MSU vs. Utah State University

Comparable Facts

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

Utah State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (28,904 students vs. 17,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University is located in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting); Utah State University is in Logan, UT (Small City setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Utah State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; Utah State University 19:1.

MSU vs. Utah State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or Utah State University? 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 Utah State University than MSU ($15,788 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Utah State University are 35.2% lower than at Montana State University ($9,076 vs. $14,000).
• Utah State University is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $768 more per year; $9,228.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at MSU than at Utah State University (about $8,485 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $24,802.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Utah State University than at Montana State University (90% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 35.4% larger than aid received by Utah State University students ($11,763 vs. $8,685).

MSU vs. Utah State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Montana State University (1180) is the same as at Utah State University (1180).
• Incoming MSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at Utah State University (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; Utah State University 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; Utah State University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; Utah State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Utah State University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at MSU (3.5).
• Utah State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than MSU (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 23.8% at Utah State University.

MSU vs. Utah State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and Utah State University? 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).

• Utah State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from Utah State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Utah State University graduates have a $10,390 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($13,610 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Utah State University graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($140 vs. $248).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Utah State University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.