College Costs in Plains, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Plains, 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
$1,260
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Plains Overview
Population
25,541
Student Population
2,138 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
100.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Plains
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,132
Total After Financial Aid
$85,132
Annual Cost
$21,283
Annual After Aid
$21,283
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,132 |
| Monthly Payment | $967 |
| Total Interest | $30,867 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,999 |
Universities in Plains
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Plains State University | Public | $7,812 |
| Plains Community College | Community | $5,614 |
Plains has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Plains vs. National Average
| Category | Plains | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,260 | $1,050 | +$210 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.4 | 100 | +0.4000000000000057 |
Plains's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Plains
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,138 students
Plains has a total population of 25,541, with approximately 2,138 college students (8.4% of the population). Plains has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Plains
$30,917
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Plains earn a median starting salary of $30,917, which is -$4,083 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,132 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,283 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Montana
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