Rankings / By State

Best Colleges in Montana

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 15 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$42,539

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

42%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$13,840

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a college in Montana involves considering a variety of institutions that cater to different educational and career goals. Each school on this list shares a commitment to helping students succeed, whether through degrees, certificates, or vocational training. With average earnings across these colleges at $42,539, it's clear that the right choice can lead to a solid financial return.

The schools ranked here are distinguished by their graduation rates, student debt levels, and potential earnings after graduation. For instance, Montana Technological University stands out with a graduation rate of 58% and average earnings of $54,329, indicating strong outcomes for its students. When analyzing this list, consider how these factors align with your personal and financial goals.

For example, Carroll College in Helena has the highest earnings at $61,772 and a graduation rate of 68%, but it also has a higher net price of $23,960 compared to Flathead Valley Community College, which has lower earnings at $38,520 and a graduation rate of just 28%. This contrast highlights the tradeoff between immediate financial investment and long-term earning potential, guiding students to think critically about their choices.

Key Findings

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

Carroll College has a graduation rate of 68%, the highest on this list.

Flathead Valley Community College offers the lowest net price at $8,099.

The average graduation rate among these colleges is 42%.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 15

Avg. earnings at 10yr $42,539

Avg. graduation rate 42%

Avg. net price $13,840

Avg. median debt $18,899

How We Ranked

Composite score for institutions in Montana

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 →

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT

Graduation28%

Earnings$38,520

Net Price$8,099

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Carroll College

Helena, MT · 1,092 students · Private nonprofit

In Helena, MT, Carroll College presents a strong liberal arts education with a commitment to student success, reflected in its graduation rate of 68%. The college emphasizes a well-rounded curriculum and small class sizes, allowing students to engage deeply with their studies and faculty.

71% accepted 68% graduate $61,772 earnings

Carroll's full profile

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · 7,488 students · Public

With a vibrant campus in Missoula, the University of Montana caters to a diverse student body of nearly 7,500. Its acceptance rate is an inviting 96%, making it accessible for many students seeking higher education in a beautiful setting surrounded by nature.

96% accepted 47% graduate $44,511 earnings

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT · 1,202 students · Public

Flathead Valley Community College, nestled in Kalispell, MT, serves as a gateway for students seeking affordable education and skill development. With a graduation rate of 28%, this community college caters to those who may want to explore different fields before committing to a specific career path, offering a supportive environment for students at various stages of life.

28% graduate $38,520 earnings

Flathead's full profile

Rocky Mountain College

Billings, MT · 840 students · Private nonprofit

Rocky Mountain College in Billings is a private nonprofit school with a strong focus on fostering individual growth among its 840 students. The college has a graduation rate of 48%, indicating a supportive environment that encourages students to succeed in their studies and career paths.

70% accepted 48% graduate $49,036 earnings

Miles Community College

Miles City, MT · 332 students · Public

With a close-knit community of just 332 students, Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana, offers a personalized education experience. The focus here is on accessible learning, and with a graduation rate of 55%, many students find a pathway to success in their chosen fields.

55% graduate $42,862 earnings

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT · 2,626 students · Public

Montana State University Billings is a public university that serves around 2,626 students in a dynamic academic environment. Despite a graduation rate of 29%, the institution fosters a strong sense of community and offers various programs that appeal to local and non-local students alike.

29% graduate $44,296 earnings

Montana's full profile

Montana Technological University

Butte, MT · 1,480 students · Public

Located in Butte, MT, Montana Technological University has a strong focus on technical and engineering programs, attracting students who are eager to dive into hands-on learning experiences. With a graduation rate of 58%, the university prepares students for real-world challenges, which is reflected in the median earnings of $54,329 ten years after graduation.

91% accepted 58% graduate $54,329 earnings

Montana's full profile

University of Providence

Great Falls, MT · 528 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Great Falls, the University of Providence is a private nonprofit institution that offers a close-knit educational environment with around 528 students. With a 50% acceptance rate, it attracts individuals who value personalized attention and a supportive community.

50% accepted 36% graduate $48,296 earnings

University's full profile

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT · 761 students · Public

Montana State University-Northern in Havre, MT, is an inviting choice for students interested in a variety of professional programs, particularly in fields like education and agriculture. With a graduation rate of 42%, the university fosters a close-knit community where students can receive personalized support throughout their studies.

42% graduate $49,505 earnings

Montana's full profile

#10

The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · 1,198 students · Public

In the small town of Dillon, the University of Montana-Western offers a supportive setting for its 1,198 students. The school is known for its commitment to experiential learning, with a graduation rate of 50%, which reflects the dedication of its faculty and staff to help students achieve their academic goals.

100% accepted 50% graduate $43,229 earnings

Great Falls College Montana State University

Great Falls, MT · 894 students · Public

With a median earning of $38,034 a decade after graduation, Great Falls College Montana State University presents a solid pathway for students seeking vocational training and academic advancement. The school has a diverse community of 894 students, with about a third of them receiving Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to making education accessible for those from lower-income backgrounds.

33% graduate $38,034 earnings

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · 14,451 students · Public

Montana State University in Bozeman serves a large and diverse student body of 14,451, making it a vibrant campus community. With a graduation rate of 57%, students benefit from a variety of academic programs and resources designed to help them succeed in their educational goals.

82% accepted 57% graduate $53,263 earnings

Montana's full profile

#13

Salish Kootenai College

Pablo, MT · 580 students · Public

Located on the Flathead Reservation in Pablo, Montana, Salish Kootenai College has a unique focus on Native American culture and community. With 580 students, the college emphasizes a supportive learning environment, but its graduation rate of 32% suggests that some students may face challenges in completing their degrees.

32% graduate $32,725 earnings

Salish's full profile

#14

Blackfeet Community College

Browning, MT · 286 students · Private nonprofit

Blackfeet Community College, located in Browning, Montana, has a close-knit environment with 286 students, and is particularly appealing for those pursuing an education that respects and incorporates Indigenous culture. The graduation rate of 37% reflects a supportive community that values student success, and the school also has a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients at 49%, emphasizing its role in promoting education among underserved populations.

37% graduate $22,953 earnings

Blackfeet's full profile

#15

Fort Peck Community College

Poplar, MT · 282 students · Public

Fort Peck Community College is a small institution in Poplar, Montana, with an enrollment of 282 students. Despite its low graduation rate of 16%, the college offers a unique educational experience, particularly for those looking to connect their studies to the local community and culture. The budget-friendly net price of only $400 after aid makes it an accessible choice for students seeking higher education without incurring significant debt.

16% graduate $14,747 earnings

Montana Technological University and Carroll College showcase a significant divergence in outcomes. While Montana Technological graduates earn an average of $54,329 with a 58% graduation rate, Carroll College's graduates earn even more at $61,772, but students face a steeper financial commitment. The $23,960 net price at Carroll College may lead some to question the return on investment, especially when compared to Flathead Valley Community College, which has a much lower net price at $8,099 but offers lower earnings potential.

Now that you've explored these schools, think about what matters most to you. If affordability is key, Flathead Valley Community College may be appealing, but if higher earnings and a robust campus experience are your priorities, Carroll College could be worth the investment. Weigh these data points against your own criteria such as location, program offerings, and campus culture.

Ultimately, choosing a college is a critical decision that shapes future opportunities. For many families, it’s about finding the right balance between cost and potential earnings. With the right information, we can make informed decisions that set up graduates for stable careers and a secure future, reflecting the importance of both educational choice and financial planning.

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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