Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in Montana
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Choosing the right master's program can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Montana with its unique educational landscape. Here, we’ve identified 11 schools that offer advanced degrees, each contributing to the workforce in different ways. For many, the decision revolves around finding a program that aligns with career goals and financial realities.
What sets these programs apart are their outcomes in key areas: earnings potential, graduation rates, student debt, and overall completion rates. As you explore the list below, consider how each school's statistics reflect its ability to prepare graduates for success in the job market. A high earning potential coupled with manageable debt can be a powerful indicator of a program’s effectiveness.
For instance, Carroll College stands out with an impressive average earning of $61,772 and a graduation rate of 68%. In contrast, Salish Kootenai College, while offering a lower net price of $7,945, has a graduation rate of just 32% and earnings of $32,725. This comparison highlights the trade-offs between financial considerations and the likelihood of completing a degree that leads to higher earnings.
Key Findings
Carroll College graduates earn an average of $61,772, the highest in the state.
Montana Technological University has a 58% graduation rate, above the average of 46%.
Salish Kootenai College has the lowest net price at $7,945 but also the lowest earnings at $32,725.
Montana State University-Northern graduates have an average debt of $18,500, with average earnings of $49,505.
Quick Numbers
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
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The University of Montana
Missoula, MT
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Rocky Mountain College
Billings, MT
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Full Rankings
Carroll College
Helena, MT · 1,092 students · Private nonprofit
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT · 7,488 students · Public
Rocky Mountain College
Billings, MT · 840 students · Private nonprofit
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT · 2,626 students · Public
Montana Technological University
Butte, MT · 1,480 students · Public
Montana State University-Northern
Havre, MT · 761 students · Public
The University of Montana-Western
Dillon, MT · 1,198 students · Public
Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MT · 580 students · Public
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT · 528 students · Private nonprofit
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT · 14,451 students · Public
Blackfeet Community College
Browning, MT · 286 students · Private nonprofit
While examining the data, one notable pattern emerges between Carroll College and Salish Kootenai College. Carroll College not only boasts a higher earning potential with $61,772 but also has a significantly better graduation rate at 68%. In contrast, Salish Kootenai College, despite its lower tuition costs, sees average earnings of only $32,725 and a graduation rate of just 32%. This illustrates how investment in a program can pay off in the long run, both in terms of financial return and degree completion.
As you weigh these options, think about what matters most to you: Is it location, program fit, or financial implications? Use this data as a starting point, but also consider visiting campuses or reaching out to current students. Each school has its unique culture, and understanding the environment can be just as important as the numbers.
This data underscores the critical choice families face regarding education and stability. A degree can be a pathway to improved earnings and job security, but the right choice depends heavily on individual circumstances. Take a moment to reflect on how this information might guide you in finding a program that not only fits your aspirations but also supports your financial well-being.
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
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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