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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Montana

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

Montana State University-Northern delivers the state's most affordable Liberal Arts education at just $14,164 net cost, nearly $7,000 less than the next cheapest option. While earnings for humanities graduates range from $21,052 to $43,993 across Montana schools, the state's growing tourism industry creates opportunities for Liberal Arts graduates in cultural interpretation, museum work, and heritage tourism management. Eight programs serve students across Big Sky Country, with public institutions charging in-state tuition between $6,269 and $8,152.
8
Programs
$14,164 – $20,907
Net Price Range
$30,190
Avg. Program Earnings
46.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide gap in net costs between Montana Liberal Arts programs?

Public universities charge between $14,164 and $20,593 net cost, while private institutions like Rocky Mountain College and University of Providence reach $18,508 to $20,907. The difference narrows because private schools offer substantial aid packages, with Rocky Mountain College's net cost falling $14,744 below its $33,252 sticker price.

How do graduation rates compare across Montana's Liberal Arts programs?

Montana Technological University leads with a 58.1% graduation rate, followed by Montana State University at 57.3%. However, the most affordable option, Montana State University-Northern, maintains a respectable 42.3% rate despite serving a different student population in rural Havre.

Does location affect earning potential for Liberal Arts graduates in Montana?

Billings-based Montana State University Billings reports the highest graduate earnings at $43,993, more than double the $21,052 earned by University of Montana graduates. The difference likely reflects Billings' role as Montana's largest city and economic center, offering more varied career opportunities.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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Related

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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.