College Costs in Billings, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Billings, Montana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,858
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,174
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,621
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Billings Overview
Population
119,510
Student Population
4,823 (4.0%)
Cost of Living Index
124 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
65/100
Transit Score
34/100
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
College Cost Calculator for Billings
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$99,228
Total After Financial Aid
$99,228
Annual Cost
$24,807
Annual After Aid
$24,807
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $99,228 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,127 |
| Total Interest | $35,978 |
| Total Loan Cost | $135,206 |
Universities in Billings
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Montana State University Billings | Public | $6,858 |
| Rocky Mountain College | Private | $33,174 |
| City College at MSU Billings | Community | $3,960 |
Billings has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Billings vs. National Average
| Category | Billings | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,858 | $10,940 | -$4,082 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,621 | $1,050 | +$571 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 100 | +24 |
Billings's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Billings
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,823 students
Billings has a total population of 119,510, with approximately 4,823 college students (4.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Billings offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Billings
$63,469
Starting Salary
6.2%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Billings earn a median starting salary of $63,469, which is $28,469 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $99,228 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,330 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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