Montana is home to several colleges and universities that offer higher education opportunities to students from all over the world. These institutions provide an excellent learning environment, top-notch facilities, and a wide range of programs. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a business, engineering, arts, or sciences degree, Montana has a college or university that can cater to your needs.

Montana State University and the University of Montana are two of the state’s most well-known and prestigious universities. Both institutions offer various undergraduate and graduate programs, including engineering, business, nursing, and education. Additionally, several private colleges in Montana, such as Carroll College and Rocky Mountain College, provide a more personalized learning experience for students.

With breathtaking natural scenery, friendly locals, and vibrant culture, Montana is an excellent place to pursue higher education. Whether you’re interested in studying in a bustling college town or a quieter, more rural setting, Montana has a college or university that can meet your needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best colleges in Montana and what makes them stand out from the rest.

University of Montana

The University of Montana is a public institution located in Missoula, Montana. It is one of the best colleges in Montana, according to U.S. News & World Report. It is a regional college in the west and a national university. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs, including liberal arts, nursing, engineering, and management.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance at the University of Montana is $19,506 for in-state students and $30,898 for out-of-state students. The net price for students receiving financial aid is $15,028 for in-state students and $26,420 for out-of-state students.

Enrollment and SAT Range

The University of Montana has an enrollment of approximately 10,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. The average SAT range for admitted students is 1070-1290.

Majors

The University of Montana offers over 100 majors and minors, including popular programs in business, education, and health professions. The university also has strong environmental studies, wildlife biology, and journalism programs.

The university has a diverse student body and is known for its supportive students and accommodating staff. The workload can be challenging, but the professors are helpful and the campus is clean and well-maintained. The university has a strong reputation for research and has excellent research facilities.

The University of Montana is located in a beautiful area of the Rocky Mountains, with easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. The university has a strong commitment to diversity and has a large population of international students. Graduates of the university have strong job placements and the university has a supportive alumni network.

Montana State University

Montana State University is a public institution located in Bozeman, Montana. It is a top-tier research university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, technology, communication, engineering, and management. With its location in the Rocky Mountains, MSU is also known for its natural beauty and proximity to skiing and fishing opportunities.

Annual Cost

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the annual cost of attending Montana State University is $7,727 for in-state students and $25,855 for out-of-state students. However, MSU offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage their tuition costs.

Enrollment and SAT Range

MSU has an enrollment of approximately 16,800 undergraduate and graduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. The average SAT range for admitted students is 1070-1310.

Majors

MSU offers a wide range of majors, including popular engineering, business, and agriculture programs. The university also has strong programs in areas such as communication, environmental science, and nursing. MSU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 70 countries.

MSU is known for its supportive and accommodating faculty and staff, who work closely with students to help them succeed academically and professionally. The university also offers a variety of internship and research opportunities, as well as strong job placement rates for graduates.

Overall, Montana State University is a top choice for students seeking a high-quality, affordable higher education experience in Montana. With its beautiful location, strong academic programs, and supportive community, MSU is an excellent option for undergraduate and graduate students alike.

Carroll College

Carroll College is a private institution located in Helena, Montana. The college offers undergraduate programs in liberal arts, and its faculty is committed to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Carroll College is $53,880. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Carroll College has an enrollment of 1,403 undergraduate students. The college is selective, with an acceptance rate of 71%. The SAT range for admitted students is 1070-1300.

Majors

Carroll College offers a variety of majors in areas such as business, education, health sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The college is known for its strong programs in pre-med and nursing.

Carroll College is committed to providing students with internships, job placements, and alumni networking opportunities. The college has a strong reputation for supporting its students and providing a supportive and accommodating environment.

Carroll College is also known for its sports programs, which offer opportunities for students to participate in athletics while pursuing their academic goals. The college has a diverse student body, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Carroll College is a great choice for students seeking a supportive and challenging undergraduate program in a beautiful natural setting.

Highlands College

Highlands College is a public college located in Butte, Montana, and is a part of Montana Tech. The college is known for its focus on business and technology, with a strong emphasis on mining-related fields.

Annual Cost

The annual cost for attending Highlands College is $7,347 for in-state students and $23,425 for out-of-state students. The net price for attending the college is $10,806 for in-state students and $26,884 for out-of-state students.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Highlands College has an enrollment of 293 undergraduate students, with an acceptance rate of 100%. The SAT range for admitted students is 940-1160. The college has a supportive student body, accommodating workload, and helpful faculty.

Majors

Highlands College offers a range of majors, including Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair, Machine and Metal Working, and Welding. The college strongly focuses on job placements, with 96.97% of graduates placed in careers in May 2020. The faculty is engaged, with expertise in their respective fields, and the college is known for its supportive environment for students.

Overall, Highlands College is a great option for students seeking a public institution with a focus on business and technology. The college strongly emphasizes job placements and provides a supportive environment for its students.

Rocky Mountain College

Rocky Mountain College is a private institution located in Billings, Montana. It is known for its strong liberal arts program, dedicated faculty, and accommodating staff. The college offers undergraduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, biology, and professional pilot training.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Rocky Mountain College is $32,252. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. The net price for attending the college is $22,059, the average amount students pay after applying financial aid.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Rocky Mountain College has an undergraduate enrollment of 816 students. The college has an acceptance rate of 71%, and the average SAT range for admitted students is 1030-1260.

Majors

Rocky Mountain College offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, including business, biology, and professional pilot training. The college also offers majors in education, psychology, and environmental science.

The college is known for its supportive students and accommodating workload. Students have noted that the faculty is helpful and that the college is supportive of freshman and sophomore students. Rocky Mountain College is also known for its job placements and internship opportunities, which help students gain valuable experience in their fields.

Niche Grade and Reviews

Rocky Mountain College has a niche grade of B. According to niche users, the college has an average review of 3.5 out of 5. Students have noted that the college is supportive and accommodating, with clean workout equipment and a diverse student body. The college is also known for its natural beauty and supportive staff.

In-State Tuition and International Students

The college offers in-state tuition to Montana residents, and tuition costs vary for out-of-state and international students. Rocky Mountain College is known for its accommodating staff and supportive environment for international students.

Sports and Alumni Employment

Rocky Mountain College has a strong athletic program, with football, basketball, and volleyball teams. The college is also known for its strong alumni network, with many graduates finding employment in their fields after graduation.

Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings (MSUB) is a public institution in Billings, Montana. Established in 1927 as Eastern Montana State Normal School, it has since grown into a comprehensive university. MSUB offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending MSUB for in-state students is $6,082, while out-of-state students pay $20,244. This includes tuition, fees, and room and board.

Enrollment and SAT Range

MSUB has an enrollment of approximately 4,600 undergraduate and graduate students. The average SAT score range of admitted students is 970-1190.

Majors

MSUB offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate majors, including business, technology, and healthcare. The most popular majors at MSUB are business, nursing, and elementary education.

MSUB also offers a number of internship opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in their field of study. The faculty and staff at MSUB are supportive and accommodating, providing a helpful and supportive environment for students.

Niche Grade and Acceptance Rate

According to Niche users, MSUB has an average review of 3.5 out of 5 stars. The acceptance rate at MSUB is 100%, making it an accessible option for students seeking higher education.

Net Price and Job Placements

The net price for attending MSUB is $11,958 for in-state students and $26,120 for out-of-state students. MSUB has a strong track record of job placements, with 90% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation.

Diversity and Sports

MSUB is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The student body is diverse, with a mix of domestic and international students. MSUB also has a variety of sports teams, including basketball, soccer, and track and field.

Natural Beauty and Clean Workout Equipment

MSUB is located in Billings, Montana, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The campus itself is well-maintained, with clean workout equipment and modern facilities.

Overall, MSUB is a public institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a supportive and accommodating environment. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, MSUB is an excellent choice for students seeking higher education in Montana.

The University of Montana Western

The University of Montana Western is ranked #8 out of 102 Regional Colleges West by the US News & World Report in their 2022-23 rankings. The university is known for its affordable tuition fees and a wide array of scholarships to help reduce the cost of education.

Annual Cost

In-state tuition and fees at Montana Western are $5,876, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $19,106. The university offers the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship to eligible non-resident students, which reduces the cost of tuition to 150% of Montana’s in-state tuition rate.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Montana Western has a total enrollment of 1,549 students, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 970-1180.

Majors

Montana Western offers over 40 majors, including Business, Education, Environmental Sciences, Health Professions, and Natural Resources. The university also offers unique programs such as the Experience One program, which allows students to take one course at a time for 18 days.

Overall, the University of Montana Western offers its students an affordable and diverse range of majors.

Best Montana Colleges by Major