Montana vs Portland State
Which MBA program is right for you?
Montana
Portland State
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Montana | Portland State |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #144 | #119 |
| Acceptance Rate | 75% | 56% |
| Avg. GMAT | 543 | 580 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 30 | 35 |
| Avg. Salary | $71,000 | $78,000 |
| Employment Rate | 78% | 82% |
| Annual Tuition | $14,000 | $21,000 |
The Verdict
Choose Montana if…
you want the most affordable MBA in the Northwest with outdoor lifestyle and intimate class sizes under 30.
Full Montana Profile →Choose Portland State if…
you want Portland's urban campus with Nike, Intel, and Columbia Sportswear access at higher ranking (#132 vs #144).
Full Portland State Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Pacific Northwest public MBA programs emphasizing sustainability. Portland State (#132) in Portland has urban campus employer access. Montana (#144) in Missoula offers one of the cheapest MBAs anywhere with class sizes under 30. Portland's job market dwarfs Missoula's. Montana's cost of living is dramatically lower.
The Honest Take
Portland State wins on employer access. Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear, and Portland's tech scene provide real career opportunities that Missoula can't match. Montana wins on cost: sub-$10K tuition with minimal living expenses. Most Montana MBA graduates relocate for employment. If you plan to work in the Portland area, PSU is the rational choice. If you want the cheapest possible MBA credential, Montana delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is higher ranked?
Portland State (#132) outranks Montana (#144).
Which has better employer access?
Portland State, with direct access to Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear, and Portland's growing tech scene.
Which is cheapest?
Montana at under $10K/year in Missoula is one of the cheapest MBA programs in America.