UM Western vs. DSU

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT with Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dickinson State University is larger than UM Western based on total student enrollment (1,410 students vs. 1,358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Montana Western is located in Dillon, MT (Remote Town setting); Dickinson State University is in Dickinson, ND (Remote Town setting).
• The University of Montana Western is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Montana Western 16:1; Dickinson State University 16:1.

UM Western vs. DSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM Western or DSU? 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 Dickinson State University than UM Western ($14,698 vs. $16,745).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson State University are 14.8% lower than at The University of Montana Western ($8,564 vs. $10,046).
• Dickinson State University is 36.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM Western (about $2,448 more per year; $9,118.00 vs. $6,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 120.8% higher at UM Western than at Dickinson State University (about $11,012 more per year; $20,130.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson State University than at The University of Montana Western (92% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson State University students is 18.2% larger than aid received by The University of Montana Western students ($5,667 vs. $4,794).

UM Western vs. DSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM Western or DSU? 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 DSU and UM Western.

• The University of Montana Western reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Montana Western (1010) is 10 points higher than at DSU (1000).
• Incoming UM Western students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at DSU (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Montana Western 890/1120; Dickinson State University 875/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Montana Western 16/21; Dickinson State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM Western - Open admission; DSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman UM Western students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at DSU (3.11).
• UM Western has a higher acceptance rate (99.8%) than DSU (37%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at UM Western vs. 51.8% at DSU.

UM Western vs. DSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM Western and DSU? 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).

• The University of Montana Western's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Dickinson State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Dickinson State University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than UM Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $34,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson State University graduates have a $2,148 lower median loan debt than UM Western graduates ($18,781 vs. $20,929).
• Among borrowers, DSU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM Western graduates ($194 vs. $216).
• More DSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM Western students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 61%)

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.