Montana State University-Northern vs Highlands College of Montana Tech: which has better ROI?
Highlands College of Montana Tech has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,848 in 10 years versus 44.2 years at Montana State University-Northern, on median earnings of $54,329 vs $49,505 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Montana State University-Northern | Highlands College of Montana Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,664 | $14,962 |
| Total net cost | $50,656 | $59,848 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,505 | $54,329 |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $18,750 |
| Payback | 44.2 yrs | 10 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$27,756 | $59,532 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Montana State University-Northern or Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Montana State University-Northern, at $12,664 a year after aid versus $14,962 — a gap of $2,298 a year, or $9,192 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-Northern or Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates earn more?
Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates report a median $54,329 ten years after entry, $4,824 more than the $49,505 at Montana State University-Northern. 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-Northern or Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Montana State University-Northern: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $18,750 at Highlands College of Montana Tech, a difference of $250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
45% of students finish at Highlands College of Montana Tech, against 41% at Montana State University-Northern. 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.