Best Colleges Montana 2022
The vast open expanse of Montana is a place where people go to escape city life and enjoy the astonishing beauty of Big Sky country. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Glacier National Park, Bear Tooth Highway, and Yellowstone National Park all call Montana home. Small towns, wide-open spaces, or the Rocky Mountains will give anyone space to get away for a while.
Montana is the perfect choice for you if your love of the outdoors accompanies your big city educational dreams.
Because of the state’s culture and topography, Montana boasts innovative degree programs in agriculture and wildlife studies at its colleges and universities. The state has a high Native American Population, so Montana also has a few tribal colleges specifically tailored to the needs of the Native American Students.
Montana may be the most financially sound choice for your post-secondary school. The Montana State University Matched Education Savings Account (MESA) is a savings program that will give you $3 in your account for every $1 you save, up to $1,500. To see if you qualify to participate in this, see http://www.montana.edu/financialaid/mesa.html. Montana also participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). The goal of this program is to help nonresident students graduate with little to no debt. It offers nonresident tuition rates and discounts to students in 16 western states, including Montana. To learn more about this program, see https://www.wiche.edu/wue/.
If you want the immense open sky, small-town charm, and unpolluted air to go along with your college experience, Montana is a strong candidate in your search for a college or university education.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Colleges and Universities in Montana Fast Facts
- Fall enrollment (2017) = 50,642
- Degrees awarded in Montana (2016) = 11,538
- Median in-state public tuition (2016) = $4,500
- Median out-of-state tuition (2016) = $17,943
- Largest schools by number of degrees awarded = 1.The University of Montana, 2. Montana State University, 3. Montana State University-Billings
Rankings
EDsmart assesses colleges in Montana based on data that covers four main areas:
- Cost (average net price)
- Academic quality (graduation rate)
- Student satisfaction (retention rate)
- Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)
All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.
This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top colleges in Montana so they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Colleges in Montana for 2022
1. Carroll College
Score: 100
Average Net Price: $23,072
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Salary After Attending: $57,154
Carroll College is a private college established in 1909. It is located in Helena, Montana. This college earns high rankings for value, aiding Veterans, and its undergraduate teaching program. Carroll College is a top college offering excellent academic options, such as pre-med, natural sciences, nursing, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, and liberal arts. Carroll College is affiliated with the Catholic faith. The college offers terrific opportunities in research, studying abroad, art, outdoors, culture, music, entertainment, and the community. The most popular majors at this school are Nursing, Health Services Preparatory Studies, Biology, Business, Rehabilitation and Therapy, and Psychology. Students at Carroll College usually become interns or employees in local businesses, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and state government businesses. Many graduates of this highly-rated college move on to enter the nation’s best medical, law, and graduate schools as well.
2. Montana Technological University
Score: 99.4
Average Net Price: $15,814
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Salary After Attending: $49,032
Montana Technological University is a public university that opened its doors to the public in 1893. It is located in Butte, Montana. The university continuously ranks high for its value, veterans programs, and among its competitors regionally. There are more than 60 different academic majors at this school for students to choose from, which lead to associate, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs. The most recently launched Ph.D. program is in Materials Science. The majors with the most graduates at this university are Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Engineering, Nursing, Business, Public Health, and Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, Montana Technological University is known to have a high job placement percentage after graduation, which is an excellent aspect for prospective students to know. This university is committed to providing its students with the knowledge and skills to be able to perform successful research and provide essential services for Montana's communities.
3. Montana State University
Score: 99.4
Average Net Price: $19,453
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 55%
Salary After Attending: $49,066
Montana State University is a public university that was founded in 1893. It is located in Bozeman, Montana. In 2022, this university was ranked among the best colleges in the nation by US News. Undergraduate students have the choice of studying in 60 different field subjects, and graduate students have 40 different field subjects from which to choose. The most popular majors chosen are Business, Nursing, Family Studies and Consumer Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Elementary Education, and Chemical Engineering. This college helps students overcome challenges in order to accomplish their goals. Students receive an excellent education with incredible research and creative opportunities, which Montana State University is committed to offering. This commitment is seen in the university's several research spaces, such as the Plant Growth Center, several greenhouses on campus, and the remarkable Center for Bison and Wildlife Health.
4. Salish Kootenai College
Score: 99.0
Average Net Price: $5,525
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 60%
Salary After Attending: $26,447
Salish Kootenai College is a private college that opened in 1977. It is a Native American college in Pablo, Montana. The goal of this college is to provide Native American students with high-quality educational opportunities that will lead to successful careers locally and throughout the country. This college is dedicated to helping students gain knowledge and skills within the community, personally, and culturally. Salish Kootenai College strives to be the leader in academic excellence for American Indians that desire to receive an education. By providing an excellent education, it will improve the quality of life for Indian families and communities through research and guidance. This school provides opportunities for those who plan to enter the workforce quickly or who decide to further their education. Most students at this school usually choose to study Nursing, Dental Assisting, Psychology, Business, and Elementary Education.
5. Miles Community College
Score: 98.0
Average Net Price: $8,345
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Salary After Attending: $38,244
Miles Community College is a public community college that opened to the public in 1939. It is located in Miles City, Montana. The highest level of education at this college is an associate degree. Students will find interesting and beneficial fields of study to pursue at this college, such as Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Construction and Heavy Equipment Operation, Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping, Equine Studies, and Small Business Management. This community college believes in hard work, commitment, and dedication to the community and students. The population of the college continues to grow each year, which is a promising sign of exceptional educational opportunities. Students at this college will be given plenty of opportunities through learning as well as community outreach programs and partnerships to flourish into a prosperous careers.
Further Reading: Most Affordable Online Colleges Rankings
6. The University of Montana–Western
Score: 98.0
Average Net Price: $12,240
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Salary After Attending: $39,755
The University of Montana–Western is a public university that was formed in 1893. It is located in Dillon, Montana. This university ranks among the best public universities in Montana, the best colleges for veterans, and the best regional colleges in the West. The University of Montana–Western was the state of Montana’s first teacher education school. This school comprises five nationally known, wonderful professors that are teaching students in the fields of environmental science, education, early childhood education, biology, history, politics, and social sciences. The most popular majors that students typically pursue at this school are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Equine Studies, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, General Education, and Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. The University of Montana–Western is the first and only public university that has a block-scheduling system, in which students take only one course at a time.
7. Blackfeet Community College
Score: 95.8
Average Net Price: $9,383
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Salary After Attending: $21,679
Blackfeet Community College is a public community college that was formed in 1974. It is located in the city of Browning, Montana, and is a Native American college. The highest level of education at this college is an associate degree. Most students at this community college choose majors in General Construction Trades, Social Work and Youth Services, Business, Human Development, Nursing, Substance Abuse, and Addiction Counseling, and Information Science. Blackfeet Community College’s goals are to provide its students with a high-quality education and to help them gain the necessary skills to achieve the dream career they desire. For those who wish to further their education, Blackfeet Community College is also dedicated to helping students succeed in transferring to a four-year college. In addition, students will be taught about Blackfeet tribal heritage and culture.
8. Rocky Mountain College
Score: 97.6
Average Net Price: $21,310
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Salary After Attending: $46,400
Rocky Mountain College is a private college that was established in 1878. It is located in Billings, Montana. This college ranks high for the best value and is one of the best colleges in Montana and among its competing regional colleges in the West. There are almost 50 undergraduate majors, and graduate students can choose between three fields of study, including Accounting, Education Leadership, and Physician Assistant. A great feature of Rocky Mountain College is the career services office, which helps students create perfect resumes and find prospective jobs and internships. Some courses at the college even offer fun opportunities for students to go skiing, rafting, backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing at Yellowstone National Park for class credit. Over 97 percent of students who attend Rocky Mountain College end up pursuing graduate degrees or beginning amazing careers in their fields of study.
9. The University of Montana
Score: 97.2
Average Net Price: $14,755
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Salary After Attending: $41,194
The University of Montana is a public university that was created in 1893. It is located in Missoula, Montana. A significant aspect of this university is that students can intern with the university’s program called Ecological Agricultural and Society. By interning in this program, students receive course credit and work on the school's 10-acre farm that produces food for emergency shelters. Participating in a program like this during college looks good on resumes. Popular majors studied at The University of Montana are Business, Psychology, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Communications, English, and Education. This university is known to be able to help students become successful and acquire successful careers. In addition, if a student is interested in pursuing medical school, the graduates of the University of Montana are often admitted into medical schools across the country at a high rate of 78 percent, while the national average percentage is 40 percent.
10. Montana State University-Northern
Score: 96.8
Average Net Price: $12,556
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Salary After Attending: $42,403
Montana State University-Northern is a public university that was established in 1929. It is located in the city of Havre, Montana. This university ranks among the best value colleges in Montana and the best regional colleges in the West. Students have access to over 40 different associate's, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs at this institution. The fields of study with the most graduates at this school are Diesel Mechanics, Nursing, Business, Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Elementary Education, and Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. Research is a prominent part of Montana State University-Northern and is incorporated into almost every course’s curriculum. Additionally, there are several applied research opportunities throughout the community provided by the school for students to gain meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. The university strives to equip each student with excellent learning opportunities, personal growth, and responsibility skills.
11. Flathead Valley Community College
Score: 94.8
Average Net Price: $8,948
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 30%
Salary After Attending: $32,078
Flathead Valley Community College is a public community college that was founded in 1967. It is located in Kalispell, Montana. The highest degree students can earn at this community college is an associate degree. This community college ranks among the best community colleges in the state of Montana and the United States. Students of this college generally study Liberal Arts and Humanities, Licensed Practical Nurse Training, Culinary Arts and Food Service, Welding, Construction and Heave Equipment Operation, Nursing, and Graphic Design. Flathead Valley Community College brings excellent learning options that will provide students with success as well as help the community to prosper. The primary objectives of this college are to increase access to education, increase students' success rates, and provide diverse opportunities in education. This school always has and will continue to be dedicated to each of these goals to give students a great future.
12. Great Falls College – Montana State University
Score: 94.8
Average Net Price: $9,746
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Salary After Attending: $34,147
Great Falls College – Montana State University is a public community college that began operating in the year 1969. It is located in the city of Great Falls, Montana. This community college ranks highly among the best community colleges in Montana. The highest degree students can achieve at this school is an associate degree. Great Falls College is dedicated to helping each student find their purpose, plan, and goals in life while providing an outstanding education that will inspire each to follow their dreams. The faculty and staff are committed to helping each student graduate on time and achieve success in their prospective careers. Students at this college usually enjoy pursuing an education in the fields of Welding, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Medical Insurance Billing and Claims, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Technician, and Business.
13. Montana State University Billings
Score: 94.8
Average Net Price: $14,036
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 35%
Salary After Attending: $40.043
Montana State University Billings is a public university that opened in the year 1927. It is located in the city of Billings, Montana. This university offers incredible internships in many careers locally in Montana’s largest city, which will give students real-world educational experience. The professors are top-notch and provide students with one-on-one attention, which helps them graduate successfully and earn degrees that are highly respected and acknowledged by employers and graduate schools. This is a small school, but its students' outcomes are significant. Students have access to associate's, bachelor’s, and master’s degree program options through the five colleges of the university, which are arts and sciences, business, allied health professions, education, and City College. Popular majors at this university are Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Elementary Education, Nursing, Community Psychology, Welding, and Healthcare Management.
14. Highlands College of Montana Tech
Score: 94.4
Average Net Price: $13,042
Retention Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 29%
Salary After Attending: $49,032
Highlands College of Montana Tech is a public community college that was founded in 1897. It is located in Butte, Montana. This community college ranks among the best community colleges in Montana. The college offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education options. An associate degree is the highest level of education students can receive at this college. Students mostly study Electronic Equipment Installation and Repair, Welding, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Machine and Metal Working, Radiologic Technician, Civil Engineering Technician, and Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping. Highlands College of Montana Tech will help students enter the workforce quickly or transfer to a four-year school of their choice. Students will earn a high-quality education with a supportive staff and small class sizes for a more one-on-one focus. Another remarkable aspect of the Highlands College of Montana Tech is that 100 percent of its students have career placement after graduation.
15. University of Providence
Score: 94.6
Average Net Price: $25,103
Retention Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Salary After Attending: $39,417
The University of Providence is a private university that was created in 1932. It is located in Great Falls, Montana, and the Catholic faith is a large part of the university. This university ranks among the best regional colleges in the West. Students gain access to excellent educational opportunities, which will help them to make a decent living, all while learning the ministry of Jesus. Developing leadership, building long-lasting relationships, and learning the power of prayer are some of the goals this college has for its students. The majority of students pursue fields in Nursing, Biology, Business, Psychology, Paralegal, Elementary Education, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science. This university believes in all possibilities of its students and is dedicated to helping them believe in the possibilities. Also, there are under 1,000 students that attend this school, so students will have access to small classes for more individualized attention.
16. Helena College University of Montana
Score: 94.2
Average Net Price: $11,920
Retention Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 30%
Salary After Attending: $39,421
The Helena College University of Montana is a public community college that was founded in the year 1939. It is located in the city of Helena, Montana. This community college ranks highly among the best community colleges in Montana and the United States. The highest degree obtainable at this school is an associate degree. Helena College provides students with a high-quality education, excellent community enrichment, and overall success. There are over 30 different degree and certificate program options for students to choose from; the most popular subjects typically studied are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Machine and Metal Working, Licensed Practical Nurse Training, Nursing, Computer Programming, Diesel Mechanics, and Welding. In addition, this community college has different pathways for different goals, such as a skilled trade and technology degree pathway, general and transfer degree pathways, and honors pathways. Students of diverse goals can receive an excellent and beneficial education at Helena College.
17. Stone Child College
Score: 93.6
Average Net Price: $6,064
Retention Rate: 54%
Graduation Rate: 34%
Salary After Attending: $13,438
Stone Child College is a public community college that was formed in 1984. It is located in Box Elder, Montana. This Native American chartered college offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education options. The highest level of education one may earn at this community college is an associate degree. Students attending Stone Child College tend to earn an education in Health Service Preparatory Studies, Business, Natural Resources Conservation and Management, and Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling. The college emphasizes the importance of the Chippewa Cree language, culture, and history. This school is dedicated to making each student’s dreams come true with excellent educational opportunities, culture, and commitment to success. Students choose to either transfer to a four-year college or begin a career after graduation. The faculty and staff are ready to help students make either of these goals a reality.
18. Little Big Horn College
Score: 93.4
Average Net Price: $6,081
Retention Rate: 29%
Graduation Rate: 37%
Salary After Attending: $18,423
Little Big Horn College is a public community college that was created in 1980. It is located in Crow Agency, Montana and is a Native American college. The highest degree that this community college provides is an associate degree. It grants degrees in Associate of Science and Associate of Arts along with certificates in several areas to the Crow Indian Reservation and nearby areas. This community college has the most graduates in Truck and Commercial Vehicle Operation, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Machine and Metal Working, and Nursing. Additionally, this college is committed to ensuring each individual gains professional and personal development while earning an education to continue their studies or enter the workforce. The college also implements the preservation and protection of the Crow culture and language, and it teaches students to respect all parts of the Crow Indian community and heritage. The primary desires of Little Big Horn College are to help the Native American community progress in life, become successful in society, and build essential community relationships.
19. Fort Peck Community College
Score: 92.8
Average Net Price: $2,049
Retention Rate: 32%
Graduation Rate: 13%
Salary After Attending: $21,478
Fort Peck Community College is a public community college that came about in the year 1969. It is located in Poplar, Montana, and is a Native American institution. The highest degree offered by this school is an associate degree. The main goals of this community college are to help meet the educational needs of Native American individuals by providing higher education opportunities on the Native American reservation. Most of these individuals cannot leave their home area, so Fort Peck Community College brings education to them on the reservation, which is convenient. The most studied programs at this institution are Data Processing, Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping, Business, Construction Engineering Technician, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Diesel Mechanics, and Electrical Engineering Technician. Fort Peck Community College instills Native American culture, history, and beliefs in each of its student’s minds. In addition, each student will gain self-awareness through the college, which will aid in building a career, life, and pride in heritage.
20. Dawson Community College
Score: 92.8
Average Net Price: $9,603
Retention Rate: 50%
Graduation Rate: 28%
Salary After Attending: $34,714
Dawson Community College is a public community college that opened its doors in the year 1940. It is located in Glendive, Montana. The highest degree achievable at this community college is an associate degree. Students usually choose to study the fields of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Welding, and Business. Dawson Community College’s main objective is to provide every single student with an exceptional education with high-quality learning and growing opportunities in communities locally and throughout the world. The staff is incredibly supportive, and students have access to numerous clubs and organizations. In addition, the school will also help students find apprenticeships, internships, career opportunities, or colleges to further their educations. Dawson Community College seeks to become the best learning institution possible, providing students with all the necessities they need for success.
Dropped from List:
Chief Dull Knife College
Score: 96.2
Average Net Price: $5,809
Retention Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Salary After Attending: $17,600
Chief Dull Knife College is a public community college that was founded in 1975. It is located in Lame Deer, Montana. This Native American community college provides high-quality education to the community. The highest degree offered at this community college is an associate degree. The college’s goals, in the beginning, were to prepare students for mining jobs near the reservation. However, it has since extended its courses and program offerings for students to be able to transfer to four-year colleges and continue their educations. Students attending this college have the option of choosing between several associate degrees and certificate programs. Additionally, students can easily transfer to Montana State University through Chief Dull Knife College’s articulation agreement with Montana State. This school, once started as a small Native American college, has now become a more significant, successful college with an increasing population and expanding degree programs.
Aaniiih Nakoda College
Score: 96.2
Average Net Price: $8,311
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 30%
Salary After Attending: $20,300
Aaniiih Nakoda College is a public community college that was established in 1984 in Harlem, Montana. The highest degree offered at this community college is an associate degree. Its most popular fields of study are Carpentry, Health Service Preparatory Studies, Welding, Business, Information Science, and Education. The objective of Aaniiih Nakoda College is to give the opportunity to receive a high-quality education to students and residents of the Fort Belknap Indian reservation and other nearby communities. It also helps teach students how to be successful and thrive in a society centered around American technology. Students who attend this college will learn about Native American culture through activities and their class curriculums; it is an integral part of this school. The main goal of this college is for students to receive an excellent education, gain self-confidence, and learn about cultural identity.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
