UM Western vs. West Virginia University Tech

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Montana Western is larger than West Virginia University Tech based on total student enrollment (1,358 students vs. 1,278 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Montana Western is located in Dillon, MT (Remote Town setting); West Virginia University Institute of Technology is in Beckley, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• The University of Montana Western is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Montana Western 16:1; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 13:1.

UM Western vs. West Virginia University Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM Western or West Virginia University Tech? 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 Virginia University Institute of Technology than UM Western ($11,281 vs. $16,745).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Montana Western are 22.6% lower than at West Virginia University Institute of Technology ($10,046 vs. $12,986).
• West Virginia University Institute of Technology is 26.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM Western (about $1,754 more per year; $8,424.00 vs. $6,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at West Virginia University Tech than at The University of Montana Western (about $942 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $20,130.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia University Institute of Technology than at The University of Montana Western (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia University Institute of Technology students is 110% larger than aid received by The University of Montana Western students ($10,068 vs. $4,794).

UM Western vs. West Virginia University Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM Western or West Virginia University Tech? 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 Virginia University Tech 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 West Virginia University Tech (1000).
• Incoming West Virginia University Tech 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 Virginia University Institute of Technology 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Montana Western 16/21; West Virginia University Institute of Technology 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM Western - Open admission; West Virginia University Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: West Virginia University Tech Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Virginia University Tech students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at UM Western (3.2).
• UM Western has a higher acceptance rate (99.8%) than West Virginia University Tech (36.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at UM Western vs. 52.3% at West Virginia University Tech.

UM Western vs. West Virginia University Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM Western and West Virginia University Tech? 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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology's (29%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University Institute of Technology earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than UM Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $34,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Montana Western graduates have a $3,072 lower median loan debt than West Virginia University Tech graduates ($20,929 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, UM Western graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Virginia University Tech graduates ($216 vs. $248).
• More UM Western graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Virginia University Tech students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 59%)

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.