MSU Billings vs. DSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Montana State University Billings in Billings, MT with Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montana State University Billings is larger than DSU based on total student enrollment (4,129 students vs. 1,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University Billings is located in Billings, MT (Midsize City setting); Dickinson State University is in Dickinson, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Montana State University Billings is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University Billings 14:1; Dickinson State University 16:1.

MSU Billings vs. DSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Billings or DSU? 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 Dickinson State University than MSU Billings ($14,698 vs. $15,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson State University are 14.2% lower than at Montana State University Billings ($8,564 vs. $9,980).
• Dickinson State University is 25.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Billings (about $1,838 more per year; $9,118.00 vs. $7,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 151.1% higher at MSU Billings than at Dickinson State University (about $13,779 more per year; $22,897.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson State University than at Montana State University Billings (92% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University Billings students is 29% larger than aid received by Dickinson State University students ($7,313 vs. $5,667).

MSU Billings vs. DSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Billings or DSU? 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 DSU and MSU Billings.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDickinson State University 875/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDickinson State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Billings - Not reported; DSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman DSU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.11) than students at MSU Billings (3.05).

MSU Billings vs. DSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Billings and DSU? 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).

• Montana State University Billings's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Dickinson State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Dickinson State University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than MSU Billings graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $37,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University Billings graduates have a $1,281 lower median loan debt than DSU graduates ($17,500 vs. $18,781).
• Among borrowers, MSU Billings graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DSU graduates ($180 vs. $194).
• More DSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Billings students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 58%)

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.