Montana is a state of great big skies and great colleges and universities. Despite a sparse population, there are colleges and universities to suit any academic need. You can study at a major research university or a smaller liberal arts college, and anything in-between. Since Montana is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), you can even attend public colleges and universities in other cooperating states without incurring out-of-state tuition. If you only consider the addition of Washington State and California, you're already including a huge number of extra opportunities. Even if Montana does not currently support your academic goals, being a Montanan allows you access to absolutely any major or concentration you can think of.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in Montana?
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Top 5 Best Associate Degree Programs in Montana
Miles Community College
Score: 80.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,160
- Out-of-State:$10,768
- Net Price: $8,059
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 583
- Undergrad Students: 583
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Helena College University of Montana
Score: 77.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,975
- Out-of-State:$10,687
- Net Price: $11,214
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 1,423
- Undergrad Students: 1,423
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Flathead Valley Community College
Score: 62.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,033
- Out-of-State:$11,363
- Net Price: $11,144
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 2,129
- Undergrad Students: 2,129
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,700
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Dawson Community College
Score: 60.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,435
- Out-of-State:$9,135
- Net Price: $10,572
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 462
- Undergrad Students: 462
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,800
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Highlands College of Montana Tech
Score: 59.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,980
- Out-of-State:$10,370
- Net Price: $14,906
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 655
- Undergrad Students: 655
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $45,500
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Top 5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Montana
Montana Technological University
Score: 81.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,050
- Out-of-State:$24,730
- Net Price: $16,045
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 1,625
- Undergrad Students: 1,437
- Graduate Students: 188
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
The University of Montana-Western
Score: 75.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,430
- Out-of-State:$19,038
- Net Price: $11,584
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,424
- Undergrad Students: 1,424
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Montana State University
Score: 74.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,083
- Out-of-State:$31,337
- Net Price: $17,250
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 16,681
- Undergrad Students: 14,625
- Graduate Students: 2,056
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Carroll College-Helena
Score: 74.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,352
- Out-of-State:$40,352
- Net Price: $23,916
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,168
- Undergrad Students: 1,125
- Graduate Students: 43
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Rocky Mountain College
Score: 72.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,252
- Out-of-State:$33,252
- Net Price: $19,353
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,054
- Undergrad Students: 845
- Graduate Students: 209
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Top 15 Best Master's Programs in Montana
Montana Technological University
Score: 83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,050
- Out-of-State:$24,730
- Net Price: $16,045
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 1,625
- Undergrad Students: 1,437
- Graduate Students: 188
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Montana State University
Score: 77.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,083
- Out-of-State:$31,337
- Net Price: $17,250
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 16,681
- Undergrad Students: 14,625
- Graduate Students: 2,056
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Carroll College-Helena
Score: 76.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,352
- Out-of-State:$40,352
- Net Price: $23,916
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,168
- Undergrad Students: 1,125
- Graduate Students: 43
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Rocky Mountain College
Score: 75.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,252
- Out-of-State:$33,252
- Net Price: $19,353
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,054
- Undergrad Students: 845
- Graduate Students: 209
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Montana State University-Northern
Score: 72.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,269
- Out-of-State:$19,385
- Net Price: $10,940
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 1,140
- Undergrad Students: 1,105
- Graduate Students: 35
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Scholarships for Montana College Students
Scholarships and Grants can be a huge help when it comes time to pay tuition, course fees, and your book bill. There are even some scholarships that you can apply towards travel or room and board. Though many only pay a small fraction of a year's bill, you can always put the award on your resume.
MBAS
Montana Broadcasters Association Scholarships
Amount: varies
Deadline: February 28
http://www.mtbroadcasters.org/broadcasting-careers/scholarships
If you have an interest in broadcasting, the MBA offers a wide range of scholarships. You must be majoring in journalism, broadcasting, media, advertising, engineering, or some related field, have exemplary academic qualifications, and perhaps experience in the field. Some of their scholarships are region-specific, while others focus on students from diverse backgrounds. Check their website for more.
MACPA
Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants Helena Chapter - Scholarships
Amount: $1,000 (7 Awards)
Deadline: March 18
https://www.montana.cpa/scholarships
Though this scholarship is open to any accounting student, preference is given to members of the Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants Helena Chapter. You must be an accounting major, or graduate student, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Qualifying accounting programs can be found at: MSU Billings, Carroll College, MSU Bozeman, University of Montana, and Montana Tech.
HAMS
Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: October 25
https://www.dpwfoundation.org/scholarships-programs/horatio-alger-montana-undergraduate-scholarship-program/
To qualify, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater, demonstrate financial need, and show interest and experience in community service. Students should also show how they have overcome obstacles and still have managed to thrive. The Horatio Alger Award seeks students of integrity, moral character, and determination.
Top Social Services Careers and Salaries