MSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno

Comparable Facts

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

University of Nevada Reno is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (23,024 students vs. 17,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University is located in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting); University of Nevada Reno is in Reno, NV (Midsize City setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Reno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; University of Nevada Reno 17:1.

MSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or University of Nevada-Reno? 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 University of Nevada Reno than MSU ($17,226 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University are 3.4% lower than at University of Nevada Reno ($14,000 vs. $14,496).
• University of Nevada Reno is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $1,118 more per year; $9,578.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.1% higher at MSU than at University of Nevada Reno (about $5,567 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $27,720.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nevada Reno than at Montana State University (93% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 59.5% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Reno students ($11,763 vs. $7,375).

MSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU or University of Nevada-Reno? 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 University of Nevada-Reno and MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Montana State University (1180) is the same as at University of Nevada-Reno (1180).
• Incoming MSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at University of Nevada-Reno).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; University of Nevada Reno 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; University of Nevada Reno 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; University of Nevada-Reno - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Nevada-Reno Apr 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at University of Nevada-Reno (3.4).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than University of Nevada-Reno (73.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 26.5% at University of Nevada-Reno.

MSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and University of Nevada-Reno? 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 graduation rate at MSU is the same as at University of Nevada Reno (51% vs. 51%).
• Graduates from University of Nevada Reno earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nevada Reno graduates have a $5,199 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($18,801 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Nevada-Reno graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($194 vs. $248).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Nevada-Reno students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 64%)

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.