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The University of Montana vs Montana Technological University: which has better ROI?

Public, Missoula MT · vs · Public, Butte MT

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

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 The University of Montana, on median earnings of $54,329 vs $44,511 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of MontanaMontana Technological University
Net price / yr$16,784$16,481
Total net cost$67,136$65,924
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,511$54,329
Median debt$22,400$18,750
Payback—11 yrs
20-year net return-$144,116$53,456

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

Which is cheaper, The University of Montana or Montana Technological University?

Montana Technological University, at $16,481 a year after aid versus $16,784 — a gap of $303 a year, or $1,212 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do The University of Montana or Montana Technological University graduates earn more?

Montana Technological University graduates report a median $54,329 ten years after entry, $9,818 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, The University of Montana or Montana Technological University?

Montana Technological University: its completers carry a median $18,750 in federal loans versus $22,400 at The University of Montana, a difference of $3,650. 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 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.

The University of Montana vs Montana Technological University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Montana 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 The University of Montana, on median earnings of $54,329 vs $44,511 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Montana or Montana Technological University?
Montana Technological University: $16,481/yr net price after aid versus $16,784/yr at The University of Montana — a difference of $303 a year, or about $1,212 over four years.
Do The University of Montana or Montana Technological University graduates earn more?
Montana Technological University graduates earn a median $54,329 ten years after entry, versus $44,511 at The University of Montana — a $9,818 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.