College Costs in Colstrip, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Colstrip, 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
$1,350
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Colstrip Overview
Population
40,584
Student Population
2,461 (6.1%)
Cost of Living Index
97.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Colstrip
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,528
Total After Financial Aid
$82,528
Annual Cost
$20,632
Annual After Aid
$20,632
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,528 |
| Monthly Payment | $937 |
| Total Interest | $29,923 |
| Total Loan Cost | $112,451 |
Universities in Colstrip
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Colstrip State University | Public | $7,829 |
| Colstrip Community College | Community | $5,848 |
Colstrip has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Colstrip vs. National Average
| Category | Colstrip | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,350 | $1,050 | +$300 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.3 | 100 | -2.700000000000003 |
Colstrip's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Colstrip
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,461 students
Colstrip has a total population of 40,584, with approximately 2,461 college students (6.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Colstrip offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Colstrip
$36,218
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~68 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Colstrip earn a median starting salary of $36,218, which is $1,218 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,528 (including room and board), it would take approximately 68 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,114 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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