MSU vs. Utah

Comparable Facts

Compare Montana State University in Bozeman, MT with University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Utah is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (36,894 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 Utah is in Salt Lake City, UT (Midsize City setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Utah is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; University of Utah 19:1.

MSU vs. Utah Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or Utah? 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 Utah than MSU ($16,583 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Utah are 4.9% lower than at Montana State University ($13,315 vs. $14,000).
• University of Utah is 13.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $1,160 more per year; $9,620.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at MSU than at University of Utah (about $2,427 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $30,860.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montana State University than at University of Utah (83% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Utah students is 8.3% larger than aid received by Montana State University students ($12,744 vs. $11,763).

MSU vs. Utah Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Utah (1290) is 110 points higher than at MSU (1180).
• Incoming Utah students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; University of Utah 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; University of Utah 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; Utah - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Utah Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Utah students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at MSU (3.5).
• Utah has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than MSU (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 26% at Utah.

MSU vs. Utah Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and Utah? 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 Utah's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from University of Utah earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,300 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Utah graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Utah graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($155 vs. $248).
• More Utah graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.