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.
Other Cities in Montana
Billings
5 colleges · Avg tuition $6,858
Missoula
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,654
Great Falls
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,884
Helena
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,523
Bozeman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Butte
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Kalispell
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Belgrade
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Havre
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Anaconda
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Miles City
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Evergreen
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Big Sky
How we compile Big Sky college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Big Sky institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Big Sky's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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