MSU vs. University of North Dakota

Comparable Facts

Compare Montana State University in Bozeman, MT with University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montana State University is larger than University of North Dakota based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 15,019 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University is located in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting); University of North Dakota is in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; University of North Dakota 17:1.

MSU vs. University of North Dakota Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or University of North Dakota? 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 North Dakota than MSU ($18,076 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Dakota are 18.6% lower than at Montana State University ($11,390 vs. $14,000).
• University of North Dakota is 29.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $2,491 more per year; $10,951.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 113.8% higher at MSU than at University of North Dakota (about $17,717 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $15,570.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of North Dakota than at Montana State University (86% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 76.5% larger than aid received by University of North Dakota students ($11,763 vs. $6,663).

MSU vs. University of North Dakota Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU or University of North Dakota? 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 North Dakota and MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Dakota (1200) is 20 points higher than at MSU (1180).
• Incoming MSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at University of North Dakota).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; University of North Dakota 1110/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; University of North Dakota 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; University of North Dakota - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have the same average high school GPA (3.5) as students at University of North Dakota (3.5).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than University of North Dakota (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 34.7% at University of North Dakota.

MSU vs. University of North Dakota Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and University of North Dakota? 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).

• University of North Dakota's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from University of North Dakota earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,700 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than University of North Dakota graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of North Dakota graduates ($248 vs. $253).
• More University of North Dakota graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 71%)

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.