Rankings / By State (Affordable)
Most Affordable Colleges in Montana
- 17
- Schools
- $43,126
- Avg. Earnings
- 42%
- Avg. Graduation
- $13,774
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,580
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 17 schools run from $14,747 to $61,772, a 4.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Fort Peck Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $14,747 in median earnings against $400 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Fort Peck Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $400 a year in net price.
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Carroll College graduates 68% of its students, versus a 42% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Flathead Valley Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.27× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Fort Peck Community College ($14,747 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Carroll College ($61,772), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Fort Peck Community College costs $400 a year and Carroll College costs $23,960. Yet their graduates earn $14,747 and $61,772, nowhere near the $23,560 price gap.
- On value, Fort Peck Community College beats Carroll College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Fort Peck Community College and Carroll College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $44K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Fort Peck Community College #1 overall | $14,747 ▼ -66% vs avg | $400 | 16% | 81 |
| 2 Flathead Valley Community College #2 overall | $38,520 ▼ -11% vs avg | $8,099 | 28% | 78 |
| 3 Salish Kootenai College #3 overall | $32,725 ▼ -24% vs avg | $7,945 | 32% | 76 |
| $22,953 ▼ -47% vs avg | $5,410 | 37% | 73 | |
| $42,862 ▼ -1% vs avg | $10,405 | 55% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Colleges in Montana
This analysis ranks 17 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $43,126 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 42% and an average net price of $13,774.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Fort Peck Community College — Net Price: $400 | Graduation Rate: 16%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Carroll College — 68% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Carroll College — Median alumni earnings: $61,772
CollegeRanker Primary Research
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Affordability & ROI Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about getting a real return on a degree?
$44,296
Median earnings (10yr)
37%
Median graduation rate
$14,962
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
A value ranking asks the question families actually care about: which school delivers the strongest outcome for the least cost and debt. The winners are rarely the cheapest schools or the highest earners. They are the ones that pair a low net price, what students pay after grants, with graduates who go on to earn. That is the definition of return on investment.
Start with the medians across these 17 schools. Graduates earn a median of $44,296 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 37%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $14,962 a year with about $18,750 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 28% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.0%.
What we’re seeing: value clusters at schools that hold net price down without sacrificing earnings. The median net price here is $14,962, with graduates earning a median of $44,296 ten years after enrollment. Strong results without heavy debt: that combination is the quiet argument for where higher education is headed.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Fort Peck Community College lands at #1 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (100/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (9/100). Graduates earn a median $14,747 a decade after enrolling, 66% below this list's average, and net price runs $400 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Flathead Valley Community College lands at #2 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $38,520 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,099 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Salish Kootenai College lands at #3 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $32,725 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Blackfeet Community College lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (12/100). Graduates earn a median $22,953 a decade after enrolling, 47% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,410 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Miles Community College lands at #5 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $42,862 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,405 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Helena College University of Montana lands at #6 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,738 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,593 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Montana State University-Northern lands at #7 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,505 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,664 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
The University of Montana lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,511 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,784 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Great Falls College Montana State University lands at #9 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $38,034 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,468 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Montana Technological University lands at #10 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $54,329 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,481 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Highlands College of Montana Tech lands at #11 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $54,329 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,962 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Montana State University Billings lands at #12 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $44,296 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,524 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
The University of Montana-Western lands at #13 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $43,229 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,558 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
University of Providence lands at #14 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (63/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,296 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,649 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Rocky Mountain College lands at #15 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $49,036 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,751 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Montana State University lands at #16 with a 53/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $53,263 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,499 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Carroll College lands at #17 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $61,772 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,960 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 17 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
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.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 8 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2%. Rocky Mountain College leads the group at 3.6%, with Miles Community College (2.8%) and Flathead Valley Community College (1.9%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 12.6% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Great Falls College Montana State University leads at 21.5%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 18.6% across this list. Rocky Mountain College posts the highest success rate at 35.9%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.24 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Carroll College reaches 1.54, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Affordable Colleges in Montana: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Colleges in Montana ranking? +
Fort Peck Community College in Poplar, MT ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Colleges in Montana ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $14,747 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 16% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Carroll College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $61,772 ten years after enrollment, well above the $43,126 average across the 17 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Fort Peck Community College leads: graduates earn a median $14,747 against net price of about $400 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Carroll College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 68%, compared with a 42% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $13,774 a year across the 17 ranked schools with cost data. Fort Peck Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $400. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable Colleges in Montana ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 17 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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