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Best Colleges in Montana

Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey. Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 The University of Montana-Western
location Dillon, MT
tuition $11305
acceptance_rate 43%
The University of Montana Western leads the state in the number of awarded degrees, percentage of completed courses, and overall enrollment growth. Undergraduate students at this university take just one course at a time, each lasting 18 days. Through this educational model, students develop intimate connections with their professors and classmates. They also enjoy the flexibility to participate in international study trips and research projects with faculty members. Programs of study at Montana Western include business and technology, environmental sciences, equine studies, and mathematics. Through the university's School of Outreach, students can also enroll in online classes supplemented by on-campus workshops. Freshmen applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. They must also meet one of the following academic requirements: a composite ACT score of at least 22, an SAT score of at least 1120, a high school GPA of 2.5 or above, or rank within the top half of their high school's graduating class.
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#2 Montana State University-Billings
location Billings, MT
tuition $12503
acceptance_rate 27%
Another of the best online colleges in Montana, Montana State University Billings offers more than 240 online courses and several fully online degrees and certificates, including programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. The college offers dozens of degree in fields such as public relations, applied science, liberal studies, mental health counseling, and special education. While some courses may include weekly chat sessions held at designated times, most classes use an asynchronous format to allow students to complete assignments at any time. Distance learners at MSU Billings benefit from several helpful resources, including academic advising, tutoring, library services, and career services. Academic advisors assist with registration, course selection, and degree planning to help students transition to online learning. The academic support center provides online tutoring in writing and math, with experienced tutors who maintain weekly availability for distance students. The college's career services office assists with career planning, counseling, and internship opportunities.
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#3 Carroll College
location Helena, MT
tuition $26636
acceptance_rate 72%
A Catholic institution, Carroll College strives to prepare students for careers, lifelong learning, and service to others. A rich array of undergraduate programs at the college allows students to explore subjects like anthrozoology, strategic finance, public health, and international relations. While Carroll does not currently offer any fully online programs, students can earn a master of accountancy in a hybrid format. The college encourages all students to participate in one of 150 international exchange and service-learning opportunities in countries such as Mexico, New Zealand, and Uganda. The content of these experiences can vary significantly, with students serving as teachers, environmental advocates, and relief organization workers. To apply to Carroll, you must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay outlining academic interests and professional goals. While not required, the college encourages applicants to also submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or church leader.
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#4 Montana State University
location Bozeman, MT
tuition $15411
acceptance_rate 54%
Home to more than 16,000 students, Montana State University is the largest school in the state, as well as one of the best online colleges in Montana. MSU primarily offers graduate programs online, with options such as agricultural education, family financial planning, land resources and environmental sciences, school library media, and science education. Distance students can also pursue an undergraduate certificate in gerontology and a bachelor's completion program in liberal studies. Most of MSU's online courses use an asynchronous format with no set log-in times or scheduled class sessions. Most programs also occur fully online and include no required campus courses. However, online students may need to visit the MSU campus in Bozeman for certain obligations, such as orientation sessions and final presentations. All online students receive comprehensive support from the school, including academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, library services, and remote exam proctoring.
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#5 Salish Kootenai College
location Pablo, MT
tuition $8686
acceptance_rate 55%
Salish Kootenai College predominantly serves Native American students through an educational experience that draws on the history and culture of the people of the Flathead Nation. In addition to programs in tribal governance and historic preservation, the college awards associate and bachelor's degrees in business administration, early childhood education, forest management, and social work. Certificate programs also help students develop specialized professional skills, such as bookkeeping. Learners at SKC benefit from a variety of support services. For example, a free tutoring program matches students with peer and faculty tutors, while the college's career services office places students in internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadow opportunities aligned with their academic and professional interests. Students can also access culturally relevant health and wellness programs. Applicants who have not taken the ACT or have fewer than 30 college-level credits to transfer must take a placement exam. Students who do not pass this exam may need to complete developmental courses prior to enrolling in a degree program.
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#6 Rocky Mountain College
location Billings, MT
tuition $20276
acceptance_rate 52%
Founded in 1878, Rocky Mountain College is the oldest college in Montana. Throughout a long history, the college has aimed to combine liberal arts education with practical career preparation. Undergraduate and graduate programs at RMC cover subjects such as aviation, health and human performance, occupational therapy, and sociology. Students may also customize their learning by choosing a minor or concentration or by pursuing an entirely individualized program of study. RMC also prizes affordability. More than 99% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average annual award package of $24,000 per student. The Founder's Merit Award, for example, provides $17,000 per year to first-year students with strong records of academic achievement, while the college's Trustee Scholarship offers up to $12,000 per year to transfer students. The college also offers awards to high school valedictorians, musicians, and accomplished esports players. To apply, you must have a high school diploma and submit either ACT or SAT scores. Prospective students with a GPA of 2.5 or below may also need to write a personal essay and submit two letters of recommendation.
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#7 University of Providence
location Great Falls, MT
tuition $19367
acceptance_rate 45%
A private Roman Catholic college located in Great Falls, the University of Providence ranks among the best online colleges in Montana for Christian students, with a wide variety of online programs available primarily at the graduate level. Distance learners choose from nearly a dozen online degrees and certificates in fields such as organizational leadership and management, criminal justice, and addictions counseling. UP also offers a wide selection of healthcare programs, including infection prevention and epidemiology, nurse educator, and medical assistant. UP's online programs include a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous elements, and some courses feature live video conference sessions that require students to log on at designated times each week. Other programs are delivered entirely asynchronously, enabling students to complete coursework at any time. Most programs take place entirely online. However, students may need to attend an in-person orientation session held on the UP campus. These orientation sessions typically last no more than one day.
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#8 Montana Technological University
location Butte, MT
tuition $12104
acceptance_rate 41%
Originally founded as a mining school, Montana Technological University continues to provide access to high-quality education opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The university also offers a fully online bachelor's program in nursing along with two online master's programs in industrial hygiene and project engineering and management. On-campus students can choose from associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in subjects such as cybersecurity and health information technology. The Butte campus also hosts an annual research and design expo, a public lecture series, and the Center for Advanced Mineral, Metallurgical, and Materials Processing. In addition to high school transcripts, undergraduate applicants must submit ACT or SAT scores. Generally, prospective students must maintain a high school GPA of at least 2.5 to earn admission, though the university makes exceptions for applicants with strong test scores. Incoming students can apply for a host of scholarships, including the Marie Moebus Presidential award, which provides both an in-state tuition waiver and a $6,000 cash supplement.
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#9 The University of Montana
location Missoula, MT
tuition $13682
acceptance_rate 46%
Recognized as one of the top public schools in the country, the University of Montana also ranks among the best online colleges in Montana, serving more than 10,000 students from its campus in Missoula. The school offers online programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Students can pursue programs in fields such as media arts, social work, public health, music education, and curriculum studies. UM also offers blended options that enable students to combine campus and online learning. As a comprehensive public research college, UM provides extensive support services for distance learners, including advising, library resources, and online tutoring. UM's Writer Center offers tutoring services for students of all levels through a video conferencing platform. Students can share their writing assignments online and receive live feedback from experienced tutors. Online learners can also meet with academic advisors through email or telephone.
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#10 Montana State University-Northern
location Havre, MT
tuition $10217
acceptance_rate 33%
Montana State University Northern equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to take on lucrative careers. One year after graduation, the average MSUN graduate earns a median salary of roughly $31,000, which is $11,000 more than the median pay across all other four-year institutions in the state. The university also participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, offering the equivalent of in-state tuition to residents of 15 additional states and territories. Students at MSUN earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in disciplines such as automotive technology, civil engineering technology, graphic design, and health promotion. The university also offers nine fully online degrees programs and a diverse slate of online classes. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. Prospective students under the age of 21 must also share results from either the ACT or SAT. On top of in-state tuition discounts, incoming students receive consideration for multiple merit-based scholarships. For example, the Chancellor's Scholarship provides $2,000 each year in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colleges in Montana?

Some of the best colleges in Montana include the University of Montana, Montana State University, Carroll College, Rocky Mountain College, and Montana Tech.

2. How do I apply to colleges in Montana?

To apply to colleges in Montana, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, provide standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), write an essay, and obtain letters of recommendation.

3. What majors and programs are offered at Montana colleges?

Montana colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs, including but not limited to business, engineering, education, nursing, computer science, environmental studies, psychology, and liberal arts.

4. What is the cost of tuition at Montana colleges?

Tuition costs vary depending on the college and program you choose. On average, in-state tuition for Montana colleges ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition can be around $20,000 to $30,000 per year.

5. Are there scholarships available for Montana college students?

Yes, there are various scholarships available for Montana college students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain majors or demographics. It is recommended to check with each college's financial aid office for more information.

6. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Montana colleges?

The student-to-faculty ratio varies among Montana colleges but generally ranges from 10:1 to 20:1. This means that students can expect relatively small class sizes and more personalized attention from professors.

7. Are there opportunities for internships and job placements in Montana?

Yes, Montana colleges often have partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements. Additionally, the state of Montana offers a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, technology, tourism, and agriculture, which can provide ample career prospects.

8. What is the campus life like at Montana colleges?

Campus life at Montana colleges is vibrant and diverse. Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, and sports teams. Additionally, Montana's natural beauty offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping.

9. Can I transfer credits from a community college to a four-year college in Montana?

Yes, many Montana colleges have transfer agreements with community colleges, allowing students to transfer credits earned at a two-year institution towards a four-year degree. It is advisable to consult with the specific college's admissions office for transfer credit policies.

10. What support services are available for students at Montana colleges?

Montana colleges provide various support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These services may include academic advising, tutoring centers, career counseling, health services, counseling centers, and disability support services.