Best Online Colleges in Montana 2024
Find the best online colleges in Montana ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.
Best Online Colleges in Montana
- University of Montana
- Montana State University
- University of Providence
- Montana Technological University
- University of Montana Western
- Montana State University Billings
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Montana
- Montana State University
- Montana State University Billings
- University of Montana Western
- University of Providence
- Montana Technological University
- Montana State University–Northern
- University of Montana 95%
- University of Providence 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
- University of Providence 7 to 1
- University of Providence $27,606
- 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
- University of Providence $24,237
- 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 State University Billings
- University of Montana Western
- Montana Technological University
- University of Providence
- Montana State University
- University of Montana
- Montana State University–Northern
- Montana Technological University
- University of Providence
- 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 Providence 95%
- University of Montana 95%
- University of Providence 7 to 1
- 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
- Montana State University–Northern $4,496
- Montana State University Billings $4,620
- University of Montana Western $4,658
- University of Montana $5,515
- Montana State University $5,824
- Montana Technological University $5,878
- University of Providence $27,606
- Montana Technological University $4,848
- University of Montana $5,166
- Montana State University $5,241
- Montana State University–Northern $5,742
- Montana State University Billings $6,172
- University of Providence $24,237
Featured Programs
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
Best Online Colleges in Montana 2023
- #1 Best Research Universities in Montana 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Montana 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Montana 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Montana 2024
- #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #3 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #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: $8,152Expenses: $17,076Starting Salary: $43,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Anthropology
Concentrations
- Archaeology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA in Art
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA in Communicative Sciences And Disorders
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA in Media Arts
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA/BM in Music
- Required Credits: 120-128-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS in Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management
- Required Credits: 120-128-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120-128-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Research Universities in Montana 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Montana 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Montana 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
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: $8,083Expenses: $18,588Starting Salary: $48,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degree Completion Program
BA in Liberal Studies
Concentrations
- Quaternity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #10 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Montana 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
41%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
730/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of Providence
Cost of Degree: $29,018Expenses: $15,500Starting Salary: $38,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN To BSN
- Program type: Degree completion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Graduate Schools in Montana 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts 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: $7,993Expenses: $16,838Starting Salary: $52,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degree Completion Program
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
36%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Montana Western
Cost of Degree: $6,431Expenses: $15,282Starting Salary: $36,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Montana 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Montana State University Billings
Cost of Degree: $6,706Expenses: $16,990Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
Bachelor’s in Applied Science
Concentrations
- Business
- Health Administration
- Management and Organization Communication
- Management and Public Relations
- Management and Mass Communication
- Mass Communication and Public Relations
- Organizational Communication and Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BSBA in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Accounting
- General Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
Concentrations
- Organization
- Media Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BSHA in Health Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BSLS in Liberal Studies
Concentrations
- Management and Organizational Communication
- Management and Public Relations
- Management and Mass Communications
- Mass Communication and Public Relations
- Organizational Communication and Public Relations
- Organizational Communication and Accounting Technology
- Organizational Communication and Human Resource Management
- Health Administration and Organizational Communication
- Health Administration and Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Montana 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Montana 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Montana State University–Northern
Cost of Degree: $5,955Expenses: $11,626Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BAS in Business Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BA in Community Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BAS in Trades Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online