# Best Bachelor's Programs in Montana

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 10 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-montana

## Methodology

Bachelor's programs in Montana ranked by outcomes and mobility

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Carroll College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carroll-college) | Helena, MT | 68% | $61,772 | $23,960 | $25,757 | 0.42x |
| 2 | [The University of Montana](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-montana) | Missoula, MT | 47% | $44,511 | $16,784 | $22,400 | 0.5x |
| 3 | [Rocky Mountain College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rocky-mountain-college) | Billings, MT | 48% | $49,036 | $19,751 | $26,000 | 0.53x |
| 4 | [Montana State University Billings](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/montana-state-university-billings) | Billings, MT | 29% | $44,296 | $16,524 | $18,209 | 0.41x |
| 5 | [Montana Technological University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/montana-technological-university) | Butte, MT | 58% | $54,329 | $16,481 | $18,750 | 0.35x |
| 6 | [Montana State University-Northern](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/montana-state-university-northern) | Havre, MT | 42% | $49,505 | $12,664 | $18,500 | 0.37x |
| 7 | [The University of Montana-Western](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-montana-western) | Dillon, MT | 50% | $43,229 | $16,558 | $21,000 | 0.49x |
| 8 | [Salish Kootenai College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/salish-kootenai-college) | Pablo, MT | 32% | $32,725 | $7,945 | $12,923 | 0.39x |
| 9 | [University of Providence](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-providence) | Great Falls, MT | 36% | $48,296 | $17,649 | $18,750 | 0.39x |
| 10 | [Montana State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/montana-state-university) | Bozeman, MT | 57% | $53,263 | $22,499 | $22,500 | 0.42x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Bachelor's Programs in Montana." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-montana

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.