# Best Master's Programs in Montana

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 11 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-montana

## Methodology

Master's programs in Montana ranked by graduate outcomes

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 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.

## 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 |
| 11 | [Blackfeet Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/blackfeet-community-college) | Browning, MT | 37% | $22,953 | $5,410 | N/A | N/A |

## 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 Master's Programs in Montana." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.