Best Colleges in Montana 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in Montana. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
Best Colleges in Montana
- University of Montana
- Montana State University
- University of Montana Western
- Rocky Mountain College
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
- Montana Technological University
- University of Providence
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Montana
- Montana State University
- Rocky Mountain College
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Montana Western
- University of Providence
- Carroll College
- Montana Technological University
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Providence 100%
- Montana Technological University 90%
- Carroll College 84%
- University of Montana 82%
- Rocky Mountain College 81%
- Montana State University 73%
- University of Montana Western 33%
- University of Montana 18 to 1
- Montana State University 17 to 1
- Montana State University Billings 15 to 1
- University of Montana Western 14 to 1
- Montana State University–Northern 14 to 1
- Montana Technological University 13 to 1
- Carroll College 11 to 1
- Rocky Mountain College 11 to 1
- University of Providence 8 to 1
- Carroll College $38,106
- Rocky Mountain College $31,335
- University of Providence $26,812
- Montana Technological University $5,707
- Montana State University $5,654
- University of Montana $5,352
- University of Montana Western $4,523
- Montana State University–Northern $4,496
- Montana State University Billings $4,485
- Rocky Mountain College $30,258
- University of Providence $24,327
- Carroll College $18,435
- Montana State University Billings $5,878
- Montana State University–Northern $5,742
- Montana State University $5,089
- University of Montana $4,932
- Montana Technological University $4,706
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Providence
- Montana Technological University
- Carroll College
- Montana State University Billings
- Rocky Mountain College
- University of Montana Western
- Montana State University
- University of Montana
- Montana State University–Northern
- Montana Technological University
- Carroll College
- University of Providence
- University of Montana Western
- Montana State University Billings
- Rocky Mountain College
- Montana State University
- University of Montana
- University of Montana Western 33%
- Montana State University 73%
- Rocky Mountain College 81%
- University of Montana 82%
- Carroll College 84%
- Montana Technological University 90%
- University of Providence 100%
- University of Providence 8 to 1
- Carroll College 11 to 1
- Rocky Mountain College 11 to 1
- Montana Technological University 13 to 1
- University of Montana Western 14 to 1
- Montana State University–Northern 14 to 1
- Montana State University Billings 15 to 1
- Montana State University 17 to 1
- University of Montana 18 to 1
- Montana State University Billings $4,485
- Montana State University–Northern $4,496
- University of Montana Western $4,523
- University of Montana $5,352
- Montana State University $5,654
- Montana Technological University $5,707
- University of Providence $26,812
- Rocky Mountain College $31,335
- Carroll College $38,106
- Montana Technological University $4,706
- University of Montana $4,932
- Montana State University $5,089
- Montana State University–Northern $5,742
- Montana State University Billings $5,878
- Carroll College $18,435
- University of Providence $24,327
- Rocky Mountain College $30,258
Colleges and Universities in Montana
Montana has 21 higher learning institutions, including 16 public universities and colleges. The largest is Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman. With an affordable tuition of $7,000, MSU enrolls just over 16,000 students. Students can earn their degree in fields like forestry, wildlife biology, theatre, and creative writing. The state is also home to five private schools, three of which are religiously affiliated.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Carroll College is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college with just over 1,000 students in attendance. The tuition runs about $35,000, the most expensive in the state, and it is located on a hilltop in Helena. Students can choose from 18 schools in Montana with tuitions of $7,000 or less, making Montana an affordable state to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The state also offers loan repayment programs, including the Montana NHSC Student Loan Repayment Program, which grants up to $15,000 per year for two years for those in health-related fields.
Hiking through Glacier National Park, exploring the Northern Great Plains, and fishing from one of its many lakes and rivers are just some of the ways to enjoy the natural bounty that Montana has to offer. Visitors and locals can also drive Going-to-the-Sun-Road, a 52-mile highway that ventures through the National Park and crosses into Canada. No matter the outdoor hobby, prospective students are sure to love the scenic backdrop of The Treasure State as they earn their degree.
Check out the best programs Montana has to offer while enjoying the wide-open spaces of Big Sky Country.
What are Montana’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 7 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 3 Graduate Schools
- 6 Public Colleges & Universities
- 3 Private Colleges & Universities
- 3 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 7 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 6 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 2 Community Colleges
- 7 Online Colleges
Montana’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 9 colleges and universities in Montana that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Montana below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Montana.
Best Colleges in Montana 2023
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Research Universities in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Montana 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
- #3 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
- #10 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #12 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #14 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #18 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Education
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Montana
Cost of Degree: $7,719Expenses: $17,640Starting Salary: $43,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Montana known for?
University of Montana’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Biology
- Literature
- History
- Education
- Communications
- Law
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
University of Montana’s Online Degrees
BA in Art
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Media Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communicative Sciences And Disorders
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
55%
Student body
18K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/24
Career Outlook for degree at Montana State University
Cost of Degree: $7,727Expenses: $16,800Starting Salary: $48,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Montana State University known for?
Montana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Montana State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Liberal Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Quaternity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
33%
Graduation
42%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1005/18
Career Outlook for degree at University of Montana Western
Cost of Degree: $5,874Expenses: $14,111Starting Salary: $36,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Montana Western known for?
University of Montana Western’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Montana Western’s Online Degrees
BS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Montana 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Montana 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1028/21
Career Outlook for degree at Rocky Mountain College
Cost of Degree: $32,252Expenses: $13,790Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rocky Mountain College known for?
Rocky Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Medical
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
28%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Montana State University Billings
Cost of Degree: $6,198Expenses: $15,188Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Montana State University Billings known for?
Montana State University Billings’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- History
- Education
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Medical
- Political Science
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Montana State University Billings’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- General Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Organization
- Media Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSLS in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSHA in Health Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Montana 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/24
Career Outlook for degree at Carroll College
Cost of Degree: $39,028Expenses: $15,184Starting Salary: $49,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Carroll College known for?
Carroll College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
57%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1202/24
Career Outlook for degree at Montana Technological University
Cost of Degree: $7,527Expenses: $16,091Starting Salary: $52,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Montana Technological University known for?
Montana Technological University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Montana Technological University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
39%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
920/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of Providence
Cost of Degree: $27,606Expenses: $15,233Starting Salary: $38,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Providence known for?
University of Providence’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Providence’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN To BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
31%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Montana State University–Northern
Cost of Degree: $5,955Expenses: $11,070Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Montana State University–Northern known for?
Montana State University–Northern’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Montana State University–Northern’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Business Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Trades Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Community Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Montana’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.