University of Providence vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Providence in Great Falls, MT 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 University of Providence based on total student enrollment (17,135 students vs. 763 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Providence is located in Great Falls, MT (Small City setting); Montana State University is in Bozeman, MT (Remote Town setting).
• University of Providence is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Montana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Providence 9:1; Montana State University 18:1.

University of Providence vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Providence 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 University of Providence than MSU ($16,598 vs. $20,142).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Providence are 19.4% lower than at Montana State University ($11,284 vs. $14,000).
• University of Providence is 259.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $21,988 more per year; $30,448.00 vs. $8,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at MSU than at University of Providence (about $2,839 more per year; $33,287.00 vs. $30,448.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Providence than at Montana State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Providence students is 124.2% larger than aid received by Montana State University students ($26,370 vs. $11,763).

University of Providence vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Providence or MSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MSU and University of Providence.

• University of Providence reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Montana State University (1180) is 190 points higher than at University of Providence (990).
• Incoming MSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 20 at University of Providence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Providence 845/1135; Montana State University 1065/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Providence 16/24; Montana State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Providence - Open admission; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Providence Aug 5, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman MSU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at University of Providence (3.3).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (82.1%) than University of Providence (50.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 50.3% at University of Providence vs. 20.3% at MSU.

University of Providence vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Providence and MSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Montana State University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than University of Providence's (29%).
• Graduates from Montana State University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than University of Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,800 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of Providence graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Providence graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Providence students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 57%)

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.