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Montana State University Billings vs Montana Technological University: which has better ROI?

Public, Billings MT · vs · Public, Butte MT

The verdict

Montana Technological University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $65,924 in 11 years versus not at all at Montana State University Billings, on median earnings of $54,329 vs $44,296 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMontana State University BillingsMontana Technological University
Net price / yr$16,524$16,481
Total net cost$66,096$65,924
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,296$54,329
Median debt$18,209$18,750
Payback11 yrs
20-year net return-$147,376$53,456

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Montana State University Billings or Montana Technological University?

Montana Technological University, at $16,481 a year after aid versus $16,524 — a gap of $43 a year, or $172 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Montana State University Billings or Montana Technological University graduates earn more?

Montana Technological University graduates report a median $54,329 ten years after entry, $10,033 more than the $44,296 at Montana State University Billings. 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 leaves students with less debt, Montana State University Billings or Montana Technological University?

Montana State University Billings: its completers carry a median $18,209 in federal loans versus $18,750 at Montana Technological University, a difference of $541. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at Montana Technological University, against 30% at Montana State University Billings. 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.

Montana State University Billings vs Montana Technological University: frequently asked questions

Is Montana State University Billings or Montana Technological University a better value?
Montana Technological University. It clears its $65,924 net cost in about 11 years versus no clear payback at Montana State University Billings, on median earnings of $54,329 vs $44,296 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Montana State University Billings or Montana Technological University?
Montana Technological University: $16,481/yr net price after aid versus $16,524/yr at Montana State University Billings — a difference of $43 a year, or about $172 over four years.
Do Montana State University Billings or Montana Technological University graduates earn more?
Montana Technological University graduates earn a median $54,329 ten years after entry, versus $44,296 at Montana State University Billings — a $10,033 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.