Head-to-head · 2026
Salish Kootenai College vs The University of Montana
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Salish Kootenai College, 2 for The University of Montana — Salish Kootenai College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| 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 |
| Wins | 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.