College Costs in Great Falls, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Great Falls, Montana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,884
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,298
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Great Falls Overview
Population
60,442
Student Population
5,238 (8.7%)
Cost of Living Index
113 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
32/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Great Falls
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,872
Total After Financial Aid
$116,872
Annual Cost
$29,218
Annual After Aid
$29,218
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,872 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,327 |
| Total Interest | $42,375 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,247 |
Universities in Great Falls
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Providence | Private | $26,000 |
| Great Falls College MSU | Community | $3,960 |
Great Falls has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Great Falls vs. National Average
| Category | Great Falls | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,884 | $10,940 | -$56 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,298 | $1,050 | +$248 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 100 | +13 |
Great Falls'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 Great Falls
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,238 students
Great Falls has a total population of 60,442, with approximately 5,238 college students (8.7% of the population). Great Falls has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Great Falls
$59,270
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Great Falls earn a median starting salary of $59,270, which is $24,270 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,872 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,657 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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