Montana which is popularly known as the “Big Sky Country” is well-known for its beautiful sceneries and landscapes. Montana provides residents with a high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living compared to many other parts of the country. This affordability makes Montana an attractive destination for individuals who love a slower pace of life and a close connection to nature.
In Montana, community colleges offer affordable education and job training. They offer a wide selection of programs and courses to provide students with affordable pathways to higher education and career success. Community colleges offer transferable associate degrees and career-focused vocational training, there is something for everyone regardless of your aspirations and needs.
In this article, we will explore the best community colleges in Montana and we will discuss the features that make them special and how they help students succeed. Join us as we learn more about the best community colleges in Montana and what they offer prospective students.
Community Colleges
Community colleges, also known as junior colleges or technical colleges, are institutions that offer a variety of post-secondary education and training programs. They offer programs that last two years after which graduates are awarded an associate degree or a certificate. Some community colleges even offer bachelor’s degrees.
Community colleges cater to individuals including recent high school graduates, adult learners who want to advance career-wise, those who need retraining, and individuals who want to gain specific vocational skills. They usually cost less than universities and four-year colleges accessible to a broader range of students.
In addition to academic programs, community colleges offer programs offers career courses, classes for adults who want to go back to school, etc. Overall, community colleges are important because they offer a quick path to entry-level jobs and financial freedom
Difference Between Community Colleges And Traditional Four -Year Colleges
Community colleges typically offer two-year associate degrees and vocational training programs, while traditional four-year colleges provide bachelor’s degrees and a wider range of academic programs.
Community colleges are often more affordable, have smaller class sizes, and offer more flexible scheduling options. Additionally, community colleges often serve as a bridge for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions.
Typical Programs Offered at Community Colleges
Community colleges offer a large variety of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, vocational training, workforce development initiatives, adult education, and continuing education courses. These programs cater to different types of students and provide flexible options for career advancement and skill development.
Below are the best community colleges in Montana.
Best Community Colleges in Montana
1. Little Big Horn College
LBHC established in 1980 offers open enrollment to individuals with a high school diploma or GED. Students who are interested in transferring to a four-year institution can choose from the many AA and AS programs offered by the college including popular fields like Crow studies, liberal arts, and information systems.
The college also offers seven certificates in areas such as agriculture and highway construction to meet industry demand. Students studying at LBHC enjoy access to the First-Year Experience Program which emphasizes essential academic skills like note-taking and time management. The Student Success Center is also available to tutor and help students explore internship opportunities within the local community.
Prospective students can join LBHC in the spring, summer, or fall semesters, and the Community Outreach Program actively recruits tribal members through informative seminars. Scholarships are available in both spring and fall and require a minimum 2.5 GPA.
2. Flathead Valley Community College
3. Helena College University of Montana
Helena College, located in Helena, Montana, was established in 1939. Today, more than 1,400 students attend Helena College and benefit from the many associate degrees and certificate programs offered there. First-year students can choose from 13 different areas of study like education, healthcare, and law. The college also offers online classes both via the part online and part in-person format.
The Student Support Center at Helena College offers 10 services to help students, like one-on-one advice about academics and transferring to another school. If students are not planning to get a bachelor’s degree, they can attend career workshops or get help with their resume.
First-time applicants are required to submit their ACT scores or take the ACCUPLACER test. There is no specific GPA needed to transfer credits. New students can benefit from one of the 40 scholarships offered at the college.
4. Great Falls College Montana State University
Great Falls College MSU, situated in Great Falls, Montana, was established to cater to prospective students seeking to transfer to Montana State University (MSU). The college offers various degree options including Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs, along with an Associate in Nursing and professional certificate programs. All transferable degrees adhere to the University of Montana core curriculum, enabling students in bachelor’s-completion programs to concentrate on their chosen majors.
Great Falls College MSU sets itself apart from other Montana community colleges by providing a virtual career coach. This service begins with a career assessment to identify students’ career aspirations. Using these results, students can develop their resumes, which are then critiqued by campus advisors. Additionally, the service offers specialized career-search tools tailored for veterans.
Prospective students can apply with either high school transcripts or GED scores. New students must also submit FAFSA results, complete an online orientation, and meet with an advisor for all new students. Students seeking financial assistance can explore numerous scholarship opportunities, with up to two dozen available annually.
5. Dawson Community College
Located in Glendive, Montana, and established in 1881, this college provides students with a variety of educational opportunities. Offering both one-year certificates and two-year associate degrees, the college caters to individuals seeking diverse career paths. Transfer programs offered at this college allow students to choose from over two dozen concentration options, including fields like chemistry, education, and pharmacy. Additionally, career and technical programs offer degrees and certificates in areas such as equitation, private security, and welding technology.
DCC prioritizes student success by providing access to tutoring resources at no extra cost. Students can schedule appointments to receive personalized support from knowledgeable faculty members. The college also offers counseling services to help students address challenges such as homesickness or grief that may affect their learning.
Prospective students, particularly recent high school graduates, are encouraged to submit SAT or ACT scores during the application process, with a preference for the ACT. DCC offers the lowest tuition rates for in-district and in-state students, and residents of certain areas in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming may also qualify for reduced tuition. Those interested in merit-based scholarships or need-based grants should apply by the February 1 deadline.
6. Stone Child College
Stone Child College (SCC) was founded in 1984 around the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation in Montana. Since its inception, this college has continuously offered educational opportunities to residents in and out of Montana. At SCC, students study a range of academic programs, including 18 associate degrees across five subjects and one bachelor’s degree program in elementary education. SCC also offers certificate programs designed to train professionals in fields such as carpentry, engineering, and rural health.
On campus, SCC hosts various student groups like the student government, the Native American Student Association, and the American Indian Business Leaders Club. The college also offers daycare services for students with young children. SCC delivers online courses via Moodle, it also offers many programs using the hybrid learning format for students seeking degrees.
SCC accepts new students throughout the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Native American applicants are required to submit a Certification of Indian Blood along with high school transcripts or GED scores. Tribal members demonstrating financial need or academic excellence may be eligible for scholarships or grants. Other financial aid opportunities are available without consideration of applicants’ racial or cultural backgrounds. SCC is located near the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation.
7. Fort Peck Community College
Fort Peck Community College (FPCC), located in northwest Montana in 1978. It is one of the best community colleges in Montana state, it serves members of the Assiniboine and Sioux Reservations as well as other residents of the state pursuing associate degrees or certificates.
The college offers certificates in fields such as diesel technology and truck driving, along with Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees that are transferable to four-year institutions, and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees focused on vocational and technical skills in high demand.
FPCC is actively involved in the local community, providing agricultural services to tribal members and offering continuing education courses covering diverse topics like hazmat training and grant writing. Additionally, the college offers free tribal language courses and specialized software for typing in the Dakota language.
Prospective students can apply for admission to FPCC in either the fall or spring semester. Those interested in scholarships and grants provided by the college only need to submit one financial aid application. Financial aid advisors are available to assist students in exploring both federal and private scholarship opportunities.
8. Chief Dull Knife College
CDKC located in the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was established in 1975. It is one of the best community colleges in Montana with about 300 students enrolled. This college offers academic programs such as associate degrees, which students can seamlessly transfer to the University of Montana, and certificate programs tailored to local job demands, such as mining.
Student support services at CDKC are comprehensive, covering academic advising, mental health counseling, transition assistance, and an affordable early childhood learning center for both faculty and students with children. While the college doesn’t provide on-campus housing, counselors aid students in locating suitable accommodation nearby.
Applications to CDKC are exclusively accepted via mail, where prospective students can submit either a high school diploma or GED scores. Although direct scholarships aren’t offered, CDKC guides students to various scholarship resources, including those specifically for Native American students.
9. Blackfeet Community College
Blackfeet Community College operates a campus in Browning campus which hosts about 500 students. It is a proud member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. Through its six academic departments, this college offers associate degrees and certificates, with sought-after programs including criminal justice and legal studies, hydrology, early childhood education, and academic offerings in the Piikani language.
BCC provides academic enhancement services, notably through the Federal TRIO Program, designed to support first-generation and low-income college students. TRIO offers technology assistance, one-on-one counseling to aid in completing the FAFSA, and guidance in researching scholarship opportunities.
First-time degree-seekers at BCC, commencing their programs within a year of high school graduation, are eligible for scholarships, providing substantial financial assistance. Scholarship recipients are required to participate in summer science institutes and engage in tutoring elementary school students in science subjects. Moreover, students aged 60 and above are exempt from tuition and fees.
Miles Community College
MCC, located in Montana, was established in 1978. Today, it offers programs geared towards both transfer to four-year institutions and immediate entry into the workforce. Transfer degrees align with the University of Montana’s 30-credit general education requirements for bachelor’s degrees.
For distance learners, MCC provides nine fully online programs, including an associate in general studies and a sales certificate. Moreover, the college offers short-term certificate courses lasting five or six weeks, tailored for working professionals.
Beyond academics, students at MCC have opportunities to connect through various student clubs and organizations, totaling 10 options. High-achieving students may qualify for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for community college attendees. Additionally, Christian students can engage in spiritual growth through MCC’s campus ministry.
Prospective students can apply for admission in the fall, spring, or summer terms, with MCC recommending the submission of ACT or SAT scores. Applying for financial aid by the February 1 deadline is essential for all incoming students. Those ineligible for scholarships still have access to on-campus work-study opportunities.
Most in-Demand Jobs in Montana
Montana’s economy is diverse with booming industries such as agriculture, mining, tourism, and technology, below are some of the most in-demand jobs in Montana State.
- Registered Nurses
- Truck Drivers
- Software Developers
- Construction Workers
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Welders
- Electricians
- Mechanical Engineers
- Elementary School Teachers
These jobs reflect a mix of healthcare, transportation, technology, construction, and education sectors, which are the most prominent industries in the state.
Cost of Attending Community Colleges in Montana
Attending community colleges in Montana is a more affordable option for higher education. Most community colleges offer in-state and out-of-state tuition which allows residents of Montana to pay a lower tuition fee than others who do not reside in the state. Students also have financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, and loans available to help offset these costs.
According to statistics from sources like the Montana University System, the average annual tuition and fees for full-time, in-state students at Montana’s community colleges range from approximately $3,000 to $5,000. These figures only prove that community colleges offer more affordable education and career training in Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Community Colleges in Montana
How Many Community Colleges Are There in Montana?
There are twelve community colleges in Montana, seven of which are tribal colleges namely:-
- Blackfeet Community College
- Chief Dull Knife College
- Fort Peck Community College
- Little Big Horn College
- Salish Kootenai College
- Stone Child College
- Aaniiih Nakoda College
- Miles Community College
Montana also has four public community colleges:-
- Dawson Community College
- Flathead Valley Community College
- Great Falls College Montana State University
- Helena College University of Montana
Are community colleges worth it?
Community colleges can be worth it for many students due to their affordability, transferability, flexible schedules, and career-focused programs. They provide valuable opportunities for higher education and career training at a lower cost.