MSU vs. NSA

Comparable Facts

Compare Montana State University in Bozeman, MT with New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montana State University is larger than NSA based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 413 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University is located in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting); New Saint Andrews College is in Moscow, Idaho (Distant Town setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. New Saint Andrews College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; New Saint Andrews College 19:1.

MSU vs. NSA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or NSA? 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 New Saint Andrews College than MSU ($16,692 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at New Saint Andrews College are 71.4% lower than at Montana State University ($4,000 vs. $14,000).
• New Saint Andrews College is 98.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $8,340 more per year; $16,800.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.1% higher at MSU than at New Saint Andrews College (about $16,487 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $16,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at New Saint Andrews College than at Montana State University (85% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 189.9% larger than aid received by New Saint Andrews College students ($11,763 vs. $4,058).

MSU vs. NSA Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at New Saint Andrews College (1260) is 80 points higher than at MSU (1180).
• Incoming NSA students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; New Saint Andrews College 1155/1358.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; New Saint Andrews College 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; NSA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSA Feb 15, 2027.
• NSA has a higher acceptance rate (83.9%) than MSU (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 65.6% at NSA.

MSU vs. NSA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and NSA? 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).

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.