College is often seen as a gateway to a successful career, but its importance goes far beyond just job prospects. A college education equips you with valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences that enrich your life in countless ways.
On the other hand, having a college degree might offer you a competitive advantage in the job market, particularly when competing for the highest-paying professions.
Defining the “absolute best” college in Montana can be tricky. The ideal school depends on your individual goals, learning style, and desired program focus.
If you’re seeking a well-rounded education with a prestigious journalism program, enrolling at one of the best colleges in Montana is a compelling contender to launch your academic journey. This article has all the information you need on the Best Colleges in Montana.
We have also outlined some of the benefits of a college degree in Montana, the cost of enrollment, admission requirements, and factors that might hinder your studies at one of the best colleges in Montana.
Best Colleges in Montana
We have put up a list of Montana’s top institutions to assist you in choosing where to further your education. We include details on entrance standards, course offerings, availability of online and hybrid programs, and financial aid prospects for each of the 10 colleges on our list.
All of the colleges below hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. See them below.
1. The University of Montana-Western
This public university is situated in Dillon, MT Undergraduates are expected to pay a tuition fee of $11305. Students and instructors form close relationships through this educational paradigm. The freedom to take part in research initiatives with faculty members and study abroad excursions is another perk for them.
Math, environmental sciences, equestrian studies, and business and technology are among the programs offered at Montana Western. Enrollment in online courses enhanced by on-campus seminars is also available to students through the university’s School of Outreach.
A GED or high school diploma is required for freshman candidates. They must also achieve one of the following academic benchmarks: a high school GPA of 2.5 or above, a composite ACT score of at least 22, a SAT score of at least 1120, or a ranking in the top half of their graduating class from high school.
2. Carroll College
This institution is located in Helena, MT with a tuition fee of $26636. Carroll College is a Catholic college with the mission of educating students for the workplace, lifelong study, and community service.
Students at the institution have the opportunity to study topics such as international relations, public health, anthrozoology, and strategic finance through a wide range of undergraduate programs. Carroll offers master’s degrees in accounting in a hybrid style, however, at this time it does not offer any online programs.
With 150 foreign exchange and service-learning programs available in nations like Uganda, New Zealand, and Mexico, the institution strongly encourages all of its students to take part. With students acting as professors, environmental campaigners, and employees of relief organizations, the experiences’ contents might differ greatly.
3. Montana State University
Located in Helena, Carroll College is a private Catholic liberal arts college known for its strong programs in the sciences, nursing, and engineering. It offers a personalized educational experience with small class sizes and a close-knit community. Students are to pay a tuition fee of $15411 for enrollment.
4. Montana Technological University
Montana Tech, located in Butte, is a public university specializing in engineering, science, and technical education. It offers hands-on learning experiences and is known for its strong engineering and computer science programs. However, during the enrollment process, candidates are to pay a tuition fee of $12104.
5. Rocky Mountain College (RMC)
Located in Billings, RMC is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including those in business, education, and the arts.
6. Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) –
FVCC, located in Kalispell, is a two-year community college offering associate degrees and vocational programs. It’s known for its strong programs in nursing, business, and outdoor recreation leadership. Note that if you wish to enroll at this prestigious university, you may need to pay a tuition fee of $20276.
7. Salish Kootenai College
Located in Pablo, MT, Students are to pay a tuition fee of $8686. With an educational program that incorporates elements of the Flathead Nation’s history and culture, Salish Kootenai College primarily provides services to Native American students.
Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration, early childhood education, forest management, and social work are awarded by the institution, which also offers programs in tribal government and historic preservation. Students enrolled in certificate programs also have access to professional development resources, such as bookkeeping software.
There are several support services available to learners at SKC. The career services section of the institution arranges internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities for students based on their academic and professional interests.
A placement exam is required for applicants who have not taken the ACT or who have less than 30 transferable college credits. Before beginning a degree program, students who fail this test might need to finish developmental courses.
8. University of Providence
University of Providence, a Catholic university in Great Falls, has majors in surgical technology, forensic science, and addiction therapy. Advanced training in criminal justice, healthcare management, and counseling is also offered via the university’s graduate programs. With a tuition fee of $19367, one can enroll at the University of Providence.
Over 12 completely online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs are available to students who need to combine their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
Every UP undergraduate student, regardless of major, completes a set of foundational courses known as “Lumen de Lumine.” Students can study a variety of liberal arts disciplines, develop their critical thinking and debating abilities, and engage with ethical and theological issues with the support of this fundamental curriculum.
ACT or SAT scores, as well as high school transcripts, are required for first-year candidates. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is usually required for graduate study.
9. Montana State University Billings
Montana State University Billings (MSUB), located in Billings, Montana, is a public university offering a strong foundation in various disciplines. While not as large as its namesake Montana State University in Bozeman, MSUB provides a student-centered learning environment with a focus on career preparation.
Students at MSU Billing gain from individualized academic advising, tutoring and writing aid, and career counseling whether they want to study in person or virtually.
You must send your high school transcripts and ACT or SAT results with your application if you’re a first-year student. Typically, candidates for graduate programs also need to submit a personal essay and three recommendation letters.
10. Montana State University-Northern
Located in Havre, Montana, Montana State University-Northern provides its students with the education and training necessary to pursue successful jobs. The typical MSUN graduate makes around $31,000 a year after graduation, which is $11,000 higher than the median wage at all other four-year colleges in the state.
In fields including graphic design, automotive technology, civil engineering technology, and health promotion, MSUN students can obtain associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
A GED or high school diploma is required for admission. Additionally, prospective students who are younger than 21 years old need to submit their ACT or SAT results. A tuition charge of $10217 is required of candidates. In addition to receiving savings on in-state tuition, prospective students are eligible for many merit-based scholarships.
Benefits of a College Degree in Montana
Obtaining a college degree in Montana can offer numerous benefits, both in terms of personal and professional development, as well as in the broader context of contributing to the state’s economy and community. Here are several benefits of earning a college degree in Montana:
1. Increased Job Opportunities
Gaining a college degree greatly increases your employment opportunities. A bachelor’s degree is usually required for many well-paying and rewarding occupations. Opportunities abound for college graduates in Montana in sectors including healthcare, technology, education, and natural resources.
2. Higher Earning Potential
Throughout a lifetime, people with college degrees often make a lot more money than people without one. This is true for several industries in Montana, including business, engineering, healthcare, and education.
3. Networking Possibilities
Montana’s universities and colleges offer fantastic networking chances. Through alumni networks, internship programs, career fairs, and campus activities, students may establish connections with people in their fields of interest, which can lead to future employment prospects.
4. Personal Growth
College is a time of personal growth and self-discovery. Living away from home, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and engaging in extracurricular activities help develop independence, social skills, and a broader worldview.
5. Contributing to Montana’s Workforce
By obtaining a college degree, you contribute to Montana’s skilled workforce. This, in turn, attracts businesses and industries to the state, fostering economic growth and development.
Wrapping up, I guess this information is detailed enough to satisfy your quest for the best college in Montana. All things put together, don’t forget to also visit this web page for more fresh insights.