Located on the western coast of the United States, Montana is a perfect study destination for nature lovers. In addition to breathtaking scenery, Montana has a lot to offer in terms of world-class education. To make your search easy, we have listed some of the best universities in Montana.
We provide several lists with Montana universities ranked according to various criteria to help you choose the best school for your situation. We also describe some of the strongest programs you will find at the best colleges in Montana. Keep reading to find the top 10 universities in Montana in this article.
What Are the Best Universities in Montana?
The best universities in Montana include Montana State University, Montana Technological University, The University of Montana–Western, and University of Providence. These Montana universities ranked best because of their high graduation rates and top-quality programs. They also secured spots in the US News & World Report and Times Higher Education.
How Many Universities Are in Montana?
There are 11 universities and colleges in Montana. Among these schools, eight are public institutions and three are nonprofit institutions. All of them are considered four-year universities and colleges.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Montana?
The biggest universities in Montana are Montana State University, The University of Montana, and Montana State University-Billings. They also include Montana Technological University and The University of Montana-Western. These are considered the largest Montana universities ranked based on high number of student enrollment.
Largest Montana Universities by Enrollment
- Montana State University | 16,218
- The University of Montana | 9,808
- Montana State University-Billings | 4,000
- Montana Technological University | 1,650
- The University of Montana-Western | 1,334
Montana University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Montana?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carroll College | Helena | 67% |
| 2 | Salish Kootenai College | Pablo | 62% |
| 3 | Montana Technological University | Butte | 57% |
| 4 | Montana State University | Bozeman | 55% |
| 5 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings | 52% |
| 6 | The University of Montana | Missoula | 44% |
| 7 | The University of Montana-Western | Dillon | 42% |
| 8 | University of Providence | Great Falls | 39% |
| 9 | Montana State University-Northern | Havre | 31% |
| 10 | Montana State University-Billings | Billings | 28% |
How We Defined Montana University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Montana universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Montana universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Montana, Explained
In this section, we discuss our list of best colleges and universities in Montana and the best programs they offer. All the information is collected from the university’s official website. Read the details thoroughly to find the best university in Montana that’s suitable for your needs.
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Montana University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Montana are a high-school diploma, at least a 2.5 GPA, and standardized ACT/SAT scores. You may need to comply with additional admission requirements, depending on the program you choose. Also, international students will need specific IELTS or TOEFL scores following the university’s admission policies.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Montana
- High school diploma
- At least 2.5 GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- ACT/SAT scores (depending on university score standards)
- IELTS/TOEFL score (for international students)
How to Apply to Montana Universities
To apply to Montana universities, you need to submit your application online and academic transcripts through the online submission system. You may also need to submit your letter of proposal and recommendation letter if your chosen university requires. You’ll also need to pay the application fee, which varies from $25 to $50.
Montana Universities Admissions Process
- Fill out your application through the online admissions portal.
- Submit your school transcripts.
- Submit your purpose statement and a recommendation letter as needed.
- Pay the required application fee.
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Why Study in Montana?
You should study in Montana because it offers an excellent learning environment through its state, private, and public universities. Education in Montana is more affordable than other states in America. You will also love the living environment in Montana. The state is known for its scenic beauty and student employment opportunities.
Educational Opportunities
With various state, public, and private universities and colleges for higher education in Montana, you’ll have a range of schools to choose from. They also offer a wide scope of disciplines with theoretical and practical college experiences. Education in Montana is generally accessible due to its affordability, which is a great benefit for resident, nonresident, and international students.
Affordable Cost of Living
According to livingcost.org, the average monthly expense in Montana is around $1,645. This is 1.15 times less expensive than the average national monthly expense in America. A student may have less expenses than the average, so studying and living in Montana can be easier for most students whether they stay on campus or off campus.
Job Opportunities
Based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey report, 7.8 percent of all jobs in Montana remain unfilled. Students can therefore find part-time jobs easily. The average hourly salary in Montana is about $18, so you can afford student housing and finance your studies when you apply for part-time jobs.
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Natural Environment
If you love natural landscapes, you can visit Montana’s wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, and beautiful mountain landscapes. Whenever you get free time, you may roam around Montana’s top national parks. It’s home to Yellowstone National Park, which attracts millions of people throughout the year, making this the ideal college environment for nature-lovers.
Hassle-Free Living
Although Montana is the fourth-largest American state, it only has a population of one million. Less population means fewer hassles and pollution. Combining this with the scenic beauty and affordable living, you will find Montana as a good place for comfortable living while pursuing your dream degree.
More Montana University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Montana?
Following the Montana university ranking results, we have already described the ten overall best universities in Montana. In this section, we introduce more specific categories ranking the best Montana’s state, public, private, and online universities.
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Top Montana Universities by Major
The top Montana universities according to different concentrations and majors are listed below. You’ll find the best schools in computer science, nursing, engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.
Tuition Costs for Montana Universities
In general, the in-state tuition fee in public universities in Montana is around $16,732, according to NCES. For private universities, it’s about $41,541. We have kept this information in mind and listed Montana’s top five affordable universities below.
Most Affordable Universities in Montana
- University of Montana-Western | Tuition: $5,726/semester. In-state students need to play less than $6,000/semester in tuition fees. Out-of-state tuition fees cost around $8,195/semester.
- Montana State University-Billings | Tuition: $6,260/semester. Montana residents must prepare $6,260/semester if they’ll enroll 12 credits or more. Nonresidents of Montana need to pay a tuition of $19,980/semester for also 12 credits and up.
- Salish Kootenai College | Tuition: $141/credit. In-state students enjoy this low tuition cost as well as out-of-state students at $285/credit. Native Americans and their descendants can pay for lower tuition rates at a minimum of $83-$101/credit.
- Montana Technological University | Tuition: $7,580/semester. Montana residents can get this tuition cost if they enroll at least 12 credits, while out-of-state students will pay $23,210/semester.
- The University of Montana | Tuition: $22,258/year. Montana residents can take advantage of this low tuition rate per year. Nonresidents are required to pay $42,784 tuition fees per year.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Montana
The different financial aid options for students in Montana include federal and state grants, scholarships, work and study programs, and student loans. You can choose one or multiple financial aids depending on your eligibility.
Financial Aid for Montana Universities: A Summary
- Federal and State Grants. The state of Montana and federal authority offer multiple grants to help students complete their higher education. These grants include Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Montana Governors Grant, and The Montana US Senate Youth Program.
- Scholarships. Different private and government organizations offer scholarships for students in Montana. Some of Montana’s top higher education scholarships include Billings Clinic Health Care Scholarship, Montana University System Honor Scholarship, and Treacy Foundation Scholarship.
- Work and Study Programs. To help you pay your tuition fees, this aid allows you to work part-time in a different organization or commercial institution. It’s mostly suitable for international students who won’t get the regular public scholarship or federal grants immediately.
- Student Loans. All students can use student loans to complete their education at universities in Montana. Once you complete the degree, you’ll need to repay the loan with interest.
Montana University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Montana Universities?
- Financial need
- US citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Valid Social Security number
- Enrolled or accepted in an eligible program
- Certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- High school diploma or GED Certificate
Private Montana Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Rocky Mountain College. This college’s top financial aids include Founder’s Merit Award, Trustee Merit Award, and RMC Merit Award Plus. You may also avail yourself of federal and state financial grants to meet your educational expenses.
- Carroll College. Although Carroll College has a relatively high tuition fee, it offers different financial aids and scholarships to 99 percent of its enrolled students. You may fill out their FAFSA form and get financial help.
- University of Providence. You may get merit-based, income-based, and federal financial aid from this university.
Universities in Montana That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- University of Montana. Some of the financial aid programs available for out-of-state students include presidential leadership scholarships, campus-wide scholarships, and departmental scholarships.
- Montana State University. If you’re a nonresident of Montana, you may still make use of this university’s merit-based scholarships and other financial aid programs.
- Rocky Mountain College. This college’s funding support is also open to out-of-state students, such as trustee, dean, and RMC merit awards.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Montana State Universities
- Review the programs available from your university
- Check your financial aid eligibility.
- Fill up the FAFSA form for grants and scholarships.
- Submit all the academic records and financial papers as needed.
- Prepare for an interview if there is one.
Demographics of Universities in Montana
The demographics of universities in Montana consists of a mainly white community at 81.1 percent. This is followed by American Indian students at seven percent. The rest of the population is shared among Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Black, and students from other origins.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Montana
- White: 81.1%
- Black: 0.9%
- Hispanic: 4.4%
- Asian: 2.2%
- Pacific Islander: 0.2%
- American Indian: 7.0%
- Two or More Races: 4.2%
Montana Employment Outlook for University Students
Montana’s unemployment rate is only at 2.4 percent, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Professionals in Montana earn an average salary of $49,340 per year. Majority of Montana’s workforce is in administration, food, sales, transportation, and construction sectors.
5 In-Demand Montana Jobs
This section gives an overview of five in-demand jobs in Montana that you can land after attending learning institutions in the state. Below, we detail the job’s salary, employment outlook, and the best Montana university program fit for the role.
Is a University in Montana Right for You?
Yes, attending a university in Montana is right for you if you want to study in a nature-filled environment while getting quality and affordable education. Montana is home to some of the best universities and colleges in the US. This state also has a low unemployment rate and lots of job opportunities. So, choosing a university in Montana to pursue your dream profession would be a good decision.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Universities in Montana FAQ
Montana State University (MSU) is the largest university in Montana in terms of land area, with 1,170 acres of campus. It is a public land-grant research university nestled on the south side of Bozeman, Montana.
Yes, Montana schools are good. Some Montana schools excel simultaneously in research and academic excellence. There are also schools that rank best in the list of the nation’s top universities.
Montana State University’s ranks #263 in the 2022 edition of Best National Universities, according to the US News & World Report.
Living in Montana is a rewarding experience for those who enjoy nature, wildlife, and wide-open spaces. The region is all about beautiful scenery, such as the Glacier National Park. The weather can be very cold, which can be challenging at times. Due to its low population, Montana is mostly a peaceful and quiet place to live.
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