MSU vs. Rutgers University-Newark

Comparable Facts

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

Montana State University is larger than Rutgers University-Newark based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 11,315 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

MSU vs. Rutgers University-Newark Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or Rutgers University-Newark? 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 Rutgers University Newark than MSU ($18,276 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University are 12.9% lower than at Rutgers University Newark ($14,000 vs. $16,074).
• Rutgers University Newark is 103.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $8,790 more per year; $17,250.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.4% higher at Rutgers University-Newark than at Montana State University (about $3,475 more per year; $36,762.00 vs. $33,287.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montana State University than at Rutgers University Newark (83% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rutgers University Newark students is 48% larger than aid received by Montana State University students ($17,405 vs. $11,763).

MSU vs. Rutgers University-Newark Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU or Rutgers University-Newark? 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 Rutgers University-Newark and MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Montana State University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Rutgers University-Newark (1150).
• Incoming MSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Rutgers University-Newark (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; Rutgers University Newark 1030/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; Rutgers University Newark 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; Rutgers University-Newark - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Rutgers University-Newark (3.23).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than Rutgers University-Newark (71.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 7.1% at Rutgers University-Newark.

MSU vs. Rutgers University-Newark Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and Rutgers University-Newark? 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).

• Rutgers University Newark's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from Rutgers University Newark earn a median of about $20,400 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,200 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rutgers University Newark graduates have a $1,785 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($22,215 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Rutgers University-Newark graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($229 vs. $248).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rutgers University-Newark students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 68%)

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.