NNU vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Montana State University in Bozeman, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montana State University is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Montana State University is in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Montana State University 18:1.

NNU vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or MSU? 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 NNU ($20,142 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 13.8% lower than at Montana State University ($12,070 vs. $14,000).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 382.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $32,334 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.6% higher at NNU than at Montana State University (about $7,507 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $33,287.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at Montana State University (99% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 113.8% larger than aid received by Montana State University students ($25,146 vs. $11,763).

NNU vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Montana State University (1180) is 60 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at MSU (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Montana State University 1065/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Montana State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at MSU (3.5).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 20.3% at MSU.

NNU vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and MSU? 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).

• Northwest Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Montana State University's (51%).
• Graduates from Montana State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,800 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 66%)

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.