University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Boston in Boston, MA 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 15,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Boston is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Montana State University is in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting).
• University of Massachusetts Boston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Boston 15:1; Montana State University 18:1.

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 University of Massachusetts Boston than MSU ($17,768 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University are 26.8% lower than at University of Massachusetts Boston ($14,000 vs. $19,128).
• University of Massachusetts Boston is 88% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $7,448 more per year; $15,908.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at University of Massachusetts-Boston than at Montana State University (about $4,838 more per year; $38,125.00 vs. $33,287.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Boston than at Montana State University (88% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Boston students is 19.4% larger than aid received by Montana State University students ($14,042 vs. $11,763).

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Boston (1180) is the same as at MSU (1180).
• Incoming University of Massachusetts-Boston students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Boston 1070/1290; Montana State University 1065/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Boston 22/29; Montana State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Boston - Test optional; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Boston Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at University of Massachusetts-Boston (3.35).
• University of Massachusetts-Boston has a higher acceptance rate (83.8%) than MSU (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. 20.3% at MSU.

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Boston 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).

• Montana State University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than University of Massachusetts Boston's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $45,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Massachusetts Boston graduates have a $1,940 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($22,060 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($228 vs. $248).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Boston students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 58%)

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.