College Costs in Butte, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Butte, 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
$585
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Butte Overview
Population
34,533
Student Population
2,642 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
88.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Butte
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$80,884
Total After Financial Aid
$80,884
Annual Cost
$20,221
Annual After Aid
$20,221
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $80,884 |
| Monthly Payment | $918 |
| Total Interest | $29,327 |
| Total Loan Cost | $110,211 |
Universities in Butte
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Butte State University | Public | $7,470 |
| Butte Community College | Community | $5,461 |
Butte has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Butte vs. National Average
| Category | Butte | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $585 | $1,050 | -$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5 |
Butte's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Butte
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,642 students
Butte has a total population of 34,533, with approximately 2,642 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Butte offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Butte
$23,402
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Butte earn a median starting salary of $23,402, which is -$11,598 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $80,884 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,496 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
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
Lockwood
1 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
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