The University of California (UC) is a prestigious public university. Together, it educates over 280,000 students and is recognized worldwide for academic merit, research, and innovation. Admissions are extremely competitive, with average acceptance rates across campuses between 42%. The UC campuses have highly high graduation rates, averaging 84–90%, and alumni have very good average starting salaries ranging from USD $60,000–70,000 (INR 50–58 lakhs) based on campus and major.
The University of Montana (UM), Missoula, Montana, is a medium-sized public research university with approximately 10,000 students. It has a reputation for Environmental Studies, Forestry, Business, Journalism, and Liberal Arts programs, as well as its picturesque mountain campus. Admissions are relatively easy, with an acceptance rate of roughly 85%. UM boasts a graduation rate of some 47%, and its graduates earn median starting salaries of USD $42,000–47,000 (INR 35–39 lakhs) a year.
| University of California | University of Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 6.1 Out of 10 | 4.4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 64 Times Higher Education 2026 # 114 QS World University 2026 # 60 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 896 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 1401 QS World University 2025 # 361 US News 2024 |
| Subject Strength | # 34 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 113 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 50 for Law by US News 2025 | # 201 for Engineering by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 # 501 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2022 # 96 for Law by US News 2024 |
| Programs | UG Programs -85 PG Programs -61 Doctorate Programs -3 | UG Programs -92 PG Programs -22 |
| Acceptance Rate | 42.0 % | 85.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-7 SAT-1130 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1060 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 41196 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 26544 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 36835 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 24943 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 33892 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 22113 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 39 for Computer Science by US News 2025 # 101 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 201 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 | # 401 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 41/90TOEFL - 71/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -33892 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Jun 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake) Nov 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2024 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of California | University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1908 | 1893 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | 17:1 |
| Male:Female | 43% Male, 57% Female | 45% Male, 55% Female |
| Hostel | #Off campus (with family) - $10907 #On campus - $16136 #Off campus (not with family) - $9792 | #Off campus (with family) - $3757 #On campus - $9178 #Off campus (not with family) - $9178 |
| Weather |
University of California vs University of Montana
Subject Strength & International Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of California (UC).UC ranked 114 in QS 2026. UC is strong in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Law, Medicine, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences.The University of Montana (UM), in Missoula, is a highly regarded regional public university, usually unranked in QS or THE international tables, having particular strengths in Environmental Studies, Forestry.
General Information
The UC system is among the largest and most selective U.S. public university systems, with over 280,000 students across 10 campuses, offering integrated undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The University of Montana, established in 1893, is a mid-sized public university of ~10,000 students, famous for its beautiful mountain location, intimate classes, and tight-knit academic community.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UC campuses are very selective, from 42%. UM's acceptance rate is more open 85% with regional access and holistic admissions, so it is much less difficult to get into than UC schools.
Research Impact & Facilities
UC campuses are research institutions with billions of dollars of annual funding, top-notch labs, and collaborations with Silicon Valley, biotech, and international industry. UM is research-active at a smaller level, especially in forestry, wildlife biology, climate research, and Native American studies, with research frequently connected to Montana's natural environment.
Cost & Financial Aid
UC cost of tuition is ~$15,000 in-state and ~$48,000 out-of-state per year, with excellent financial aid but higher cost of living in California. UM cost of tuition is ~$8,000 in-state and ~$29,000 out-of-state per year, much lower. Both provide scholarships, grants, and assistantships, although UC campuses have greater research-based funding allocations.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UC graduates excel in technology, business, law, medicine, research, and academia with extensive international alumni networks. UM graduates typically establish careers in public service, environmental science, education, writing, and regional leadership with close connections throughout the Mountain West.
