MSU vs. Westminster

Comparable Facts

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

Montana State University is larger than Westminster based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 1,155 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montana State University is located in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting); Westminster University is in Salt Lake City, UT (Midsize City setting).
• Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westminster University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montana State University 18:1; Westminster University 8:1.

MSU vs. Westminster Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or Westminster? 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 Westminster ($20,142 vs. $26,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westminster University are 15.4% lower than at Montana State University ($11,844 vs. $14,000).
• Westminster University is 414.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $35,068 more per year; $43,528.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.8% higher at Westminster than at Montana State University (about $10,241 more per year; $43,528.00 vs. $33,287.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Westminster University than at Montana State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westminster University students is 160.9% larger than aid received by Montana State University students ($30,694 vs. $11,763).

MSU vs. Westminster Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westminster University (1190) is 10 points higher than at MSU (1180).
• Incoming Westminster 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; Westminster University 1070/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montana State University 21/27; Westminster University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; Westminster - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Westminster students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at MSU (3.5).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than Westminster (66.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at MSU vs. 9.7% at Westminster.

MSU vs. Westminster Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and Westminster? 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).

• Westminster University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from Westminster University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Westminster graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westminster graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Westminster graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.