Best Colleges in Montana (2026)
30 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
30
Colleges
$38,058
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$12,678
Avg Net Price
80%
Avg Admit Rate
46%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
Montana is home to 30 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. Carroll College leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $38,058 on average ten years after enrollment. Whether you're looking for a flagship research university, a liberal arts college, or a career-focused program, Montana offers diverse options across all price points.
Quick Facts — Montana Colleges
Top 10 Colleges in Montana by Graduate Earnings
Ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Public and private nonprofit only.
Admit
70%
Net Price
$19,751
Grad Rate
48%
Earnings
$49,036
Admit
50%
Net Price
$17,649
Grad Rate
36%
Earnings
$48,296
Admit
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
$44,296
Admit
N/A
Net Price
$16,524
Grad Rate
29%
Earnings
$44,296
Most Affordable Colleges in Montana
Lowest average net price after grants and scholarships. Public and private nonprofit only.
Browning, MT
37% grad rate
Popular Majors
Compare the best colleges for top fields of study — ranked by graduate earnings nationwide.
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Find my Montana collegeAll Colleges in Montana
All 30 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaniiih Nakoda College | Harlem | Public | N/A | $7,887 | 33% | $30,528 |
| Academy of Cosmetology Inc | Bozeman | Private For-Profit | N/A | $16,663 | 83% | N/A |
| Aveda Institute Montana | Billings | Private For-Profit | N/A | $15,196 | 74% | N/A |
| Blackfeet Community College | Browning | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $5,410 | 37% | $22,953 |
| Butte Academy of Beauty Culture | Butte | Private For-Profit | N/A | $9,031 | 70% | N/A |
| Carroll College | Helena | Private Nonprofit | 71% | $23,960 | 68% | $61,772 |
| Chief Dull Knife College | Lame Deer | Public | N/A | $14,010 | 13% | $20,073 |
| City College Montana State University Billings | Billings | Public | N/A | N/A | N/A | $44,296 |
| Crevier's Academy of Cosmetology Arts | Kalispell | Private For-Profit | N/A | $6,744 | 88% | $14,047 |
| Dawson Community College | Glendive | Public | N/A | $9,931 | 41% | $41,951 |
| Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell | Public | N/A | $8,099 | 28% | $38,520 |
| Fort Peck Community College | Poplar | Public | N/A | $400 | 16% | $14,747 |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls | Public | N/A | $12,468 | 33% | $38,034 |
| Helena College University of Montana | Helena | Public | N/A | $11,593 | 37% | $40,738 |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte | Public | N/A | $14,962 | 36% | $54,329 |
| Little Big Horn College | Crow Agency | Public | N/A | $8,331 | 11% | $21,152 |
| Miles Community College | Miles City | Public | N/A | $10,405 | 55% | $42,862 |
| Montana Academy of Salons | Great Falls | Private For-Profit | N/A | $15,935 | 71% | $28,841 |
| Montana Bible College | Billings | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Montana State University | Bozeman | Public | 82% | $22,499 | 57% | $53,263 |
| Montana State University Billings | Billings | Public | N/A | $16,524 | 29% | $44,296 |
| Montana State University-Northern | Havre | Public | N/A | $12,664 | 42% | $49,505 |
| Montana Technological University | Butte | Public | 91% | $16,481 | 58% | $54,329 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Dillon | Dillon | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 62% | $30,917 |
| Rocky Mountain College | Billings | Private Nonprofit | 70% | $19,751 | 48% | $49,036 |
| Salish Kootenai College | Pablo | Public | N/A | $7,945 | 32% | $32,725 |
| Stone Child College | Box Elder | Public | N/A | $4,424 | 33% | $24,555 |
| The University of Montana | Missoula | Public | 96% | $16,784 | 47% | $44,511 |
| The University of Montana-Western | Dillon | Public | 100% | $16,558 | 50% | $43,229 |
| University of Providence | Great Falls | Private Nonprofit | 50% | $17,649 | 36% | $48,296 |
Showing 30 of 30 schools