Best Colleges in Montana
A mountainous Western state, Montana is often referred to as “Big Sky Country,” but it has no official nickname. The largest landlocked state in the US has two public university systems, the Montana State University System and the University of Montana System. There are a handful of private schools and tribal community colleges in Montana, as well. The oldest in the state is the College of Montana, which merged with Rocky Mountain College, the most selective institution in The Treasure State. Top industries in Montana include agriculture, travel, and timber, but the fastest growing is tourism. With Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Helena, The World Museum of Mining, and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park all within its borders, there’s a lot to attract out-of-staters.
How Were the Top Schools in Montana Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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At Carroll, you’ll be challenged and inspired — in our classrooms and in the rugged beauty of Montana’s Rockies. You’ll find community — where our Catholic traditions invite people of all beliefs to pursue lives of meaning. You’ll focus on more than...
Because Carroll College is a Liberal Arts School, students are required to take classes in many different fields of study including science, math, english, theology, and even philosophy. These classes are excellently taught and leave you with a...
” – Palma from Helena, MT
Founded in 1878, Rocky Mountain College is a liberal arts college in southern Montana and the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. RMC confers bachelor’s degrees in 51 academic majors including an Individualized Program of Study that...
My English class is actually challenging, something I didn't expect to find in college since most of my friends seemed to have an easy time with their writing classes. The professor is infamous for being stingy with A's, but that's why the class is...
” – Shelby from Billings, MT
Established in 1893, Montana State University is situated in Bozeman, Montana. MSU is the state’s land-grant university and is the primary campus for the Montana State University System. Considered by the Carnegie Foundation as an institution with a...
I've learned so much in all of my classes. Most of the classes after first semester are smaller so the teachers have more time to spend with each student and discussions ensue and are really helpful.
” – Margaret from Bozeman, MT
Founded by a group of nuns and the local bishop, the University of Providence is a Catholic liberal arts institution in Great Falls. UP is home to schools of Liberal Arts and Health Sciences offering bachelor’s degrees in 30 academic majors. As a...
The courses available are outstanding! One of my favorite type of courses are called ILCs, which combine two different areas of study and show how they are interlinked and how the areas can affect you personally. Both my core classes and the...
” – Amber from Nampa, ID
Montana Technological University is Montana’s only Special Focus science and engineering university. With programs in science, technology, engineering, math, healthcare, and the trades, our students graduate career-ready with the experience top...
A School for motivated Students who want an excellent education, especially in engineering Fields. Small campus and class size leading to a closer working relationship with professors and other students. Beautiful area and nice people with plenty of...
” – Steven from Butte, MT
With a campus settled at the base of Mount Sentinel, the University of Montana is a 4-year public school in western Montana and the flagship institution of the Montana University System. UM is home to 13 colleges and schools granting undergraduate...
I only completed a year of general studies at the U of M, but the range of choices I had was great. In each class I had to work for my grades, but when the year was over, I felt like I had learned a lot.
” – Molly from Kinsey, MT
The University of Montana Western is a public, 4-year institution established in the city of Dillon, and it is a member of the Montana University System. The college offers programs of study in 9 subjects, including Equine Studies, Education...
I just know I can learn so much from this school! being a horse lover, that plans on owning horses, horse business, instructing and more this school just seems like a great fit. Not to mention they seem to have a great rodeo team!
” – lauren from Rochester, MNMontana State University Billings is a public, 4-year institution, and is a member of the Montana University System. MSUB offers over 100 associate, bachelor, and certificate-level academic programs, many of which are also available as minor fields...
The classrooms hold about 30 people each, so the classes are fairly small. You get to know your professor which is great if you want to apply for scholarships. I have learned so much in just my first semester at MSU-B.
” – Amy from Billings, MTMontana State University-Northern is a public, 4-year institution established in Havre, with a satellite facility located in Great Falls. MSU Northern offers over 70 major and minor fields of study, awarding certificates and degrees from an associate...
Established in 1974, Blackfeet Community College is a 2-year, tribal institution located in Browning, Montana. BCC offers 26 associate’s degree and certificate programs throughout six academic divisions, as well as a 2+2 degree program in...
Yellowstone Christian College is an evangelical Christian school in south central Montana’s Yellowstone River Valley. Featuring classes with a Christ-centered focus, YCC grants bachelor’s degrees in Christian Leadership, Business, Sports Management...
Great Falls College-Montana State University is a 2-year community college and an affiliate of the MSU system. Among the college’s over 50 fields of study, GFC MSU offers a series of general education courses as part of the Montana University System...
With a focus on perpetuating the culture of the Confederated Tribes of the Flathead Nation, Salish Kootenai College is a tribal college in northwest Montana. SKC fulfills its mission of providing higher education for Native Americans through courses...
Love the professors. They are very helpful and want to see you succeed.
” – Crystal from Polson, MTEstablished in 1940, Dawson Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Glendive, Montana. DCC offers seven certificate programs, 12 technical associate’s degree programs, 30 general associate’s degree concentration options for...
Highlands College of Montana Tech specialized in career-focused technical education programs that produce workforce-ready graduates for in-demand professions in the trades, technology, and healthcare. From one-semester certifications to two-year...
With a campus nestled in the northern Rocky Mountains, Helena College University of Montana is a 2-year community college in Montana’s state capital. Helena grants degrees and certificates in 13 academic programs and includes an honors pathway...
Miles Community College is a 2-year institution and one of three community colleges in Montana. MCC is home to five academic departments offering degree and certificate programs. To provide instruction in Montana’s biggest industry, MCC’s Agriculture...
Miles Community College is a wonderful place for students looking to begin their post-secondary education goals. The campus creates a sense of family by giving one-on-one special attention to students. Starting at MCC will allow you to receive help...
” – Lindsey from Columbus, MTLocated on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Aaniiih Nakoda College is a Native American tribal college in northern Montana. Although affiliated with the Reservation, Aaniiih Nakoda accepts both tribal and non-tribal students. With a mission of...
Located on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Chief Dull Knife College is a tribal community college in southeast Montana. CDKC offers degrees and certificates in 17 academic subjects. As an institution dedicated to the study of the Cheyenne...
Flathead Valley Community College is a 2-year institution with a main campus in the middle of the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana. FVCC’s two campuses serve a geographic region larger than the state of Massachusetts and are home to eight...
