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Cheapest Biology Colleges in Montana

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Montana State University-Northern delivers the state's most affordable biology program at just $14,164 annually, creating a $10,678 savings compared to Carroll College's $24,842 price tag. This cost advantage matters in Montana's evolving job market, where biology graduates increasingly support the state's growing agricultural technology sector and conservation research initiatives. Nine Montana colleges offer biology programs with graduation rates spanning from 28% to 66%, reflecting the varied academic approaches across the Big Sky State.
9
Programs
$14,164 – $24,842
Net Price Range
$23,596
Avg. Program Earnings
48.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,164 $6,269 42.3%
2 $15,044 $6,706 28.2%
3 $16,240 $8,050 58.1% 89.5%
4 $16,669 $6,430 49.5% 36.3%
5 $17,118 $8,152 45.4% 95.4%
6 $18,508 $33,252 46.7% 75.2%
7 $20,593 $8,083 57.3% 73.3%
8 $20,907 $29,018 46.7% 95.5%
9 $24,842 $40,352 66.3% 78.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap among Montana biology programs?

Graduation rates range from Montana State University Billings at 28% to Carroll College at 66%, a 38-percentage-point difference. Factors include institutional resources, student support services, and varying admission selectivity, with some schools like University of Montana-Western accepting just 36% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.

How do public versus private biology programs compare in Montana?

Public institutions dominate the affordable end, with six of the seven cheapest programs costing under $17,200 annually. Private colleges like Rocky Mountain College and University of Providence charge significantly more but often provide smaller class sizes, with Montana's low population density already ensuring relatively intimate learning environments across all institutions.

Does earning potential vary significantly among Montana biology graduates?

Early career earnings range from $16,293 at Carroll College to $28,960 at University of Providence, creating a $12,667 salary difference. Montana's agricultural and environmental sectors offer varied career paths, from research positions supporting the state's $4.6 billion agriculture industry to conservation roles managing its extensive public lands.

More Biology, General Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.