Best Colleges in Montana – 2024

July 3, 2024

There are nearly twice as many cows as people living in Montana, so it shouldn’t shock you to learn that there are not hundreds of higher education options within the state. Still, the University of Montana system caters to a student population of over 40,000 individuals across 16 colleges and universities, an impressive figure, and those are not the only institutions of higher learning. Let’s go ahead and look at the best colleges in Montana.The data in each profile card is intended to give a better sense of the academic offerings and outcomes at each institution.

Methodology

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges in Montana. As you’ll see, some schools with spectacular (and deserved) reputations simply do not happen to fare well on metrics such as student-to-faculty ratio or spending per student. We understand that a list based solely on prestige/general reputation would look different than what you will find below.

Best Colleges in Montana

Here’s a quick preview of the top Montana-based institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) The University of Montana

2) Montana State University

3) Carroll College

4) Montana Tech

All of the Best Colleges in Montana profiled below have a history of sending graduates to the most desirable employers and graduate schools in the country. College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

Enrollment
Cost of Attendance
Acceptance Rate
Median SAT
Median ACT
Retention Rate
Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each best college in Montana’s:

Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Also view our:

#1 Best College in Montana

University of Montana

Missoula, MT

Academic Highlights: The University of Montana provides students with expansive academic opportunities through 147 undergraduate majors and 86 minors, all supported by an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters meaningful mentorship. The university prioritizes engaged learning, with 75% of classes maintaining fewer than 30 students and annual undergraduate research conferences showcasing innovative student projects. Global perspectives are cultivated through study abroad programs in 50+ countries, preparing graduates to address both local and international challenges.

Professional Outcomes: UM graduates make significant contributions across diverse sectors, with strong representation at the USDA Forest Service, Providence, and Microsoft. Many alumni choose to build their careers in the Greater Missoula area, applying their education to strengthen Montana’s communities and landscapes, while others excel at national employers like Amazon, demonstrating the versatility of a UM education in both regional and global contexts.

Enrollment: 7,570
Cost of Attendance: $25,228 (In-State); $48,698 (Out-of-State)
Median SAT: 1190
Median ACT: 22
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 45%

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana

Academic Highlights: As Montana’s premier research institution, MSU offers students unparalleled academic opportunities through 250+ programs and maintains its position as the Northwest’s top producer of Goldwater Scholars. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and global connections to 60 countries through study abroad, the university blends hands-on research with international perspectives. MSU’s research enterprise, the largest in Montana, provides undergraduates exceptional access to cutting-edge STEM projects, creating a vibrant learning environment at the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Professional Outcomes: MSU graduates command impressive career outcomes, earning an average starting salary of $59,620. Alumni launch careers with industry leaders like Boeing, RTX, and Deloitte, while others advance to top-tier graduate programs at Cornell, MIT, and Virginia Tech. These results showcase MSU’s ability to transform its world-class research opportunities and STEM leadership into exceptional career preparation, whether graduates choose to contribute to Montana’s economy in Bozeman or pursue opportunities nationwide.

Enrollment: 14,872
Cost of Attendance: $26,671 (In-State); $49,925 (Out-of-State)
Median SAT: 1160
Median ACT: 23
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 57%

Carroll College

Helena, Montana

Academic Highlights: Carroll College delivers a transformative Catholic liberal arts education through its 41 undergraduate majors, supported by an exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters close mentorship. The college emphasizes global engagement, coordinating over 150 exchange programs that broaden students’ perspectives while maintaining its faith-based mission. Undergraduate research opportunities complement the rigorous curriculum, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. This balanced approach prepares graduates to excel professionally while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Professional Outcomes: Carroll graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 49% employed and 17% pursuing advanced degrees from the Class of 2024. Alumni serve at leading regional employers, including Bozeman Health, St. Peter’s Health, and the State of Montana, while others continue their education at institutions like the University of Montana and Montana State. Many choose to build their lives in Helena or the Greater Seattle area.

Enrollment: 1,062
Cost of Attendance: $56,044
Median SAT: 1140
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 66%

#4 Best College in Montana

Montana Tech

Butte, MT

Academic Highlights: Montana Tech delivers focused STEM education through its 28 undergraduate programs, combining rigorous academics with hands-on research opportunities. The university’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship while its partnerships with elite organizations like the National Science Foundation and DEVCOM ARL laboratory provide undergraduates with extraordinary research experiences. This practical, industry-aligned approach cements Montana Tech’s reputation as a premier science and engineering institution.

Professional Outcomes: Montana Tech graduates achieve outstanding results, with 84% employed and 9% pursuing advanced education from the Class of 2023, maintaining the university’s decade-long streak of 90%+ career outcomes. Alumni earn a robust average starting salary of $58,454, securing positions at industry leaders like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and NorthWestern Energy. While many build careers in Butte, Montana Tech’s strong industry connections ensure graduates are equally competitive in national and global energy and engineering markets.

Enrollment: 1,435
Cost of Attendance: $24,888 (In-State); $41,568 (Out-of-State)
Average SAT: 1170
Average ACT: 22
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 58%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges in Montana to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

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Michael Trivette

A former admissions professional and adjunct faculty member, Michael knows firsthand what students need in order to be successful on a college campus. His experience in college admissions, enrollment management, intercollegiate athletics, student support services, student life and other areas, allows him to help students transition smoothly into the best good-fit colleges.