Montana State University vs University of Providence
University of Providence is moderately selective with a 64.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Montana State University (86.8%). Graduates of Montana State University earn $4,967 more per year at the 10-year mark ($53,263 vs $48,296). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Providence is more affordable at $16,802 net price vs $21,977. Students at University of Providence graduate with less debt ($18,750 vs $22,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Providence has a higher yield rate (55.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Montana State University has a higher median SAT (1160 vs 1000).
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Providence is more affordable at $14,257 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $25,905 vs $20,676.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Providence enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (31%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Montana State University
- 1 Computer Science$72,325
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$65,387
- 3 Computer Engineering$65,332
- 4 Construction Engineering Technologies$63,997
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$61,090
University of Providence
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$100,128
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations$33,281
- 3 Psychology, General$32,711
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$31,423
- 5 Biology, General$28,960
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Montana State University
- 1 Business/Commerce, General
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Mechanical Engineering
- 4 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- 5 Psychology, General
University of Providence
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Montana State University
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$25,084
- Est. total cost/year$37,201
- School typePublic
University of Providence
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$26,462
- Est. total cost/year$36,408
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Montana State University or University of Providence?
University of Providence is more selective with a 64.2% acceptance rate, compared to 86.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Montana State University or University of Providence?
Montana State University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $53,263 compared to $48,296. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Montana State University or University of Providence?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Providence has a lower net price at $16,802 per year vs $21,977. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Montana State University vs University of Providence?
Montana State University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 57.2%, compared to 35.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Montana State University or University of Providence?
University of Providence has a larger international student population at 4% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Montana State University and University of Providence?
At Montana State University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $72,325 within two years. At University of Providence, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $100,128. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.