UM Western vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

West Liberty University is larger than UM Western based on total student enrollment (2,299 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); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• The University of Montana Western is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Montana Western 16:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

UM Western vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM Western or West Liberty University? 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 West Liberty University than UM Western ($13,655 vs. $16,745).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Montana Western are 21.1% lower than at West Liberty University ($10,046 vs. $12,728).
• West Liberty University is 33.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM Western (about $2,223 more per year; $8,893.00 vs. $6,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at UM Western than at West Liberty University (about $2,688 more per year; $20,130.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Liberty University than at The University of Montana Western (87% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Liberty University students is 51.2% larger than aid received by The University of Montana Western students ($7,248 vs. $4,794).

UM Western vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM Western or West Liberty University? 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 West Liberty University 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 the same as at West Liberty University (1010).
• Incoming West Liberty University 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; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Montana Western 16/21; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM Western - Open admission; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at UM Western (3.2).
• UM Western has a higher acceptance rate (99.8%) than West Liberty University (97.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at UM Western vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

UM Western vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM Western and West Liberty University? 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 Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than The University of Montana Western's (31%).
• Graduates from West Liberty University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than UM Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $34,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Montana Western graduates have a $3,688 lower median loan debt than West Liberty University graduates ($20,929 vs. $24,617).
• Among borrowers, UM Western graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Liberty University graduates ($216 vs. $254).
• More UM Western graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 49%)

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.