Adams State University vs. UM Western

Comparable Facts

Compare Adams State University in Alamosa, CO with The University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Adams State University is larger than UM Western based on total student enrollment (2,901 students vs. 1,358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adams State University is located in Alamosa, CO (Remote Town setting); The University of Montana Western is in Dillon, MT (Remote Town setting).
• Adams State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Montana Western is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adams State University 14:1; The University of Montana Western 16:1.

Adams State University vs. UM Western Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adams State University or UM Western? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adams State University than UM Western ($13,340 vs. $16,745).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Adams State University are 2.2% lower than at The University of Montana Western ($9,820 vs. $10,046).
• Adams State University is 47.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM Western (about $3,154 more per year; $9,824.00 vs. $6,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Adams State University than at The University of Montana Western (about $1,814 more per year; $21,944.00 vs. $20,130.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adams State University than at The University of Montana Western (91% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adams State University students is 124.2% larger than aid received by The University of Montana Western students ($10,747 vs. $4,794).

Adams State University vs. UM Western Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adams State University or UM Western? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UM Western and Adams State University.

• The University of Montana Western reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Adams State University (1020) is 10 points higher than at UM Western (1010).
• Incoming Adams State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at UM Western).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 910/1130; The University of Montana Western 890/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 15/26; The University of Montana Western 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adams State University - Not reported; UM Western - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Adams State University students have the same average high school GPA (3.2) as students at UM Western (3.2).

Adams State University vs. UM Western Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adams State University and UM Western? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The University of Montana Western's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Adams State University's (23%).
• Graduates from Adams State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than UM Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,100 vs. $34,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Montana Western graduates have a $362 lower median loan debt than Adams State University graduates ($20,929 vs. $21,291).
• Among borrowers, UM Western graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adams State University graduates ($216 vs. $220).
• More UM Western graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adams State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.