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Urban Colleges in Montana

8 schools in Montana. See our methodology.

Carroll College stands out among Montana's urban institutions with a 66.3% graduation rate and $61,772 median earnings, significantly outpacing other schools in the state's cities. The private Helena college commands a $24,842 net price but delivers returns that justify the investment. Meanwhile, Great Falls College offers the most affordable path at just $10,632 annually. Montana's urban campuses serve 27,099 students across eight institutions, with acceptance rates ranging from 73.3% to 95.5%. These schools connect directly to Montana's economy, training workers for the state's growing healthcare sector, expanding technology companies, and established agricultural businesses. University of Montana in Missoula enrolls the most students at 7,079, while Montana State University in Bozeman produces graduates earning a median $53,263. The concentration of colleges in Helena, Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula reflects Montana's pattern of educational resources clustering around government centers, regional medical hubs, and economic anchors.
8
Schools
$17,762
Avg. Net Price
$47,493
Avg. Earnings
45.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Montana

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 14,472 $20,593 57.3%
2 City-Small 641 $14,455 41.5%
3 City-Small 828 $10,632 32.2%
4 City-Midsize 2,710 $15,044 28.2%
5 City-Small 1,052 $24,842 66.3%
6 City-Small 7,079 $17,118 45.4%
7 City-Midsize 790 $18,508 46.7%
8 City-Small 527 $20,907 46.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Carroll College worth its higher cost compared to other Montana urban schools?

Carroll College graduates earn $61,772 median income, nearly $8,500 more than Montana State University graduates despite similar net prices around $20,000-$24,000. The private college also maintains a 66.3% graduation rate, substantially higher than public alternatives.

How do acceptance rates vary among Montana's urban colleges?

University of Montana and University of Providence both accept over 95% of applicants, while Montana State University maintains the most selective admissions at 73.3%. Most urban Montana colleges accept between 75-80% of applicants, reflecting accessible higher education.

Is Great Falls College a viable option despite its low graduation rate?

Great Falls College's 32.2% graduation rate reflects its community college mission and open-access model rather than academic quality. At $10,632 net cost, it provides affordable workforce training with graduates earning $38,034 median income.

Does Montana State University Billings offer good value for students?

MSU Billings students pay $15,044 annually but face a concerning 28.2% graduation rate, the lowest among urban Montana colleges. However, graduates who complete programs earn $44,296 median income, reasonable for the investment level.

Where do most students attend college in Montana's urban areas?

Montana State University in Bozeman enrolls 14,472 students, making it the largest urban campus. University of Montana in Missoula follows with 7,079 students, while MSU Billings serves 2,710. Smaller colleges enroll between 527-1,052 students each.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.