Rankings / By State

Best Bachelor's Programs in Montana

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 10 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$48,096

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

47%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,082

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right bachelor's program can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available in Montana. Each of the schools on this list shares a commitment to helping students succeed after graduation, with a focus on important outcomes like earnings and graduation rates. The average earnings for graduates from these programs is around $48,096, a figure that can help guide your decision-making.

What sets the strongest programs apart in this ranking are their outcomes related to grad rates, debt levels, and the potential for upward mobility. We’ve analyzed these factors to help you identify which schools offer the best chance for a solid return on your investment. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list that highlights schools with higher earnings and lower debt, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation.

For example, Montana Technological University stands out with an impressive $54,329 in average earnings and a 58% graduation rate. In contrast, Salish Kootenai College presents a different scenario, with earnings at $32,725 and a graduation rate of only 32%. These differences illustrate the trade-offs you may encounter as you evaluate your options.

Key Findings

Montana Technological University graduates earn an average of $54,329.

Carroll College has the highest graduation rate at 68%.

Salish Kootenai College has the lowest average earnings at $32,725.

Montana State University-Northern has a net price of $12,664, making it more affordable.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 10

Avg. earnings at 10yr $48,096

Avg. graduation rate 47%

Avg. net price $17,082

Avg. median debt $20,479

How We Ranked

Bachelor's programs in Montana ranked by outcomes and mobility

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Carroll College

Helena, MT

Graduation68%

Earnings$61,772

Net Price$23,960

View full profile →

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT

Graduation47%

Earnings$44,511

Net Price$16,784

View full profile →

Rocky Mountain College

Billings, MT

Graduation48%

Earnings$49,036

Net Price$19,751

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

Carroll College

Helena, MT · 1,092 students · Private nonprofit

Carroll College in Helena presents a compelling choice for students interested in a private nonprofit education with a focus on liberal arts. With a graduation rate of 68%, this college supports students through their academic journey, leading to impressive median earnings of $61,772 within ten years of graduation, a testament to the quality of education provided.

71% accepted 68% graduate $61,772 earnings

Carroll's full profile

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · 7,488 students · Public

The University of Montana in Missoula offers a vibrant campus life with a strong focus on student engagement and community involvement. While its graduation rate is 47%, the supportive environment helps many students navigate their educational paths, fostering personal growth alongside academic achievement.

96% accepted 47% graduate $44,511 earnings

Rocky Mountain College

Billings, MT · 840 students · Private nonprofit

Rocky Mountain College in Billings is a smaller private nonprofit institution with around 840 students, providing an intimate educational experience. With a 48% graduation rate, the college emphasizes personalized attention and mentorship, which can be crucial for students needing extra support in their academic pursuits.

70% accepted 48% graduate $49,036 earnings

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT · 2,626 students · Public

Montana State University Billings, home to over 2,600 students, is a public university that emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. Located in the vibrant city of Billings, the university offers a diverse range of programs, catering to students from various backgrounds and interests, making it an appealing choice for many.

29% graduate $44,296 earnings

Montana's full profile

Montana Technological University

Butte, MT · 1,480 students · Public

With median earnings of $54,329 a decade after graduation, Montana Technological University in Butte is a solid choice for those looking to enter the workforce with a strong earning potential. The school has a welcoming acceptance rate of 91%, making it accessible for a wide range of students, particularly those interested in practical, hands-on programs in technology and engineering.

91% accepted 58% graduate $54,329 earnings

Montana's full profile

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT · 761 students · Public

Montana State University-Northern in Havre attracts attention with a focus on personalized education in a small campus setting, hosting just 761 students. While the graduation rate is 42%, those who commit to their studies do see median earnings of $49,505 ten years after graduation, which is notable for a school of its size and type.

42% graduate $49,505 earnings

Montana's full profile

The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · 1,198 students · Public

With a 100% acceptance rate, The University of Montana-Western in Dillon attracts students from diverse backgrounds, providing a welcoming environment for those looking to pursue higher education. The small campus, with about 1,200 students, fosters close-knit connections and personalized experiences that can make college feel less daunting and more like a community.

100% accepted 50% graduate $43,229 earnings

Salish Kootenai College

Pablo, MT · 580 students · Public

Salish Kootenai College in Pablo provides a unique educational experience with a strong emphasis on indigenous culture and community. Though the graduation rate is lower at 32%, students can still look forward to median earnings of $32,725 after a decade, reflecting the college's commitment to serving its community and providing relevant training.

32% graduate $32,725 earnings

Salish's full profile

University of Providence

Great Falls, MT · 528 students · Private nonprofit

With a close-knit community of just 528 students, the University of Providence in Great Falls, MT, offers an intimate learning environment where students can build strong relationships with faculty and peers. The school is committed to helping its students succeed, as evidenced by its supportive atmosphere and focus on personal growth, which appeals to those looking for a more personalized education journey.

50% accepted 36% graduate $48,296 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · 14,451 students · Public

Montana State University in Bozeman is not just a larger institution with over 14,000 students; it's a hub for innovation and hands-on learning. The university's diverse programs and research opportunities attract students eager to make an impact in their fields, with a solid graduation rate of 57% indicating that many find success in their studies.

82% accepted 57% graduate $53,263 earnings

Montana's full profile

A closer look at the data reveals a common theme: financial outcomes greatly vary between schools. For instance, Carroll College boasts a higher earning potential at $61,772 and a 68% graduation rate, compared to Salish Kootenai College, which sees earnings of just $32,725 and a graduation rate of 32%. This stark contrast highlights the importance of evaluating both financial and academic success when making a decision.

As you sift through the options in this ranking, consider how each school's financial outcomes align with your personal priorities. Are you looking for a program that offers strong earnings potential, or is a lower net price more important for your family? Weighing these factors alongside your preferred location and campus culture can help narrow down the choices. Make a list of what's most important to you and see how each school fits.

Ultimately, this data underscores a crucial truth: the path from college to a stable life is shaped significantly by the decisions we make now. For one family, choosing a program with a solid graduation rate and decent earnings may mean the difference between financial security and struggle after graduation. It’s about making informed choices today that can lead to a stronger future.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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