College Costs in Whitefish, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Whitefish, 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
$924
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Whitefish Overview
Population
8,032
Student Population
1,890 (23.5%)
Cost of Living Index
102.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Whitefish
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,728
Total After Financial Aid
$86,728
Annual Cost
$21,682
Annual After Aid
$21,682
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,728 |
| Monthly Payment | $985 |
| Total Interest | $31,445 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,173 |
Universities in Whitefish
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Whitefish State University | Public | $7,058 |
| Whitefish Community College | Community | $5,156 |
Whitefish has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Whitefish vs. National Average
| Category | Whitefish | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $924 | $1,050 | -$126 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.2 | 100 | +2.200000000000003 |
Whitefish's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Whitefish
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,890 students
Whitefish has a total population of 8,032, with approximately 1,890 college students (23.5% of the population). As a major college town, Whitefish offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Whitefish
$29,595
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Whitefish earn a median starting salary of $29,595, which is -$5,405 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,728 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,848 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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