University of Montana (UM), which is based in Missoula, Montana, is a public research university with a student base of around 10,000. It specializes in its Environmental Studies, Forestry, Liberal Arts, Business, and Health Professions programs. Admissions are relatively selective, with the acceptance rate of around 85%. UM boasts a graduation rate of around 47%, and graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $41,000–45,000 (INR 34–37 lakhs) per year.
The Portland State University (PSU), located in Portland, Oregon, is a large urban public research institution with approximately 23,000 students. PSU is focused on accessibility and applied learning and has strengths in Business, Urban Planning, Engineering, Education, and Social Work. The admissions are fairly open, with an acceptance level of around 91%. PSU boasts a graduation rate of around 50%, and its graduates receive average starting salaries of USD $45,000–49,000 (INR 37–41 lakhs) per annum.
| University of Montana | Portland State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.4 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 896 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 1401 QS World University 2025 # 361 US News 2024 | # 1201 QS World University 2026 # 801 Times Higher Education 2025 # 1006 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 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 | # 158 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 # 201 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 |
| Programs | UG Programs -92 PG Programs -22 | UG Programs -103 PG Programs -41 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85.0 % | 90.9 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1060 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-990 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 24943 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 33892 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 22113 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 24530 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 21105 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20178 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The average salary for MBA graduates is $69,300. 82% of job-seeking students were employed within six months after graduation. Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA: $144,000 Masters in Science: $92,000 Masters of Arts: $72,000 Bachelor of Science: $68,000 Bachelor of Arts: $60,000 | |
| application requirements | - | Submit academic transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | - | 7.8/10 Read 4 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 401 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 | # 1001 for Finance by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 41/90TOEFL - 71/120 | Duolingo - 110/160GRE - 300/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -25740 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -21105 |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Montana | Portland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1893 | 1946 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 16:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 55% Female | 47% Male, 53% Female |
| Location Facts | The majority of the PSU campus is located across a 50-acre (20 ha) section of southwest downtown Portland, in an area known as the University District. The campus is situated against the West Hills, and is bound by Clay Street to the north, Fourth Avenue to the east, Interstate 405 to the south, and 12th Avenue to the west. | |
| Library | The Milar library provides various opportunities for the students to succeed and equips them with the right resources like journals, e-books, publications etc. | |
| Campus Life | Portland State differs from the other universities in Oregon partially because, as an urban institution, it attracts a student body older than other universities. The student government is the Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU). In addition to a student body President and Vice President, there is a Student Fee Committee, a 25-member Student Senate, and a Judicial Board which rules on ASPSU constitutional questions. There are also a number of university committees that have student members appointed by the ASPSU President. Portland State also participates in the Oregon Student Association, the statewide student lobbying non-profit. Portland State’s campus life has to offer, from live music and food carts in the tree-lined Park Blocks to student rec activities in the modern Urban Plaza. The university's student health and counseling center, 10 cultural and resource centers, 200 student groups, and support services are here to ensure you thrive. | |
| Hostel | #Off campus (with family) - $3757 #On campus - $9178 #Off campus (not with family) - $9178 | #Off campus (not with family) - $12831 #Off campus (with family) - $7347 |
| Famous Alumni | Barbara Roberts, the 34th Governor of Oregon U.S. Federal Judge Anna J. Brown United Parcel Service CEO D. Scott Davis CEO of Laika, Travis Knight | |
| City Life | Portland is a well-rounded region with more than just offbeat shops and events. Museums, art galleries and the oldest public library on the West Coast feed a population with more academic degrees than the national average.The metro area's loyal sports fans avidly support their NBA basketball team, the Portland Trail Blazers; MLS soccer team, the Portland Timbers; and major junior ice hockey team, the Portland Winterhawks. Wilderness is also close by. Two mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean can be reached in an hour or two, while the fertile vineyards of the Willamette Valley lure city dwellers with a thirst for something fresh. | |
| Weather |
University of Montana vs Portland State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Montana (UM) is not ranked in international rankings relative to major research universities. UM is known regionally for Health Professions, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Studies, and Creative Writing. PSU ranked 1201-1400 in QS 2026 and 801-1000 THE is more renowned for Public Affairs, Urban Planning, Engineering, Business, and Social Work with high involvement in applied and community-based research.
General Information
UM, established in 1893 in Missoula, Montana, is a public research university with ~10,000 students providing a traditional campus life in a smaller college-town environment. PSU, which was founded in 1946 in Portland, Oregon, is an urban public research university with ~24,000 students focusing on accessibility, diversity, and integration with urban living.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both institutions have comparatively open admissions. UM's acceptance rate is around 85%, with a priority on reaching in-state students and regional student access, and PSU's acceptance rate is similarly 95%, with an emphasis on transfers and inclusivity. Competitive admissions might be in place for certain professional or graduate programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
UM is research-intensive in environmental sciences, forestry, and creative writing, with natural scenery that facilitates field research. PSU concentrates on public policy, engineering, urban research, and sustainability, frequently working in partnership with the city of Portland and local industries.
Cost & Financial Aid
They are both public institutions with lower tuition rates than national averages. UM tuition is approximately $7,500 in-state and ~$29,000 out-of-state per year. PSU has ~$12,500 in-state and ~$29,000 out-of-state per year. Both have merit-based scholarships, need-based assistance, and federal student aid available.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UM graduates tend to seek employment in environmental sciences, health, education, writing, and public service, particularly in Montana and the surrounding area. PSU graduates are helped by its urban positioning in Portland, with high rates of success in business, technology, urban planning, and public service, taking advantage of city-based internships and networking experiences.
