MSU Moorhead vs. The University of Montana

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN with The University of Montana in Missoula, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Montana is larger than MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); The University of Montana is in Missoula, MT (Small City setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Montana is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; The University of Montana 17:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. The University of Montana Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead or The University of Montana? 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 The University of Montana than MSU Moorhead ($17,370 vs. $18,221).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minnesota State University Moorhead are 14.1% lower than at The University of Montana ($10,994 vs. $12,804).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is 21.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than The University of Montana (about $1,876 more per year; $10,428.00 vs. $8,552.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 222.9% higher at The University of Montana than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $23,243 more per year; $33,671.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minnesota State University Moorhead than at The University of Montana (91% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Montana students is 52% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($9,799 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. The University of Montana Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead or The University of Montana? 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 The University of Montana and MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 10 points higher than at The University of Montana (1180).
• Incoming The University of Montana students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at MSU Moorhead).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; The University of Montana 1070/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; The University of Montana 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; The University of Montana - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: The University of Montana Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU Moorhead students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at The University of Montana (3.36).
• The University of Montana has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 19.3% at The University of Montana.

MSU Moorhead vs. The University of Montana Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead and The University of Montana? 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's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from Minnesota State University Moorhead earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than The University of Montana graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,400 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $907 lower median loan debt than The University of Montana graduates ($22,276 vs. $23,183).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than The University of Montana graduates ($230 vs. $239).
• More MSU Moorhead graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former The University of Montana students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 59%)

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.