Stone Child College: $3,610 Tuition

$3,610Tuition

187Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$24,555Earnings

#15 in MontanaPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Stone Child College

Stone Child College serves the Chippewa Cree Tribe on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. This tribal college focuses on Native American studies and workforce development programs that connect to the community's needs. With just 187 students, it offers an intimate learning environment where traditional knowledge meets modern education.

The college charges $3,610 for tuition regardless of residency status. Students typically pay around $5,580 after aid, making it one of the most affordable options in Montana. However, graduates earn a median of $24,555 ten years after graduation, which reflects the rural economy and local job market. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body.

Women make up 71% of enrollment, which is common at tribal colleges nationwide. The student-faculty ratio stands at 11:1, ensuring personal attention from instructors. While the six-year graduation rate is 33%, the employment rate reaches 95%, suggesting graduates find work even if they don't complete degrees on traditional timelines. Most students stay close to home after graduation, with 90% coming from Montana initially.

Academics & Faculty

Stone Child College serves the Chippewa Cree Tribe with culturally grounded education programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this tight-knit academic community of 187 students. Native American studies anchors the curriculum, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary academic disciplines. The college emphasizes workforce development programs designed to address local economic needs on the Rocky Boy Reservation. Students receive intensive support, though the 23% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many tribal college students face balancing education with family and community responsibilities. Faculty work closely with students to preserve Chippewa Cree language and culture while preparing graduates for careers that serve their community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 59.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 23.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $24,555
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

With just 187 students, Stone Child College offers an intimate tribal college experience where everyone knows each other. The campus sits in rural Box Elder, Montana, about 150 miles north of Great Falls and 30 miles from the Canadian border. Students need heavy winter coats as temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February.

Women make up 70.59% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in education and health programs that serve the Chippewa Cree community. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and academic support comes naturally. With 90.24% of students from Montana, most commute from the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation rather than living on campus.

Weekend activities center around powwows, basketball games, and family gatherings that blend college and community life. Students often participate in traditional ceremonies and cultural events that connect academic learning with Chippewa Cree heritage. The employment rate of 94.7% reflects strong ties between coursework and local job opportunities, though median earnings of $24,555 after ten years show the economic challenges facing this remote region.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1984

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 9°–30°F
July Avg: 54°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.3"
Annual Snowfall: 34.6"

Student Demographics

Stone Child College draws students primarily from Montana, with 90% coming from in-state. Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong emphasis on education, health sciences, and social services programs that traditionally attract female students. The school serves a predominantly Native American population as a tribal college for the Chippewa Cree Tribe. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college fulfills its mission of providing affordable higher education to first-generation college students and families from the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation and surrounding communities.

Men: 29.4%
Women: 70.6%
White: 5.9%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 90.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.6%

Location

Box Elder sits in north-central Montana on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, roughly 100 miles from Great Falls. The nearest major city, Billings, lies about 250 miles southeast. This remote prairie community of fewer than 2,000 residents offers vast open landscapes and traditional Chippewa Cree cultural connections. With 90.24% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Montana's rural character. The college serves as an educational anchor for the reservation, where traditional powwows and cultural events mark the academic calendar. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers bring warm days perfect for outdoor activities. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Stone Child College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Box Elder, Montana 59521-9796

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $24,555
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,551
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $14,900

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Stone Child College?

Stone Child College has an open admission policy as a tribal college serving the Chippewa Cree Tribe. With just 187 students enrolled, the college focuses on providing accessible higher education to its community members. About 90% of students come from Montana, reflecting its mission to serve local tribal populations.

How much does Stone Child College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,580 annually after aid is applied. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition is set at $3,610, making it one of the most affordable college options available. Over 41% of students receive Pell Grants, helping to make education accessible to low-income tribal community members.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Stone Child College?

Stone Child College maintains an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing intimate classroom settings. The college specializes in Native American studies and workforce development programs that connect to tribal culture and community needs. This small environment allows for personalized attention in culturally relevant coursework.

What are the graduation rates at Stone Child College?

About 23% of students graduate within four years, while 33% complete their degrees within six years. Despite these modest completion rates, the college maintains a 95% employment rate for graduates. The institution prioritizes workforce development that directly serves the economic needs of the Chippewa Cree community.

Where is Stone Child College located?

The college sits in Box Elder, Montana, in a rural-remote setting on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. This location puts students at the heart of Chippewa Cree tribal lands. The remote setting creates a close-knit campus environment where 70% of students are women.

How much do Stone Child College graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $24,555 ten years after completing their programs. While these earnings may seem modest, they reflect the rural economy and the college's focus on community service roles. The college's mission centers on developing leaders who will contribute to tribal communities rather than maximizing individual income.