Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Montana provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Best Public Colleges in Montana
- University of Montana
- Montana State University
- University of Montana Western
- Montana State University Billings
- Montana Technological University
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Montana
- Montana State University
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Montana Western
- Montana Technological University
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Montana 95%
- Montana Technological University 89%
- Montana State University 73%
- University of Montana Western 36%
- Montana State University 18 to 1
- University of Montana 17 to 1
- Montana State University Billings 15 to 1
- University of Montana Western 15 to 1
- Montana State University–Northern 14 to 1
- Montana Technological University 13 to 1
- Montana Technological University $5,878
- Montana State University $5,824
- University of Montana $5,515
- University of Montana Western $4,658
- Montana State University Billings $4,620
- Montana State University–Northern $4,496
- Montana State University Billings $6,172
- Montana State University–Northern $5,742
- Montana State University $5,241
- University of Montana $5,166
- Montana Technological University $4,848
- Montana State University–Northern
- Montana Technological University
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Montana Western
- Montana State University
- University of Montana
- Montana State University–Northern
- Montana Technological University
- University of Montana Western
- Montana State University Billings
- Montana State University
- University of Montana
- University of Montana Western 36%
- Montana State University 73%
- Montana Technological University 89%
- University of Montana 95%
- Montana Technological University 13 to 1
- Montana State University–Northern 14 to 1
- Montana State University Billings 15 to 1
- University of Montana Western 15 to 1
- University of Montana 17 to 1
- Montana State University 18 to 1
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.
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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
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 6 public universities in Montana. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Montana, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in Montana 2023
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Research Universities in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Montana 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Montana 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #8 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #9 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #18 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #21 Best Online Master’s in Education
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
46%
Student body
12K
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 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
57%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/23
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 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
36%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
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
- #3 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
57%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/22
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
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
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 Public College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.