Montana State University-Northern's published cost of attendance is $16,578. Net price by income band reflects the university's public tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $9,940, middle-income families pay around $12,451, and higher-income families pay approximately $16,578.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $16,578 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,875 |
| Room and Board | $7,384 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$3,914 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,664 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,940 |
| $30–48k | $9,242 |
| $48–75k | $12,451 |
| $75–110k | $16,315 |
| $110k+ | $16,578 |
Montana State University-Northern's published cost of attendance is $16,578. Net price by income band reflects the university's public tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $9,940, middle-income families pay around $12,451, and higher-income families pay approximately $16,578. Azimuth ranks Montana State University-Northern #142 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Montana State University-Northern participates in federal need-based aid programs including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, with financial aid applications processed through the FAFSA. The university's aid structure aims to bridge the gap between published cost and what families actually pay, though the extent of that bridge varies by income level and individual circumstances. For families weighing affordability decisions, understanding both the sticker price and the net price—what you actually pay after aid—is essential; . Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $18,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $10,150; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures. See the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $60,505, median federal debt of $18,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $209 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios—including Parent PLUS planning—use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Montana State University-Northern earn median 4-year earnings of $60,505, placing Montana State University-Northern in the 45.8 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $8,969 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 84.3 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Montana State University-Northern #302 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Criminal Justice and Corrections reports 12 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $61,748.
