Montana College Costs 2026
Compare tuition at MT public universities, private schools, and community colleges. Estimate total costs with financial aid and loan payments.
Public Tuition
$7,600
Private Tuition
$27,800
Student Debt
$30,800
Starting Salary
$45,400
Cost Calculator
Loan Estimate
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$74,400
Total After Financial Aid
$74,400
Annual Cost
$18,600
Annual After Aid
$18,600
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $74,400 |
| Monthly Payment | $845 |
| Total Interest | $26,976 |
| Total Loan Cost | $101,376 |
Montana College Costs Overview
Montana is home to 6+ major colleges and universities offering diverse educational opportunities. The average in-state tuition at MT public universities is $7,600 per year, which is 31% below the national average of $10,940. When you add room and board ($11,000/year), the total annual cost of attending a public university in Montana reaches $18,600.
Private universities in Montana average $27,800 per year in tuition alone, making a 4-year private degree approximately $155,200 including room and board. For students seeking a more affordable path, Montana community colleges charge an average of just $4,200 per year, offering significant savings for the first two years before transferring to a four-year institution.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Montana
| Category | Annual Cost | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Public In-State Tuition | $7,600 | $30,400 |
| Public Out-of-State Tuition | $19,760 | $79,040 |
| Private University Tuition | $27,800 | $111,200 |
| Community College | $4,200 | $8,400 |
| Room & Board (all types) | $11,000 | $44,000 |
Out-of-state students at Montana public universities typically pay 2-3x the in-state rate. Establishing residency in MT before enrollment can save $48,640 over four years.
Top Colleges & Universities in Montana
PTop Public Schools
- •University of Montana — ~$7,600/yr (in-state)
- •Montana State University — ~$7,600/yr (in-state)
- •Montana Tech — ~$7,600/yr (in-state)
RTop Private Schools
- •Carroll College — ~$27,800/yr
- •Rocky Mountain College — ~$27,800/yr
- •University of Providence — ~$27,800/yr
Montana Financial Aid Programs
Montana offers the Montana University System Honor Scholarship ($4,000/year) for top graduates, the Governor's Postsecondary Scholarship, and the Montana Tuition Assistance Program (MTAP) for need-based aid.
Beyond state programs, Montana students can access federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for 2025-2026), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and federal work-study programs. Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility. Use our FAFSA EFC Calculator to estimate your expected family contribution.
Student Outcomes in Montana
47%
Graduation Rate
$45,400
Avg Starting Salary
$30,800
Median Student Debt
95
Cost of Living Index
The average college graduate in Montana earns $45,400 in their first year after graduation, with a cost of living index of 95 (the national average is 100). Montana's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced relationship between earnings and expenses. With a 47% graduation rate at public universities, students who choose Montana schools should leverage academic support resources and careful major selection to maximize their chances of completing their degree.
Tips for Reducing College Costs in Montana
- 1Start at a community college. At $4,200/year, completing your first two years at a MT community college before transferring can save $6,800 compared to starting at a public university.
- 2Apply for state financial aid early. Montana state aid programs have limited funding. File your FAFSA as soon as it opens on October 1 to maximize your eligibility.
- 3Earn credits in high school. AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs let you earn college credit before enrolling, potentially saving a full semester or more of tuition.
- 4Graduate on time. Each extra year costs $18,600 at a public school. Only 47% of students at MT public universities graduate in 4 years—plan your course schedule carefully.
- 5Consider living off-campus. Room and board averages $11,000/year. Off-campus housing or living at home can significantly reduce this expense depending on local rental markets.
Compare with Neighboring States
| State | Public Tuition | Room & Board | Student Debt | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (MT) | $7,600 | $11,000 | $30,800 | $45,400 |
| Idaho (ID) | $8,300 | $10,800 | $30,200 | $46,500 |
| Wyoming (WY) | $5,800 | $10,800 | $27,400 | $48,600 |
| North Dakota (ND) | $9,400 | $10,200 | $32,600 | $49,200 |
| South Dakota (SD) | $9,400 | $9,200 | $32,400 | $46,400 |
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