MSU Billings vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

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

Montana State University is larger than MSU Billings based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 4,129 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University Billings is located in Billings, MT (Midsize City setting); Montana State University is in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting).
• Montana State University Billings is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University Billings 14:1; Montana State University 18:1.

MSU Billings vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Billings or MSU? 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 Montana State University Billings than MSU ($15,018 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University Billings are 28.7% lower than at Montana State University ($9,980 vs. $14,000).
• Montana State University is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Billings (about $1,180 more per year; $8,460.00 vs. $7,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.4% higher at MSU than at Montana State University Billings (about $10,390 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $22,897.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montana State University Billings than at Montana State University (90% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 60.9% larger than aid received by Montana State University Billings students ($11,763 vs. $7,313).

MSU Billings vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMontana State University 1065/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMontana State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Billings - Not reported; MSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at MSU Billings (3.05).

MSU Billings vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Billings and MSU? 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's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Montana State University Billings's (33%).
• Graduates from Montana State University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than MSU Billings graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,800 vs. $37,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University Billings graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($17,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU Billings graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($180 vs. $248).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Billings students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.