College Costs in Big Sky, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Big Sky, Montana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$840
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Big Sky Overview
Population
32,624
Student Population
2,514 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
100.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Big Sky
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,708
Total After Financial Aid
$87,708
Annual Cost
$21,927
Annual After Aid
$21,927
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,708 |
| Monthly Payment | $996 |
| Total Interest | $31,801 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,509 |
Universities in Big Sky
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Big Sky State University | Public | $8,204 |
| Big Sky Community College | Community | $5,421 |
Big Sky has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Big Sky vs. National Average
| Category | Big Sky | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $840 | $1,050 | -$210 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.1 | 100 | +0.09999999999999432 |
Big Sky's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Big Sky
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,514 students
Big Sky has a total population of 32,624, with approximately 2,514 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Big Sky offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Big Sky
$43,122
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Big Sky earn a median starting salary of $43,122, which is $8,122 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,708 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,146 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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