Best Colleges in Montana of 2024

Montana State University, the largest public university in the state, offers undergraduate students the choice of bachelor's degrees in 60 fields in addition to dozens of master's and doctoral degree options. MSU is particularly known for its marketing, nursing, and mechanical engineering programs. Its location in the Rocky Mountains provides for some prime skiing opportunities as well as access to unique research programs (such as the Center for Bison and Wildlife Health). Ranked among the top universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2021 annual college guide, this university is renowned nationwide for its high level of research engagement and funding.

Carroll College, the top private school in Montana, is a Catholic four-year university that offers more than 35 majors. Owing to their consistent record of excellence, Carroll College has enjoyed national attention for both academics and athletics. Though located in the state capital, Carroll College is not far from beautiful wilderness, campgrounds, and ski slopes. The influence of Montana's natural landscapes is reflected in Carroll's emphasis on its biology department, which has discovered multiple new native species. Other notable programs include Carroll's majors in civil engineering, nursing, and mathematics. As a result of Carroll College's emphasis on their degree offerings in the sciences, many alumni go on to medical and dental school after graduating.

Another excellent Montana public university, University of Montana Western is a part of the University of Montana system. UMW is a four-year college located in rural Montana with degree plan options in 11 departments. Because of its relatively small student body compared to other public universities, UMW boasts an average class size of 16, which gives students the opportunity to more easily connect with faculty and peers alike. Although the major in business administration and management is most popular among UMW students, the university's program in early childhood education and teaching attracts many undergraduate students interested in education. For students looking for a quality public university education at a reasonable price, UMW is an excellent option.

The University of Montana offers degrees to both undergraduate and graduate students. U of M is the flagship university in the University of Montana school system and has the largest student enrollment at over 10,000 individuals. The university's programs in business management and biology/biomedical systems have attracted national renown; however, the University of Montana is also known for its flourishing visual and performing arts programs. Academic life at the University of Montana is bolstered by a rigorous research environment throughout multiple disciplines. Students at U of M have options for extracurricular activities, with over 200 choices of clubs and organizations including 15 excellent sports teams for men and women. Students may also appreciate the campus' location in Missoula, a thriving college town.

Located in the city of Butte, Montana Technological University specializes in science and technology degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The most popular majors for MTU students are engineering, nursing, and occupational health and industrial hygiene. There are many research opportunities across disciplines for students of all levels due to internal funding opportunities and international partnerships. Initially founded as the Montana School of Mines in 1900, MTU's continued commitment to trade education is reflected in the number of certification programs available. Students can pursue an associate degree in fields such as construction technology and civil engineering and be ready to begin employment in just two years.

Rocky Mountain College is a liberal arts university located in Billings. WIth an estimated enrollment of 839 students, RMC offers a small but intimate academic community. Though the university has had historical ties with the United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church, and the United Methodist Church, students of all faith backgrounds or of no faith background are welcomed in this small university community. RMC's program in aviation is a unique offering for students interested in pursuing careers in commercial airlines or piloting. Other notable features of RMC include their Institute for Peace Studies and their extensive outreach to Native American communities in Montana and nationwide.

The northernmost option on the list, Montana State University Northern is located approximately 45 miles from the Canadian border. With a variety of degree offerings in nursing, engineering, business, mechanical technology, and the humanities, students of MSU Northern can explore their passion regardless of their interests. MSU Northern is the best option for exchange students in Montana; as part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, MSU Northern offers students from qualifying states the opportunity to attend MSU Northern without paying the higher out-of-state tuition. Additionally, MSU Northern prides itself on providing students opportunities for economic mobility by offering scholarship programs, research opportunities, service outreach programs, and an alumni network.

The University of Providence is a Catholic liberal arts university with degrees in 11 undergraduate majors. Located between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, students of U of P have plenty of opportunities to explore the Montana wilderness outside of campus. Students do not need to be a practicing Catholic to attend U of P (the majority of students are not), but the intellectual traditions of the Catholic church are embedded in all aspects of campus life. U of P partners with Providence Health to provide students studying the health sciences the chance for hands-on experience in the healthcare industry while they pursue their degrees.

Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Montana, is a private tribal land grant college established to serve the Selis, Ksanka, and Qlispe' peoples as well as other Native American communities across the United States. Particularly interested in cultural preservation, Salish Kootenai seeks to impact Native communities through community outreach and research. Salish Kootenai College is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, an entity that seeks to improve the lives of Native Americans throughout the country. In addition to a robust offering of career certification programs and bachelor's degrees in the sciences, Salish Kootenai offers humanities degrees in Native American Studies, fine arts, liberal arts, and others.

Montana State University Billings is the third largest university in Montana according to enrollment. There are dozens of bachelor's and master's degrees for students to choose from in addition to numerous student organizations and athletic teams. Even though MSU Billings is located in Montana's biggest city, the low student-to-faculty ratio makes this university feel like a small liberal arts college with a tight-knit cohort of students. In comparison with similar four-year programs in the state, MSU Billings alumni earn an average of $4,500 more per year than alumni of other Montana universities. MSU also offers a distance learning program, MSUB Online, and City College at MSUB, a two-year extension campus that offers many career certifications.