Best Colleges in Montana

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Montana

Montana's economy is on solid ground. Its unemployment is currently tracking evenly with the national average at 3.7%, and the outlook is good. Montana is ripe for growth in technology, tourism, agriculture, and natural resource extraction. The state is putting resources towards innovation, including entrepreneurial training programs, expanding financing opportunities, and more.

Cost of Montana College Education & Salaries

Education is expensive, so it's important to do a cost analysis prior to enrolling in a school. In order to gain a full grasp of the issue, you first need to determine what career path you wish to pursue, and its starting, or average salary. Once you have that information, you can begin to look at the financial reality of the situation.

With a firm grasp on your career intentions, you can assess the colleges that will help you build a foundation to support those dreams. You might find several schools that offer the degree you need, and you'll see that their fees have a range. Assess the top schools' tuition rates versus how much their alumni have been earning.

You should also consider restraining your first-choice schools to those where you can pay in-state tuition. Since you are in Montana, you can choose public universities in Washington, the Dakotas, Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, and any state that is part of the WICHE region. Though other states may charge more, or less, for their in-state students, you will avoid the exorbitant out-of-state fees you'd find in another state. In a non-WICHE state, you might pay three times the in-state tuition.

It's also beneficial to look at how a community college can play a role in your education. You can complete most of your core curriculum for a reduced price and receive equal instruction. Review the requirements for your major and for your intended alma mater's core curriculum to determine what classes you should take at a community college. Be certain that your courses will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice so that you don't have to pay for the same course again.

Finally, consider adding scholarships and grants to your payment scheme. There are many scholarships that go unclaimed every year. They might not offer more than, say, $500, but every little bit helps. Also consider whether or not you could participate in federal loan forgiveness programs. To qualify, you will likely need to work in the non-profit or public sector until you have worked off your debt. However, you'll gain valuable experience while never paying a cent of interest on your loans.

Search Programs Offering Montana Majors

Scholarships for Montana College Students

Scholarships and Grants can be a huge help when it comes time to pay tuition, course fees, and your book bill. There are even some scholarships that you can apply towards travel or room and board. Though many only pay a small fraction of a year's bill, you can always put the award on your resume.

MBAS

Montana Broadcasters Association Scholarships

Amount: varies
Deadline: February 28
http://www.mtbroadcasters.org/broadcasting-careers/scholarships
If you have an interest in broadcasting, the MBA offers a wide range of scholarships. You must be majoring in journalism, broadcasting, media, advertising, engineering, or some related field, have exemplary academic qualifications, and perhaps experience in the field. Some of their scholarships are region-specific, while others focus on students from diverse backgrounds. Check their website for more.

MACPA

Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants Helena Chapter - Scholarships

Amount: $1,000 (7 Awards)
Deadline: March 18
https://www.montana.cpa/scholarships
Though this scholarship is open to any accounting student, preference is given to members of the Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants Helena Chapter. You must be an accounting major, or graduate student, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Qualifying accounting programs can be found at: MSU Billings, Carroll College, MSU Bozeman, University of Montana, and Montana Tech.

HAMS

Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship

Amount: $10,000
Deadline: October 25
https://www.dpwfoundation.org/scholarships-programs/horatio-alger-montana-undergraduate-scholarship-program/
To qualify, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater, demonstrate financial need, and show interest and experience in community service. Students should also show how they have overcome obstacles and still have managed to thrive. The Horatio Alger Award seeks students of integrity, moral character, and determination.

LWAFWCS

Lawrence W. and Francis W. Cox Scholarship

Amount: Various
Deadline: February 10
https://www.asce.org/career-growth/awards-and-honors/scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to an engineering student who is working on an ABET-accredited program. The funds, the amount of which is determined each year, will be credited to your student account to cover tuition or related expenses.