UM Western vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

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

Minot State University is larger than UM Western based on total student enrollment (2,751 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); Minot State University is in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting).
• The University of Montana Western is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Minot State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Montana Western 16:1; Minot State University 11:1.

UM Western vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM Western 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 Minot State University than UM Western ($13,092 vs. $16,745).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minot State University are 15.1% lower than at The University of Montana Western ($8,534 vs. $10,046).
• Minot State University is 30.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM Western (about $2,032 more per year; $8,702.00 vs. $6,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.3% higher at UM Western than at Minot State University (about $11,428 more per year; $20,130.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minot State University than at The University of Montana Western (90% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minot State University students is 25.5% larger than aid received by The University of Montana Western students ($6,016 vs. $4,794).

UM Western vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM Western 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 UM Western.

• The University of Montana Western reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minot State University (1040) is 30 points higher than at UM Western (1010).
• Incoming MSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at UM Western).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Montana Western 890/1120; Minot State University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Montana Western 16/21; Minot State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM Western - Open admission; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at UM Western (3.2).
• UM Western has a higher acceptance rate (99.8%) than MSU (64.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at UM Western vs. 77.9% at MSU.

UM Western vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM Western 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).

• Minot State University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than The University of Montana Western's (31%).
• Graduates from Minot State University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than UM Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $34,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minot State University graduates have a $2,204 lower median loan debt than UM Western graduates ($18,725 vs. $20,929).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UM Western graduates ($193 vs. $216).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM Western students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.