Best
Colleges in Montana in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Montana combines business skills with industries such as tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and technology. Typical coursework covers accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and entrepreneurship. Students build analytical and leadership abilities. Popular Montana options include the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana State University in Bozeman, and Montana Tech in Butte. Graduates may pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, operations manager, or business consultant.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Montana offers insight into behavior and prepares students for careers or graduate study. Typical coursework includes introductory psychology, developmental and social psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive science, research methods, and statistics. Popular options include the University of Montana, Montana State University, and Montana State University Billings. Graduates may work as case managers, human resources specialists, research assistants, behavioral health technicians, or community support workers; psychologist licensure generally requires graduate education and supervised training.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Montana combines programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, computer networks, cybersecurity, and mathematics. Students build practical skills through projects and internships while exploring fields such as artificial intelligence and data science. Popular options include Montana State University in Bozeman, the University of Montana in Missoula, and Montana Technological University in Butte. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, web developers, or data analysts.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Montana combines theory with supervised practice and preparation for licensure. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, human development, multicultural counseling, assessment, group counseling, and practicum or internship experiences. Graduates may pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, behavioral-health clinicians, substance-use counselors, or college advisors, depending on degree and credentials. Montana institutions offering relevant study include the University of Montana, Montana State University, and Montana State University Billings. Programs differ.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Montana combines classroom learning with clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, maternal-child care, mental health, and population health. Graduates may become registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or public health agencies. Montana study options include Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana Tech in Butte, the University of Montana in Missoula, and many community colleges throughout Montana.

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% - a higher median cost among the highest-ranked schools.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 80.0% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 80.0%. Schools receive an average of 5,431.57 applicants, while top-10% schools average 14,406.4 applicants; the median applicant counts are 811.0 men and 822.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,171.33 on the SAT and 22.83 on the ACT.
• Schools average 2,935.29 enrolled students, including an average of 468.14 men and 471.14 women.
• 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.
• There are 11 institutions offering associate's degrees, 14 offering bachelor's degrees, 9 offering master's degrees, and 3 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 14 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial-aid availability with graduation outcomes, and consider how applicant volume, acceptance rate, test-score averages, enrollment size, degree offerings, and school type fit your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Montana cost?

The average total cost of studying in Montana is $20,020.50, a helpful benchmark as you plan for a degree. Your actual bill can vary by college, program, housing choice, and spending habits.

• Average tuition and fees: $13,563.07
• Average room and board: $10,668.09
• Average books and supplies: $1,296.56

Use these category averages as planning references, since financial aid, living arrangements, and course requirements can change what you pay. Students exploring Montana State University in Bozeman or the University of Montana in Missoula can compare each school's costs and aid before choosing. That research can make budgeting feel manageable and help you find a campus and degree path that fits your goals.

If you live at home, share housing, or qualify for scholarships, your total may differ. Check whether estimates cover one term or a full academic year, and include transportation and expenses in your budget.

How long does it take to finish college in Montana?

In Montana, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes about two. At Montana State University in Bozeman or the University of Montana in Missoula, your timeline can vary with major requirements, course availability, and whether you study part-time. A busy schedule or changing majors may add time, so planning early can help you stay on track.

You may finish sooner by earning college credit in high school, taking summer classes, choosing an accelerated course schedule, or transferring eligible credits from another accredited school. Ask an adviser at your Montana campus to map prerequisites and confirm that credits count toward your intended degree; online courses may also make scheduling easier.

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, showing completion varies for Montana students.

Salary

College graduates in Montana earn a median alumni salary of about $47,865. For graduates of schools in the top 10% in the source data, the median is about $69,300 - a promising benchmark if you're weighing how far a degree might take you.

Your own earnings can vary by field, experience, and employer. Whether you're considering Montana State University in Bozeman, the University of Montana in Missoula, or another Montana college, compare programs and career paths that fit your goals; the statewide figures offer a useful starting point, not a guarantee of what any one graduate will earn.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Montana?

By student enrollment, the three largest are generally Montana State University in Bozeman, the University of Montana in Missoula, and Montana State University Billings. Enrollment can shift from year to year, but these campuses offer Montana students the widest range of programs and campus experiences among the state's largest institutions.

How many colleges are there in Montana?

There are roughly two dozen colleges and universities in Montana, though the exact count depends on what is included - for example, tribal colleges, community colleges, and technical campuses. The Montana University System alone includes 16 campuses; independent public, private, and tribal institutions bring the statewide total higher.

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

Montana State University offers Montana students a large public university experience in Bozeman with 17,165 enrolled students. Its 57% graduation rate and 82% acceptance rate give applicants useful context when comparing pathways to a degree. Total study cost is $30,784, while median alumni salary is $50,109. Students considering studying in Montana may value its campus setting and range of academic opportunities; compare costs and outcomes with personal goals, program interests, financial aid, and preferred community before making an enrollment decision.

The University of Montana gives Montana students a public university option in Missoula, with 10,811 enrolled students. Its 48% graduation rate and 96% acceptance rate can help applicants assess access and completion outcomes together. The total cost of studying is $30,527, and median alumni salary is $40,109. For students seeking a degree in Montana, the university offers an established campus environment and a broad public institution experience. Compare specific programs, housing, aid, and career plans to decide whether it fits.

Carroll College is a smaller Montana college in Helena, with 1,160 enrolled students. Its 69% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, while its 71% acceptance rate provides another admissions point of comparison. Studying costs a total of $40,132, and median alumni salary is $50,631. For Montana-based students interested in an intimate campus setting, Carroll offers an alternative to the larger public universities. Consider whether its programs, campus culture, and overall cost align with your educational and financial priorities.

Montana Technological University, known as Montana Tech, offers Montana students a focused university setting in Butte, with 2,516 enrolled students. Its graduation rate is 58%, and its acceptance rate is 91%. The total cost of studying is $24,079, the lowest among these five institutions. Median alumni salary is $69,156, the highest reported here. Students considering technical or career-oriented study in Montana can compare available majors, hands-on learning options, costs, and employment goals to judge whether the campus fits their plans.

The University of Providence is a small Montana institution in Great Falls, enrolling 618 students. Its 28% graduation rate is the lowest among these five colleges, and its 50% acceptance rate is the lowest reported. Total study cost is $30,048, while median alumni salary is $70,599, the highest in this group. For a Montana student seeking a close-knit campus experience, Providence may merit consideration. Review program availability, financial aid, and career outcomes alongside these figures before choosing a degree path.