State Hub

Colleges in Montana

CampusPin tracks 24 colleges in Montana — 14 universities and 10 community colleges. Compare tuition, acceptance, size, and setting to build a shortlist that fits.

Colleges tracked

24

Universities

14

Community colleges

10

Avg. in-state tuition

$9.1k

About college search in Montana

How Montana's higher-education landscape shapes a search

Montana’s public higher-education sector is consolidated into a single statewide system: the Montana University System (MUS), which includes two flagship-tier universities (the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman), several regional campuses, and tribal colleges. The University of Montana System and Montana State University System operate as two units within MUS, each with affiliated regional campuses. Several tribal colleges serve Native American communities across the state.

Two flagship-tier universities

The University of Montana (Missoula) and Montana State University (Bozeman) are the state’s two major public research universities.

Montana University System (MUS)

MUS consolidates the state’s public higher-education governance into a single system with multiple regional campuses under the U of M and Montana State umbrellas.

Tribal colleges

Montana hosts seven tribal colleges serving Native American communities, including Salish Kootenai College, Blackfeet Community College, and Stone Child College.

WUE reciprocity

Montana participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which may reduce out-of-state tuition for students from participating Western states.

Public university system

Montana University System (MUS)

MUS governs Montana’s public higher-education institutions under two main units: the University of Montana System (Missoula flagship and regional campuses) and Montana State University System (Bozeman flagship and regional campuses).

Community college network

Montana community colleges and two-year programs

Montana operates several community colleges (Flathead Valley CC, Dawson CC, Miles CC) plus two-year programs within MUS regional campuses.

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition

Montana in-state public tuition is in the lower-middle range nationally. Out-of-state rates are materially higher; WUE reciprocity reduces costs for students from participating Western states.

Top metros for college search

Where Montana's higher-education density concentrates

  • Missoula

    Missoula is the home of the University of Montana, the state’s broader public flagship.

  • Bozeman

    Bozeman is built around Montana State University, the state’s land-grant institution.

  • Billings

    Billings hosts Montana State University Billings and Rocky Mountain College (private).

  • Great Falls / Helena

    Great Falls hosts the University of Providence (private); Helena (state capital) hosts Carroll College (private) and Helena College.

West region overview

What students weigh when searching colleges in Montana

Across Montana (MT), CampusPin currently indexes 24 institutions: 18 public and 6 private, split between 14 universities and 10 community colleges. Students often deal with large geographic spread, strong public systems, and meaningful differences between urban, suburban, and remote options.

Compare travel distance and delivery format early so your list reflects how you would actually attend.
Use online and hybrid filters when geography is broad but schedule flexibility matters.
Review campus environment and support detail carefully because Western state searches can mix very different school contexts.

Browse by major

Montana colleges by program

Jump straight to Montana colleges and universities that offer a specific major. Each page compares tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment for that program across Montana.

Every college we track

Colleges and universities in Montana

Filter all Montana schools

How to use the Montana hub

Start with CampusPin results filtered to Montana so your first pass stays geographically focused.
Use school profiles to compare tuition, admissions, program format, and campus fit before building a shortlist.
If you are looking for lower-cost or transfer-first options, compare community colleges and four-year destinations separately.
Use blog guides and help-center content when you need stronger decision frameworks, not just more schools.

Next actions for Montana

Explore all colleges in MontanaView community colleges in MontanaView online programs in MontanaRead planning guides before you compare

Frequently asked questions

Questions families ask about colleges in Montana

Which is the public flagship university in Montana?
Montana has two flagship-tier universities: the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman. Each operates as a separate unit within the consolidated Montana University System.
How many HBCUs are in Montana?
Montana has no federally designated HBCUs. The state hosts seven tribal colleges that serve Native American communities.
How does the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) help Montana students?
WUE allows residents of Montana to enroll in selected programs at participating public universities in other Western U.S. states at 150% of in-state tuition — substantially lower than the standard out-of-state rate. Eligibility is program-specific; verify with the destination institution.

Related blog clusters

Guides that pair well with a Montana search

Cost and Financial Aid

College affordability, net price, aid interpretation, borrowing decisions, and budgeting guidance for students and families using CampusPin to compare higher-ed options with more discipline.

Community College

Community-college strategy, affordability, transfer readiness, and credential pathway content for students exploring two-year options through CampusPin.

College Search Strategy

Filter-first search strategy, shortlist building, and planning content for students and parents using CampusPin to discover best-fit colleges and universities.

Help Center

Workflow guides for students searching in Montana

Getting Started With CampusPin

A fast orientation to the CampusPin workflow, from your first search through profile review, pins, and next-step planning.

How to Use Filters to Narrow Your College List

A practical help article on how to use CampusPin filters without over-filtering or locking yourself into the wrong criteria too early.

How to Read a CampusPin School Profile

A guide to the major sections inside a CampusPin institution profile and how to interpret them effectively. Each page is designed to connect search intent to clearer next steps, internal links, and more defensible CampusPin decisions.