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Rural Colleges in Montana

7 schools in Montana. See our methodology.

Montana's seven tribal colleges serve rural communities with remarkably affordable education, where net costs range from just $2,449 at Fort Peck Community College to $11,811 at Aaniiih Nakoda College. Salish Kootenai College in Pablo leads with a 35.2% graduation rate and graduates earning $32,725 annually, while serving 568 students across western Montana's Flathead Reservation. These institutions connect directly to Montana's economy through programs in natural resources, agriculture, and cultural preservation. Aaniiih Nakoda College maintains strong outcomes despite enrolling only 108 students, achieving a 32.4% graduation rate in rural Harlem. The colleges support Montana's growing sectors including sustainable agriculture and tourism while preserving Native American languages and traditions. Small class sizes reflect Montana's low population density, with most schools enrolling fewer than 350 students. Graduates enter fields critical to rural Montana communities, from healthcare and education to environmental management and tribal governance.
7
Schools
$7,639
Avg. Net Price
$23,819
Avg. Earnings
22.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Montana

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Distant 568 $9,002 35.2%
2 Rural-Remote 108 $11,811 32.4%
3 Rural-Remote 187 $5,580 32.5%
4 Rural-Remote 339 $8,715 10.8%
5 Rural-Remote 426 $2,449 15.9%
6 Rural-Remote 240 $6,319 7.7%
7 Rural-Remote 226 $9,594

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Salish Kootenai College stand out among Montana's tribal institutions?

Salish Kootenai College achieves the highest graduation rate at 35.2% while maintaining Montana's largest tribal college enrollment of 568 students. Graduates earn $32,725 annually, the strongest post-graduation earnings among the state's seven tribal colleges, reflecting strong connections to regional employers.

How affordable are these rural Montana colleges compared to traditional universities?

Net costs range from an extremely low $2,449 at Fort Peck Community College to $11,811 at Aaniiih Nakoda College. Even the highest cost remains well below typical state university expenses, with most schools charging under $10,000 annually after financial aid.

Where do graduates typically find employment after completing programs?

Graduates enter Montana's key rural sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, and natural resource management. Earnings range from $14,747 to $32,725, with many finding positions in tribal government, local school districts, and Montana's growing sustainable agriculture and ecotourism industries.

Does enrollment size affect graduation success at these institutions?

Small enrollments often correlate with better outcomes. Aaniiih Nakoda College serves only 108 students but maintains a 32.4% graduation rate, while Stone Child College's 187 students achieve 32.5% graduation rates. Personal attention appears to benefit rural student success.

What academic programs align with Montana's rural economy?

Programs focus on Montana's core industries including agricultural sciences, natural resource management, early childhood education, and healthcare. Many colleges offer specialized training in environmental science and cultural preservation, preparing graduates for careers supporting Montana's 56 rural counties and tribal communities.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.