Best
Value Colleges in Montana in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Montana combines business theory with skills and opportunities to connect with regional employers. Typical courses include accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management, business law, and entrepreneurship. Graduates may pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, sales manager, operations supervisor, or business owner. Popular Montana options include the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana State University in Bozeman, and Montana Tech in Butte. Programs may offer concentrations and internships.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Montana combines classroom learning with opportunities to explore behavior in communities. Typical courses include research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Students may pursue bachelor's or graduate study at the University of Montana, Montana State University, Montana State University Billings, or Carroll College. Graduates commonly work in human services, counseling support, case management, education, research, or human resources; clinical practice typically requires further advanced education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Montana combines programming fundamentals with practical problem-solving and access to outdoor communities and regional industries. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Montana State University in Bozeman and the University of Montana in Missoula are popular choices; Montana Technological University in Butte also offers computing study. Graduates commonly pursue software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or IT support roles across sectors.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Montana combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, group counseling, and crisis intervention with fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance-use counselor, or family services specialist, depending on degree level and licensure requirements. Montana institutions offering counseling study include the University of Montana, Montana State University, Montana State University Billings, and Rocky Mountain College. Programs vary in specialization and delivery.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Montana combines classroom learning with clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, maternal and child nursing, mental health, and care of adults. Montana State University, the University of Montana, Montana Technological University, and Carroll College offer nursing pathways. Graduates may work as registered nurses, practical nurses, nurse educators, public health nurses, or care coordinators in clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rural communities.

Best Colleges in Montana Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 20,126.5, compared with 33,416.0 at schools in the top 10%, so students should weigh cost against the qualities they value in a college.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall and 80.0% at top-10% schools. These figures make it important to compare aid availability alongside the total cost.
• The average acceptance rate is 80.0%, and schools receive an average of 5,431.57 applicants; the top 10% receive a higher average of 14,406.4 applicants. Median applicant counts are 811.0 for men and 822.0 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,171.33 on the SAT and 22.83 on the ACT. Students can consider these figures alongside their own academic profile and the schools' average acceptance rate.
• Schools average 2,935.29 enrolled students, including averages of 468.14 enrolled men and 471.14 enrolled women. The student population figures can help prospective students consider the size and composition of the institutions.
• The average graduation rate is 45.23%, compared with 61.2% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 43.0% for men and 48.0% for women, so graduation outcomes are another useful factor to compare.
• Among the institutions, 11 offer associate's degrees, 14 offer bachelor's degrees, 9 offer master's degrees, and 3 offer doctor's degrees. Prospective students should check that a college offers the degree level they plan to pursue.
• There are 14 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women. Students can use these figures when considering the type of campus environment they prefer.
• When selecting a future college, compare total cost and financial aid, degree offerings, admissions and enrollment figures, test-score averages, and graduation outcomes. The top-10% figures show higher median costs and applicant volumes, but also higher average graduation rates and lower average financial-aid coverage than the overall figures, so students should prioritize the factors that best fit their needs.

How much does studying at a college in Montana cost?

The average total cost of studying in Montana is about $20,020.50; this is a general cost estimate, not a fixed price for an entire degree. Your actual total will depend on how many years you enroll, your program, and the college you choose. Tuition and fees average $13,563.07, while room and board average $10,668.09 and books and supplies add about $1,296.56. These figures can help you begin a realistic budget and compare local college options.

Students considering Montana State University in Bozeman or the University of Montana in Missoula can use these statewide figures as a starting point, then compare each school's current costs and financial aid. Living with family, choosing campus housing, or buying used books may change expenses. Scholarships and grants can lower what you pay, so compare net costs rather than assuming you'll owe the full published amount. Planning ahead can make a Montana degree feel achievable.

How long does it take to finish college in Montana?

In Montana, an associate degree typically takes about two years; a bachelor's degree usually takes four. At Montana State University in Bozeman or the University of Montana in Missoula, your major, course availability, transfer credits, and full- or part-time enrollment can affect the timeline.

The average graduation rate is 45.23%, compared with 61.2% among the top 10% of schools. Average rates are 42.85% for men and 47.62% for women. Finishing on time is possible, but these figures are a reminder to seek support early through advising, tutoring, and financial aid.

You may finish faster by:

• Passing AP or IB exams, or completing dual-enrollment courses in high school, can earn credits accepted by your college.
• Transfer eligible credits after checking that they satisfy your Montana degree requirements.
• Summer classes, heavier course loads, and approved prior-learning credit may also help you graduate sooner.
• Ask an adviser early before registering.

Salary

College graduates in Montana earn a median alumni salary of about $47,865. Graduates of schools in the top 10% earn a median of approximately $69,300, offering an encouraging target as you plan your education and career.

Your earnings will depend on your field, experience, and the job opportunities available where you want to live. Montana State University, the University of Montana, and Montana Tech are popular options to explore; compare their programs and career services with your goals to find a path that feels right for you.

People also ask

What college in Montana has the lowest tuition?

There isn't one dependable answer without specifying the academic year and whether you mean tuition alone or total attendance cost. For Montana residents, tribal colleges and community colleges are often among the most affordable options. Compare each school's current tuition schedule and fees; financial aid can also change what you actually pay.

What are Tier 1 schools in Montana?

"Tier 1" can mean different things, but it commonly refers to the Carnegie Research 1 classification, which recognizes universities with very high research activity. Under that meaning, Montana State University and the University of Montana are the state's R1 universities. Both offer broad academic opportunities, alongside the distinctive advantages of studying in Montana.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Montana Ranking in 2026-2027

Montana State University enrolls 17,165 students, making it the largest option in this Montana comparison. Its 82% acceptance rate may make admission more accessible, while the 57% graduation rate offers a useful completion benchmark. Total study cost is $30,784, and median alumni salary is $50,109. For a student who wants a sizable university experience while staying in Montana, these figures provide a practical starting point for weighing affordability, likely campus scale, completion outcomes, and post-college earnings before choosing a degree.

Montana Technological University has 2,516 enrolled students, offering a smaller-scale choice for Montana residents comparing colleges. Its 91% acceptance rate is the highest among these five schools, and its graduation rate is 58%. The listed total study cost, $24,079, is the lowest in this group, while median alumni salary is $69,156. Students considering a Montana degree can weigh this combination of a more compact enrollment, comparatively low cost, and solid reported earnings against their academic interests and preferred campus environment.

The University of Montana enrolls 10,811 students, placing it between Montana State and Montana Technological University in enrollment among the five options. It reports a 96% acceptance rate, the highest listed, alongside a 48% graduation rate. Total study cost is $30,527, and median alumni salary is $40,109. For Montana students seeking a university with a substantial student population, these figures offer a basis for comparing access, completion, expenses, and earnings while considering whether the school fits their field and plans.

Carroll College is the smallest of these five Montana schools by enrollment, with 1,160 students, and it reports the highest graduation rate at 69%. Its acceptance rate is 71%. The listed total study cost, $40,132, is the highest in this group, while median alumni salary is $50,631. A prospective Montana student can compare this smaller enrollment and stronger completion figure with the greater expense, then consider whether Carroll's college setting matches their academic goals and budget and preferred campus experience.

University of Providence enrolls 618 students, the smallest student body in this Montana comparison. Its acceptance rate is 50%, the lowest listed, and its graduation rate is 28%. Total study cost is $30,048, while median alumni salary is $70,599, the highest among the five schools. For a Montana resident, the figures suggest a compact college option with comparatively high reported alumni earnings, but the cost, admission selectivity, and completion rate deserve careful consideration alongside program fit and personal circumstances and goals.