College Costs in Shelby, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Shelby, 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
$930
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Shelby Overview
Population
3,376
Student Population
2,057 (60.9%)
Cost of Living Index
95.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Shelby
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,568
Total After Financial Aid
$86,568
Annual Cost
$21,642
Annual After Aid
$21,642
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,568 |
| Monthly Payment | $983 |
| Total Interest | $31,387 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,955 |
Universities in Shelby
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby State University | Public | $7,204 |
| Shelby Community College | Community | $4,939 |
Shelby has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Shelby vs. National Average
| Category | Shelby | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $930 | $1,050 | -$120 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.6 | 100 | -4.400000000000006 |
Shelby's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Shelby
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,057 students
Shelby has a total population of 3,376, with approximately 2,057 college students (60.9% of the population). As a major college town, Shelby offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Shelby
$35,940
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~92 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Shelby earn a median starting salary of $35,940, which is $940 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,568 (including room and board), it would take approximately 92 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,138 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Montana
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $6,858
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,654
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,884
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,523
Bozeman
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Butte
2 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
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