MSU vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Montana State University in Bozeman, MT with West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 17,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University is located in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

MSU vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or WCU? 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 Montana State University than WCU ($20,142 vs. $22,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University are 5.6% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($14,000 vs. $14,828).
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is 27.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $2,315 more per year; $10,775.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.3% higher at MSU than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $10,688 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montana State University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (83% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 106% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($11,763 vs. $5,709).

MSU vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (1190) is 10 points higher than at MSU (1180).
• Incoming WCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 1065/1285; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at WCU (3.43).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than WCU (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 22.4% at WCU.

MSU vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and WCU? 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($23,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($242 vs. $248).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.