College Costs in Bigfork, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Bigfork, 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
$894
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Bigfork Overview
Population
5,253
Student Population
608 (11.6%)
Cost of Living Index
101.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Bigfork
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,480
Total After Financial Aid
$85,480
Annual Cost
$21,370
Annual After Aid
$21,370
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,480 |
| Monthly Payment | $971 |
| Total Interest | $30,993 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,473 |
Universities in Bigfork
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bigfork State University | Public | $7,627 |
| Bigfork Community College | Community | $5,741 |
Bigfork has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bigfork vs. National Average
| Category | Bigfork | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $894 | $1,050 | -$156 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.3 | 100 | +1.2999999999999972 |
Bigfork's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Bigfork
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
608 students
Bigfork has a total population of 5,253, with approximately 608 college students (11.6% of the population). Bigfork has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bigfork
$36,380
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~62 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bigfork earn a median starting salary of $36,380, which is $1,380 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,480 (including room and board), it would take approximately 62 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,066 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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