MSU vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

Compare Montana State University in Bozeman, MT with Washington State University in Pullman, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 17,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University is located in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting); Washington State University is in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; Washington State University 15:1.

MSU vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or Washington State? 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 Washington State University than MSU ($18,171 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 2.7% lower than at Montana State University ($13,622 vs. $14,000).
• Washington State University is 58.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $4,931 more per year; $13,391.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.1% higher at MSU than at Washington State University (about $3,337 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $29,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Montana State University as at Washington State University (83% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 8.1% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($11,763 vs. $10,886).

MSU vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Montana State University (1180) is 60 points higher than at Washington State (1120).
• Incoming MSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Washington State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; Washington State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have the same average high school GPA (3.5) as students at Washington State (3.5).
• Washington State has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than MSU (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

MSU vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and Washington State? 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).

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $3,571 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($20,429 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($211 vs. $248).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington State 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.