Montana State University-Northern: $6,269 Tuition

$6,269Tuition

787Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,505Earnings

#4 in MontanaPublic4-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Montana State University-Northern

Montana State University-Northern sits in the small farming town of Havre, about 30 miles from the Canadian border. With just 787 students, this is one of Montana's smallest public universities, where everyone knows everyone else. The school built its reputation around hands-on programs in diesel technology, nursing, and education that prepare students for jobs right after graduation. About 86% of students come from Montana, creating a tight-knit community where professors actually remember your name.

The numbers tell a solid financial story. Students pay an average of $14,164 after aid, which is reasonable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $49,505 ten years after leaving, with typical debt of just $18,500. That works out to monthly loan payments of $196, which most graduates can handle on their starting salaries. The employment rate hits 98.4%, meaning nearly everyone finds work.

The small size shows up everywhere. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you get personal attention that's impossible at big universities. About 175 students play for the Lights and Skylights in 11 different sports at the NAIA level. The 42% six-year graduation rate reflects the fact that many students here are first-generation college students juggling work and family responsibilities while earning their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Montana State University-Northern focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. The school built its reputation around nursing, automotive technology, and diesel technology programs that connect directly to regional job markets. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide hands-on mentoring throughout their studies. However, the 35.6% four-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face balancing work and school in this rural setting. The university also offers teacher education and business programs designed for students who want to stay in northern Montana. Small class sizes mean students get individual attention, but academic support services are limited compared to larger universities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.3%
Retention Rate: 69.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,505
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$66,461
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,860
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Bachelor	$55,286
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$51,607
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$39,369
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$38,289
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$36,134
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$35,060
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$32,925

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Montana State University-Northern sits in Havre, a small town of about 9,000 people roughly 30 miles south of the Canadian border. You'll need serious winter gear here, as temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February, and snow can last from October into April. The campus houses 375 students in dorms, which means about 48% of the 787-person student body lives on campus. This creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone.

With 59% men and 41% women, the gender ratio reflects the school's strong programs in diesel technology, automotive, and agriculture. Weekend activities revolve around the 175 student athletes competing in 11 NAIA sports, particularly football and basketball games that draw much of the campus. Students often head to nearby Bear Paw Mountains for hiking and camping when weather permits. The closest major city is Great Falls, about 115 miles south, so campus life becomes the main social center. Many students work part-time jobs in town, contributing to the 98.4% employment rate among graduates.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 375 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–28°F
July Avg: 53°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 28.5"
Annual Snowfall: 59.6"

Student Demographics

Montana State University-Northern draws mostly Montana residents who want to stay close to home for college, with 86% coming from in-state. The student body skews male at 59%, which makes sense given the school's strong programs in diesel technology, automotive technology, and other hands-on fields that traditionally attract more men. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many working-class families from rural Montana communities. The small size of 787 students means everyone knows each other, creating a tight-knit community where students often come from similar small-town backgrounds across the state.

Men: 59.5%
Women: 40.5%
White: 68.6%
Black: 1.9%
Hispanic: 5.3%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 85.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.7%

Location

Montana State University-Northern sits in Havre, a small town of about 10,000 people in north-central Montana, roughly 115 miles from Great Falls and 30 miles south of the Canadian border. The campus serves 787 students in what feels like the middle of nowhere, surrounded by vast wheat fields and rolling prairie that stretches to the horizon. Havre itself revolves around agriculture, railroads, and the college, giving students a true small-town experience where everyone knows each other. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, and the nearest shopping mall is hours away. This remote setting appeals to students who want close faculty relationships and don't mind being far from city life. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Montana State University-Northern with similar schools in the region.

Address: Havre, Montana 59501

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,505
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,389
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Montana State University-Northern?

Montana State University-Northern maintains a 69.32% freshman retention rate, suggesting moderately selective admissions standards. The small enrollment of 787 students creates an intimate academic environment in the remote town of Havre. This public university primarily serves Montana residents, with 85.64% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Montana State University-Northern cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,164 annually, with in-state tuition at just $6,269. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median debt load is a manageable $18,500. The total cost of attendance reaches $14,695 including room and board at $7,026.

What is the academic experience like at Montana State University-Northern?

The university offers a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classes. Only 35.6% of students graduate within four years, though this reflects the school's focus on serving working students and non-traditional learners. The intimate campus setting allows professors to know students individually.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Montana State University-Northern?

Graduates earn a median salary of $49,505 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 98.4% employment rate. Monthly loan payments average just $196, making the education investment quite affordable. The 63.54% loan repayment rate indicates graduates generally find stable employment in their fields.

What is campus life like at Montana State University-Northern?

The campus houses 375 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With 175 student-athletes competing across 11 NAIA sports as the Lights and Skylights, athletics play a central role in campus culture. The male-majority student body (59.47%) reflects the university's strong programs in traditionally male-dominated fields.

What makes Montana State University-Northern unique among colleges?

This northern Montana institution serves one of the most geographically isolated college towns in America, sitting in remote Havre near the Canadian border. The university awards $700,921 in athletic scholarships despite its small size, demonstrating a strong commitment to sports programs. Its location attracts students seeking a true frontier college experience away from urban distractions.