The University of Montana-Western
Acceptance rate
99.8%
2025
Peer median 80.5%
Out-of-state tuition
$20,130
In-state $6,669
Peer median $17,955
Undergraduates
1,335
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 14 : 1
Graduation rate
24.7%
4-year; 6-year rate 47.1%
Peer median 26.9%
“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The University of Montana-Western (UMW) is a unique institution located in Dillon, Montana. One of its most distinguishing features is its commitment to experiential education, which allows students to engage in hands-on learning opportunities directly related to their fields of study. UMW offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with a special emphasis on education, natural resources, and liberal arts. The university's block schedule, where students take one course at a time for three weeks, enhances the learning experience by allowing for a deeper focus on the subject matter, fostering both academic growth and personal development.
In terms of campus culture, UMW is known for its close-knit community, where students often form lasting friendships and connections with faculty. The university promotes a supportive environment that encourages student involvement in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service. UMW's outdoor recreation programs take advantage of the stunning natural landscape surrounding Dillon, making it an ideal place for students who enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. This blend of academic rigor, community spirit, and access to the great outdoors makes The University of Montana-Western a distinctive institution that prepares students for success in their careers and life beyond graduation.
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Gender Ratios at The University of Montana-Western
The financial landscape of higher education at The University of Montana-Western shows a significant upward trend in tuition costs over the past decade. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition rose from $4,749 in 2014 to $6,431 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 35%. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition increased from $15,060 to $19,039, reflecting a 26.5% rise. These rising costs can pose a challenge for prospective students and their families, especially in a time when student debt levels are reaching record highs nationwide.
On the academic side, the graduation rates have shown some fluctuation. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students saw a notable increase from approximately 11.6% in 2014 to 27.6% in 2023, suggesting improved retention and support for students during their studies. This positive trend in graduation rates is crucial, as it indicates the university's commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals, which can have long-term benefits for both individuals and the institution.
Gender representation among undergraduates has also shifted significantly, with female students increasing their presence from approximately 58.1% in 2014 to about 68.3% in 2023. This rise in female enrollment reflects broader trends in higher education, where women are increasingly pursuing college degrees at higher rates than men. The implications of this shift are profound, as it can influence campus culture, academic programs, and future workforce demographics.
Overall, the combination of rising tuition, improving graduation rates, and changing gender ratios presents a complex picture of The University of Montana-Western's current standing and future trajectory in the higher education landscape. As the institution navigates these changes, it will be essential for stakeholders to prioritize affordability and equitable access to education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Remote town
- Nearest major city
- Boise, about 210 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Spokane International Airport (GEG), about 290 mi
- Also known as
- Western Montana College; Montana Western; UM Western; WMC; UMW
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Michael Reid (Chancellor)
- Phone
- 4066837011
- Address
- 710 S Atlantic, Dillon, MT 59725-3598
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 80.5% · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 57.1%, women 56.1%.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions and Enrollment at The University of Montana-Western
The admission data from The University of Montana-Western reveals a noteworthy trend in acceptance rates and overall enrollment figures over recent years. The acceptance rates for both male and female applicants show a concerning decline, particularly in the latest years of the data. For instance, in 2022, the acceptance rate for males dropped to approximately 32.53%, while the rate for females was around 33.97%. This significant decrease in acceptance rates could indicate a more competitive admissions process, possibly due to increased applications or a strategic decision by the university to limit enrollment numbers.
Enrollment numbers have also fluctuated, peaking at 277 students in 2018 but experiencing a decline to 229 students by 2022. This reduction in enrollment could reflect the broader challenges facing higher education institutions, such as changing demographics, economic pressures, and shifts in student preferences post-COVID-19. The disparity between the number of students accepted and those denied admission, particularly in 2023 with 940 denials, underscores the competitive nature of the university's admission process.
Moreover, the data indicates a consistent number of students deferring admission, which may suggest that prospective students are reconsidering their immediate educational paths. The university's efforts to navigate these trends will be crucial as it seeks to maintain a balanced and diverse student body while ensuring academic standards and institutional goals are met. Understanding these dynamics is essential as the university adapts to an evolving educational landscape.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Test Scores at The University of Montana-Western
The data from The University of Montana-Western reveals significant trends in SAT and ACT scores over the years, particularly from 2018 onwards. In 2018, the SAT reading score range for admitted students was between 480 and 590, with only 14% of applicants submitting their scores. This percentage saw a sharp increase in 2019, where 85% of applicants submitted their SAT scores, and the reading score range adjusted to 490-580, indicating a more competitive applicant pool.
Moving into 2020, the university maintained a relatively low submission rate of 16% for the SAT despite the scores being in a lower range of 430-570. This trend continued, with similar submission rates observed in subsequent years (2021-2023), where 15% of applicants submitted their SAT scores consistently, but scores remained relatively stable within the 460-570 range.
The ACT submissions also tell a similar story. For instance, in 2022 and 2023, the ACT composite scores and the individual scores in English and Math showed a range that reflects the university's efforts to maintain a standard amidst fluctuating application trends.
Overall, these statistics suggest that while the university has seen fluctuations in the number of test submissions, the scores themselves have maintained a degree of consistency. This could be indicative of the university's evolving admissions strategy and the broader trends in standardized testing preferences among high school graduates, particularly in light of the increasing number of institutions moving towards test-optional policies.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 10 in 10
1,371 applicants in 2025, 99.8% admitted
1,368 admitted 3 not admitted Yield 16.5%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Statistics at The University of Montana-Western
The graduation statistics for 2023 at The University of Montana-Western reveal several noteworthy trends across various disciplines. In the field of education, particularly in Elementary Education and Teaching, a significant number of graduates (34) were reported, highlighting the ongoing demand for qualified educators. This reflects the national emphasis on improving educational standards and addressing teacher shortages, especially in primary education.
Business Administration also demonstrated robust graduation numbers, with 26 students earning their bachelor's degree. This aligns with the growing interest in business-related fields as the economy continues to evolve, showcasing the university's ability to prepare students for relevant career paths.
Conversely, it is noteworthy that many programs, particularly in the sciences and arts, reported very low graduation numbers. Fields like Psychology and Biology each had only 8 graduates, which may indicate a need for enhanced recruitment strategies or curriculum adjustments to attract more students. The lack of international students graduating in these disciplines, along with the absence of master's or doctorate degrees awarded, suggests potential barriers in these areas that the university might need to address.
Moreover, the data reveals a complete absence of international students graduating from many programs, which could impact the diversity and global perspectives within the academic community. This observation is crucial, especially in an increasingly interconnected world where diverse viewpoints enhance educational experiences.
Overall, while certain programs thrive, the university must evaluate and strategize on how to bolster enrollment and graduation rates in underrepresented disciplines. By fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, The University of Montana-Western can better prepare its graduates for the challenges ahead.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - | ||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $39,927 | ||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $39,927 | ||
| Art Teacher Education. | $39,737 | ||
| Business and Innovation/Entrepreneurship Teacher Education. | $39,737 | ||
| English/Language Arts Teacher Education. | $39,737 | ||
| Music Teacher Education. | $39,737 | ||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | $39,737 | ||
| Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education. | $39,737 | ||
| Social Science Teacher Education. | $39,737 | ||
| History Teacher Education. | $39,737 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $40,946 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm/Farm and Ranch Management. | - | ||
| Equestrian/Equine Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - | ||
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - | ||
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - | ||
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other. | - | ||
| Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | ||
| Ecology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | ||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
Students
1,358 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 78.6%
- Continuing undergraduates 870
- First-year undergraduates 220
- Graduate students 23
- Transfers and others 245
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,335)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Demographic Insights of The University of Montana-Western in 2023
The student demographic data from The University of Montana-Western for the year 2023 presents a diverse picture of the campus community. A total of 271 new undergraduate students enrolled, with a notable gender distribution where approximately 39.9% are male and 60.1% are female. This gender imbalance reflects a broader trend in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.
Among continuing undergraduate students, the numbers are even more pronounced, with 829 students, where only 32.1% are male and 67.9% are female. This suggests a growing trend of female students pursuing higher education, which is consistent with national statistics showing an increase in women's enrollment in colleges and universities.
Transfer students, numbering 102, exhibit a significant gender disparity as well, with only 20.6% male and a striking 79.4% female representation. This may point to various factors influencing transfer decisions, such as the academic environment or support systems favoring female students.
The overall student body also reflects a commitment to diversity, particularly with regard to race and ethnicity. However, specific breakdowns of these demographics were not fully detailed in this dataset. Typically, universities are increasingly focusing on inclusivity and representation, aligning with national discussions on equity in education.
In summary, The University of Montana-Western is witnessing a notable trend of female students predominating across various classifications, coupled with a growing emphasis on diversity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for future policy-making and resource allocation within the institution.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at The University of Montana-Western
The student age demographic data from The University of Montana-Western reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its student body. The largest age group represented is the 18-19 category, with a total of 373 students (149 male and 224 female). This aligns with the broader trend in higher education, where the majority of students are typically fresh out of high school.
As students progress through their college years, the numbers gradually decline, particularly in the 25-29 age group, where there are only 109 students (28 male and 81 female). This drop may reflect the challenges adult learners face, including balancing education with work and family commitments.
Interestingly, there are minimal representations in the older age brackets, particularly among the 30-34 and 35-39 demographics, suggesting that traditional college-aged students dominate this institution. The data shows a single student aged over 65, which is indicative of the overall trend where lifelong learning has not significantly penetrated this demographic at the university level.
Overall, these statistics underscore the importance of understanding the age distribution within universities, as they can inform program development, student support services, and recruitment strategies. As educational institutions continue to adapt to changing societal needs, addressing the barriers faced by non-traditional students could enhance enrollment and retention rates across all age groups.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
4 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2024
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at The University of Montana-Western
The data regarding international student enrollment at The University of Montana-Western reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate segment. In 2004, the university had 1,128 undergraduate students, with only 3 international students, representing a mere 0.27% of the total. This percentage gradually increased in the following years, reaching a peak of 0.68% in 2007. However, from 2008 onwards, the percentage of international students began to decline, dropping to as low as 0.07% by 2014, and remaining stagnant at around 0.14% in the last few years.
This decline in international student representation could be attributed to various factors, including changes in higher education policies, global events affecting travel, and competition from other institutions that may offer more attractive programs or support for international students. The data for graduate students is notably absent, which limits a comprehensive understanding of trends in that demographic.
Given the increasing globalization of education and the importance of diversity in academic environments, it is crucial for institutions like The University of Montana-Western to actively engage in strategies to attract and retain international students. This not only enriches the learning experience for all students but also enhances the university's global reputation. The observed trends suggest a need for renewed efforts in promoting the university's programs internationally, as well as providing robust support systems for international students to thrive academically and socially.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$30,176
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $20,130
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $6,669
- Room and board
- $10,046
- Graduate tuition
- $2,125
Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 51%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$31.8M
Expenses$33.8M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Other · Frontier Conference
Frontier Conference: football, basketball, cross country
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 125 | - |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 31 | 22 |
| Rodeo | 26 | 21 |
| Basketball | 15 | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 129 | - |
| Rodeo | 23 | 23 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 27 | 11 |
| Basketball | 14 | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 105 | - |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 30 | 20 |
| Rodeo | 18 | 24 |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Boise State UniversityBoise · 207.9 mi
U.S. News #299
-
University of IdahoMoscow · 234.8 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Washington State UniversityPullman · 241.1 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Utah State UniversityLogan · 243.1 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Whitman CollegeWalla Walla · 281.3 mi
Liberal Arts #78
-
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane · 283.2 mi
U.S. News #90
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding The University of Montana-Western:
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University of Idaho - Ranked 185 in the US News 2024 rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and natural resources.
-
Washington State University - With a rank of 178, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly renowned for its research initiatives.
-
Gonzaga University - A highly regarded comprehensive university, Gonzaga ranks 93 and is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, as well as its successful basketball program.
-
University of Utah - This comprehensive university ranks 115 and is well recognized for its research facilities and programs in health, engineering, and business.
-
Whitman College - As a liberal arts college ranked 46, Whitman is known for its rigorous academic environment and beautiful campus in Walla Walla, Washington.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic programs and campus life.
Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at The University of Montana-Western
The crime statistics at The University of Montana-Western reveal significant fluctuations over the years, reflecting a complex landscape of campus safety. In 2013, the crime rate per 1000 students was notably high at 10.11, but it experienced a substantial decline by 2014 to 4.95. This downward trend continued until 2017, after which there was a dramatic increase in reported crimes, peaking at 20.94 in 2018.
The types of incidents reported suggest that drug-related arrests and alcohol-related offenses are particularly noteworthy, especially in the years leading up to 2018. Such spikes in crime could correlate with various factors, including changes in campus policies, student population dynamics, or broader societal issues affecting college communities.
Interestingly, 2023 shows a resurgence in crime rates, reaching 16.29 per 1000 students. This upward trend raises concerns, especially given the historical context. These statistics highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance campus safety and student support systems.
Overall, while there are periods of improvement, the recent increase in crime rates calls for a concerted response from university administration and local law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Addressing these issues is vital in fostering a secure educational environment, which ultimately contributes to the overall success and satisfaction of the student body. For further understanding of crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of The University of Montana-Western include Angela McLean (35th Lieutenant Governor of Montana), Dan Harrington (Montana state senator) and Carol Williams (Former Montana state senator).
-
Angela McLean 1970–
35th Lieutenant Governor of Montana
-
Dan Harrington 1938–2015
Montana state senator
-
Carol Williams 1949–
Former Montana state senator
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.