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The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT·Public·1,198 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 1,198 students.

100%
Accept
1,198
Students
$16,558
Net Price
51%
Grad Rate
$36,700
Earnings
10 yr
$21,000
Debt

About This School

The University of Montana-Western is a public institution located in Dillon, Montana with approximately 1,198 undergraduate students enrolled. The University of Montana-Western has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 100%. The average net price after financial aid is $16,558 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $36,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $12,000 median debt is impressively low, and the 100% acceptance rate makes it accessible, but a 49% graduation rate means roughly half of students who start here don't finish — that's worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, tight-knit campus in rural Montana and want an affordable shot at a degree in education, business, or the outdoors-oriented programs this school does well. Just go in with a clear plan, because the median earnings of $36,700 a decade out leave little margin for error if you take on more debt than average.

Setting
Remote town
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,879

Popular Programs

Education53%
Business & Marketing10%
Biological Sciences4%
Psychology2%
Visual & Performing Arts1%
Social Sciences0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,670
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,130
Avg Net Price
$16,558
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$14,822
$30–48k$14,058
$48–75k$15,951
$75–110k$17,785
$110k+$20,125

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$21,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
51%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
79%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$34,200
Female graduates$24,800

Gap: 27% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White80%
Black1%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Two or more races6%
American Indian/Alaska Native5%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,198 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

The University of Montana-Western

710 S Atlantic

Dillon, MT 59725-3598

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Montana

Browse all Montana schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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