Great Falls College Montana State University vs University of Providence: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Providence comes closer — median earnings $48,296 against a $70,596 total, vs $38,034 at Great Falls College Montana State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Great Falls College Montana State University | University of Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,468 | $17,649 |
| Total net cost | $24,936 | $70,596 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $38,034 | $48,296 |
| Median debt | — | $18,750 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$231,456 | -$71,876 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Great Falls College Montana State University or University of Providence?
Great Falls College Montana State University, at $12,468 a year after aid versus $17,649 — a gap of $5,181 a year, or $45,660 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Great Falls College Montana State University or University of Providence graduates earn more?
University of Providence graduates report a median $48,296 ten years after entry, $10,262 more than the $38,034 at Great Falls College Montana State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
34% of students finish at Great Falls College Montana State University, against 28% at University of Providence. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.