MSU Moorhead vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN with Montana State University in Bozeman, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montana State University is larger than MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); Montana State University is in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; Montana State University 18:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead or MSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Minnesota State University Moorhead than MSU ($18,221 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minnesota State University Moorhead are 21.5% lower than at Montana State University ($10,994 vs. $14,000).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $1,968 more per year; $10,428.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 219.2% higher at MSU than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $22,859 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minnesota State University Moorhead than at Montana State University (91% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montana State University students is 82.5% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($11,763 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead or MSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MSU and MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 10 points higher than at MSU (1180).
• Incoming MSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at MSU Moorhead).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; Montana State University 1065/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; Montana State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; MSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman MSU Moorhead students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at MSU (3.5).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 20.3% at MSU.

MSU Moorhead vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead and MSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Montana State University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from Montana State University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,800 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $1,724 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($22,276 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($230 vs. $248).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 65%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.