Carroll College vs Montana State University
Carroll College is moderately selective with a 72.6% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Montana State University (86.8%). Graduates of Carroll College earn $8,509 more per year at the 10-year mark ($61,772 vs $53,263). For families earning $48k–$75k, Carroll College is more affordable at $19,139 net price vs $21,977. Students at Montana State University graduate with less debt ($22,500 vs $25,757).
Admissions & Outcomes
Carroll College has a higher yield rate (21.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1140, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Helena, MT
Bozeman, 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), Carroll College is more affordable at $17,072 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $28,005 vs $25,905.
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. Carroll College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), 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.
Carroll College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$60,325
- 2 Civil Engineering$50,856
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$34,526
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$33,993
- 5 Sociology$33,281
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
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.
Carroll College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
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
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.
Carroll College
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$36,182
- Est. total cost/year$47,524
- School typePublic
Montana State University
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$25,084
- Est. total cost/year$37,201
- 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 Carroll College or Montana State University?
Carroll College is more selective with a 72.6% acceptance rate, compared to 86.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Carroll College or Montana State University?
Carroll College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $61,772 compared to $53,263. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Carroll College or Montana State University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Carroll College has a lower net price at $19,139 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 Carroll College vs Montana State University?
Carroll College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 67.7%, compared to 57.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Carroll College or Montana State University?
Montana State University has a larger international student population at 2% 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 Carroll College and Montana State University?
At Carroll College, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $60,325 within two years. At Montana State University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $72,325. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.