Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Montana

Stone Child College offers the most affordable teacher education program in Montana at just $5,580 net cost, while Carroll College charges $24,842 for similar training. This $19,262 gap reflects the stark divide between tribal colleges serving Native communities and private institutions. Montana's rural school districts actively recruit teachers who understand small-town dynamics and agricultural calendars, making locally-trained educators particularly valuable. Graduates earn between $30,409 and $40,017 annually, with Rocky Mountain College producing the highest earners despite charging $18,508 in net costs. The state's teacher shortage in remote areas creates immediate job opportunities for new graduates willing to work in communities of fewer than 1,000 residents.

Programs

$5,580 – $24,842

Net Price Range

$33,496

Avg. Program Earnings

45.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Stone Child College Box Elder, Montana	$5,580	$3,610	32.5%
2	Salish Kootenai College Pablo, Montana	$9,002	$4,311	35.2%
3	Montana State University-Northern Havre, Montana	$14,164	$6,269	42.3%
4	Montana State University Billings Billings, Montana	$15,044	$6,706	28.2%
5	The University of Montana-Western Dillon, Montana	$16,669	$6,430	49.5%	36.3%
6	The University of Montana Missoula, Montana	$17,118	$8,152	45.4%	95.4%
7	Rocky Mountain College Billings, Montana	$18,508	$33,252	46.7%	75.2%
8	Montana State University Bozeman, Montana	$20,593	$8,083	57.3%	73.3%
9	University of Providence Great Falls, Montana	$20,907	$29,018	46.7%	95.5%
10	Carroll College Helena, Montana	$24,842	$40,352	66.3%	78.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes tribal colleges like Stone Child and Salish Kootenai the cheapest options?

Stone Child College costs just $5,580 net annually while Salish Kootenai charges $9,002, both significantly lower than state universities. These tribal colleges receive federal funding specifically for Native American education and prioritize affordability for their communities.

How do graduation rates compare across Montana's teacher education programs?

Carroll College leads with a 66.3% graduation rate, followed by Montana State University at 57.3%. In contrast, Montana State University Billings graduates only 28.2% of students despite charging relatively low costs at $15,044 net.

Is Rocky Mountain College worth the higher cost for teacher training?

Rocky Mountain College graduates earn $40,017 annually, the highest among Montana teacher education programs, while charging $18,508 net cost. This represents a strong return on investment compared to University of Montana graduates who earn just $30,409 despite similar program costs.

Where do Montana teacher education graduates find the best job opportunities?

Rural Montana districts face severe teacher shortages, with some offering signing bonuses up to $5,000 for new educators. The state's 832 public schools serve widely scattered communities, creating consistent demand for teachers trained in multi-grade instruction.

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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.