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Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in Montana

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 17 schools · Agent Insights
17
Schools Analyzed
$43,126
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
42%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$13,774
Avg. Net Price

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Montana is home to several colleges offering affordable options for students seeking higher education without the burden of overwhelming debt. In this list, we highlight the most affordable colleges in the state, focusing on their net price and potential earnings after graduation. With costs rising nationwide, understanding where to find value is crucial for students and families making college decisions.

What sets these institutions apart is not just the price tag but their graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. We’ve compiled data that shows how much graduates earn on average and the percentage of students who successfully complete their programs. The list below ranks schools by net price, revealing not just affordability but also the outcomes that matter most when considering higher education.

For example, Fort Peck Community College has a remarkably low net price of $400 but comes with a graduation rate of only 16%. In contrast, Miles Community College offers a higher graduation rate of 55% with a net price of $10,405. This illustrates that while price is important, the ability to complete a degree and earn higher wages should also weigh heavily in decision-making.

Key Findings

Fort Peck Community College has an incredibly low net price of $400 but a graduation rate of just 16%.

Miles Community College boasts the highest graduation rate at 55%, with net costs at $10,405.

Flathead Valley Community College graduates earn an average of $38,520 annually, with a net price of $8,099.

Overall, graduates from these colleges earn an average of $43,126, showcasing the potential for financial stability.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 17
Avg. earnings at 10yr $43,126
Avg. graduation rate 42%
Avg. net price $13,774
Avg. median debt $18,580

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price 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.

$15K$68K$120K$0$50KNET PRICEFort PeckFlathead ValleySalish KootenaiBlackfeet CommunityMiles Community

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Fort Peck Community Coll…16%Flathead Valley Communit…28%Salish Kootenai College32%Blackfeet Community Coll…37%Miles Community College55%Helena College Universit…37%Montana State University…42%The University of Montana47%Great Falls College Mont…33%Montana Technological Un…58%Highlands College of Mon…36%Montana State University…29%The University of Montan…50%University of Providence36%Rocky Mountain College48%Montana State University57%Carroll College68%

Top 3

#1

Fort Peck Community College

Poplar, MT

Graduation16%
Earnings$14,747
Net Price$400

View full profile →
#2

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT

Graduation28%
Earnings$38,520
Net Price$8,099

View full profile →
#3

Salish Kootenai College

Pablo, MT

Graduation32%
Earnings$32,725
Net Price$7,945

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

#1

Fort Peck Community College

Poplar, MT · 282 students · Public

With a small student body of 282, Fort Peck Community College in Poplar, MT, fosters a close-knit learning environment. Although its graduation rate is 16%, the college provides an essential pathway for many students in the region, particularly those who may not have access to other educational opportunities.
16% graduate $14,747 earnings
Fort's full profile
#2

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT · 1,202 students · Public

Located in Kalispell, MT, Flathead Valley Community College serves a larger student population of 1,202, creating diverse opportunities for interaction and growth. A graduation rate of 28% indicates that while challenges exist, many students find their footing and succeed in completing their degrees.
28% graduate $38,520 earnings
Flathead's full profile
#3

Salish Kootenai College

Pablo, MT · 580 students · Public

Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, MT, cultivates a vibrant community with a focus on Indigenous education. It has a graduation rate of 32%, reflecting a commitment to student success and support for those pursuing higher education in a culturally relevant context.
32% graduate $32,725 earnings
Salish's full profile
#4

Blackfeet Community College

Browning, MT · 286 students · Private nonprofit

Blackfeet Community College, a private nonprofit institution in Browning, MT, emphasizes a strong sense of community and culture. With a graduation rate of 37%, it demonstrates a dedication to supporting students through their educational journey, particularly those from Indigenous backgrounds who may seek culturally relevant education.
37% graduate $22,953 earnings
Blackfeet's full profile
#5

Miles Community College

Miles City, MT · 332 students · Public

With a tight-knit community of just 332 students, Miles Community College in Miles City, MT, fosters a personal learning environment where each student can find their path. The college's commitment to student success is evident in its median earnings of $42,862 after ten years, making it a compelling option for those looking to enter the workforce equipped with practical skills.
55% graduate $42,862 earnings
Miles's full profile
#6

Helena College University of Montana

Helena, MT · 585 students · Public

Helena College University of Montana serves a larger student body of 585, offering a supportive environment where students can pursue their academic and career goals. While the graduation rate sits at 37%, the college prepares graduates to earn a median salary of $40,738 after ten years, signaling solid opportunities for employment post-graduation.
37% graduate $40,738 earnings
Helena's full profile
#7

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT · 761 students · Public

Montana State University-Northern in Havre boasts a supportive environment for its 761 students, with a focus on hands-on learning and career readiness. The median earnings after ten years reach $49,505, which is a strong indicator of the potential return on investment for graduates entering the workforce.
42% graduate $49,505 earnings
Montana's full profile
#8

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · 7,488 students · Public

The University of Montana in Missoula boasts a vibrant campus life and a broad range of academic programs, drawing in over 7,000 students. While the graduation rate is 47%, the school still delivers strong earning potential, with median earnings reaching $44,511 after ten years, indicating that graduates are finding success in their careers after leaving the university.
96% accepted 47% graduate $44,511 earnings
The's full profile
#9

Great Falls College Montana State University

Great Falls, MT · 894 students · Public

Great Falls College Montana State University serves 894 students, offering a pathway to education that emphasizes accessibility and community. The graduation rate of 33% may raise concerns, but the college enables graduates to earn a median salary of $38,034 after ten years, demonstrating its potential impact on students' lives.
33% graduate $38,034 earnings
Great's full profile
#10

Montana Technological University

Butte, MT · 1,480 students · Public

With a strong emphasis on practical skills, Montana Technological University prepares students for the workforce in fields like engineering and technology. The school's median earnings of $54,329 a decade after graduation reflect its commitment to career readiness, making it an appealing option for students focused on immediate job prospects.
91% accepted 58% graduate $54,329 earnings
Montana's full profile
#11

Highlands College of Montana Tech

Butte, MT · 342 students · Public

Highlands College of Montana Tech caters to students seeking a more personalized educational experience with its smaller campus of 342 students. Although the graduation rate is lower at 36%, the earning potential remains competitive, with graduates also seeing median earnings of $54,329 after ten years, suggesting that students gain valuable skills that employers want.
36% graduate $54,329 earnings
Highlands's full profile
#12

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT · 2,626 students · Public

Located in the vibrant city of Billings, Montana State University Billings serves a diverse student body of 2,626. This public institution could be a strong choice for students looking for a community-oriented atmosphere while enjoying access to the resources of a larger university.
29% graduate $44,296 earnings
Montana's full profile
#13

The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · 1,198 students · Public

The University of Montana-Western in Dillon offers a unique educational approach with a smaller student body of 1,198. The graduation rate of 50% reflects a solid commitment to student success, while median earnings of $43,229 after ten years show that graduates are able to secure stable jobs in their fields after completing their degrees.
100% accepted 50% graduate $43,229 earnings
The's full profile
#14

University of Providence

Great Falls, MT · 528 students · Private nonprofit

With a small student body of just 528, the University of Providence in Great Falls fosters a close-knit community that encourages personal connections. This intimate setting may appeal to students seeking individualized attention and a supportive environment as they pursue their education.
50% accepted 36% graduate $48,296 earnings
University's full profile
#15

Rocky Mountain College

Billings, MT · 840 students · Private nonprofit

Rocky Mountain College, situated in Billings, welcomes 840 students and prides itself on a strong graduation rate of 48%. This private nonprofit institution may attract students looking for a more tailored educational experience while enjoying a rich campus life in an inviting setting.
70% accepted 48% graduate $49,036 earnings
Rocky's full profile
#16

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · 14,451 students · Public

Montana State University in Bozeman is a larger public university with 14,451 students, creating a dynamic and diverse environment. The school's robust graduation rate of 57% is a promising indicator for students who want a solid chance of completing their degree in a vibrant college town known for its outdoor activities.
82% accepted 57% graduate $53,263 earnings
Montana's full profile
#17

Carroll College

Helena, MT · 1,092 students · Private nonprofit

Carroll College in Helena, Montana, is home to around 1,100 students who enjoy a close-knit community. With a graduation rate of 68%, many students find their path to success through a strong liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning. The median earnings ten years after graduation stand at an impressive $61,772, suggesting that alumni are finding fulfilling careers that reflect their academic achievements.
71% accepted 68% graduate $61,772 earnings
Carroll's full profile

When we compare two schools, Blackfeet Community College stands out with a net price of $5,410 and a graduation rate of 37%. Meanwhile, Salish Kootenai College, despite a higher net price of $7,945, has a better graduation rate of 32% and a significantly higher average earning potential of $32,725. This shows that while costs are critical, the ability to graduate and earn a livable wage is key to making a wise investment in education.

As you review this list, think about what matters most for your situation. Consider location and program offerings alongside financial data. If affordability is your top priority, schools like Fort Peck Community College may appeal to you. But if completion and earning potential are more critical, institutions like Miles Community College or Flathead Valley Community College might be better fits. Weigh these factors carefully against your individual needs and goals.

Ultimately, the data here reflects more than just numbers. It points to the choices we make as families in pursuit of a stable future. For one family, selecting a college with a solid graduation rate and reasonable debt could mean the difference between financial peace and ongoing struggle. As we weigh options, let's remember the long-term implications of these decisions.

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). →

DK

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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