10.30 vs 6.63), ten-year median earnings ($32,725 vs $44,511), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Salish Kootenai College; 95.9% at The University of Montana) using federal College Scorecard data. Salish Kootenai College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Salish Kootenai College 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 | Salish Kootenai College | The University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.30 ✓ | 6.63 |
| Avg net price | $7,945 ✓ | $16,784 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $32,725 | $44,511 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95.9% |
| Graduation rate | 27.6% | 48% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,923 ✓ | $22,400 |
| Enrollment | 580 | 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 $8,839 more per year than Salish Kootenai College ($16,784 vs $7,945). The University of Montana graduates report $11,786 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,511 vs $32,725). On EduGradify's model that puts Salish Kootenai College ahead on projected ROI (10.30 vs 6.63, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Salish Kootenai College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, The University of Montana reports 95.9% acceptance; Salish Kootenai College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Salish Kootenai College vs The University of Montana, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Salish Kootenai College or The University of Montana the better value?
Salish Kootenai College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.30 vs 6.63), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Salish Kootenai College is cheaper — average net price $7,945 per year vs $16,784 at The University of Montana. The annual difference of $8,839 adds up to about $35,356 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
The University of Montana reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,511 vs $32,725 at Salish Kootenai College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,786.
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. Salish Kootenai College reports a B value grade; The University of Montana reports C.