Montana State University vs The University of Montana: which has better ROI?
Montana State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,996 in 18.4 years versus not at all at The University of Montana, on median earnings of $53,263 vs $44,511 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Montana State University | The University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,499 | $16,784 |
| Total net cost | $89,996 | $67,136 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,263 | $44,511 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $22,400 |
| Payback | 18.4 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $8,064 | -$144,116 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Montana State University or The University of Montana?
The University of Montana, at $16,784 a year after aid versus $22,499 — a gap of $5,715 a year, or $22,860 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 or The University of Montana graduates earn more?
Montana State University graduates report a median $53,263 ten years after entry, $8,752 more than the $44,511 at The University of Montana. 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 or The University of Montana?
The University of Montana: its completers carry a median $22,400 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Montana State University, a difference of $100. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
57% of students finish at Montana State University, against 48% at The University of Montana. 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.