University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Montana.
Montana is a state of great big skies and great colleges and universities. Despite a sparse population, there are colleges and universities to suit any academic need. You can study at a major research university or a smaller liberal arts college, and anything in-between. Since Montana is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), you can even attend public colleges and universities in other cooperating states without incurring out-of-state tuition. If you only consider the addition of Washington State and California, you're already including a huge number of extra opportunities. Even if Montana does not currently support your academic goals, being a Montanan allows you access to absolutely any major or concentration you can think of.
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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Montana?
Montana's most popular bachelor's degrees track pretty well with what students are demanding elsewhere in the United States' economy. You can see a definite Montanan flavor, though, when you consider that Land Use Planning is an area of intense study for the state's students. The state's students are also interested in Health Sciences, communication, and business, all of which are ably covered by universities in the state.
Not only are the most popular majors available, however. Montana colleges and universities offer a broad spectrum for eager minds. Seek out the field of study that speaks to you the strongest. Even if you don't see a clear career path stemming from a degree, remember that people rarely end up with careers that directly reflect their majors. Here are Montana's top five majors:
The top degrees in Montana include:
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
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.
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Top Business Careers and Salaries
Career Name | Number of Jobs | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Cost Estimators | 1,040 | $56,800 |
Sales Managers | 310 | $61,600 |
Industrial and Production Managers | 160 | $72,400 |
Logistician | 170 | $66,700 |
Construction Managers | 730 | $78,000 |
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Cost Estimators:
Before any major construction project can break ground, there must be a budget that covers the materials, permits, insurance, and labor costs. Your job will be to aggregate all of those costs and create an overall estimated cost. -
Sales & Business Managers:
After you have established a strong sales practice you might decide to move into sales management. You will train and motivate a sales team to produce numbers that exceed expectations quarter after quarter. -
Industrial and Production Managers:
As Montana continues to grow, demand for experts in manufacturing and production will be in demand. You might consider a minor in industrial engineering to inform your managerial acumen. -
Logistician:
Sometimes called Supply Chain Managers, this field is increasingly important, especially in Montana where you’ll have to import or export goods over very large distances, often in inclement weather. -
Construction Managers:
This profession will find you working with engineers, architects, and laborers on a daily basis. You should have a firm grasp of construction budgets, leadership, and all the details that are involved in constructing a new building. -
Accountants:
In accounting, financial transactions are recorded relating to a business. These transactions are summarized, analyzed, and reported to oversight agencies, tax collection entities, and regulators during the accounting process.
Top Health Sciences Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Occupational Therapist | 370 | $66,600 |
Physical Therapist | 1,150 | $71,500 |
Radiology Technician | 840 | $48,300 |
Registered Nurse | 10,310 | $65,500 |
Nurse Practitioner | 620 | $97,600 |
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Occupational Therapist:
Despite what you might think, the role of an Occupational Therapist is not to help people overcome their fear of work. Rather, they help people overcome a wide range of difficulties so that they can live their best lives. This can include surmounting dementia or mental illness and recovery from disease or injury. -
Physical Therapist:
Mobility is the key word to you as a Physical Therapist. PTs help people recover from injury, stroke, and illness. You might help a person develop their abilities with crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair. You might also help someone re-learn how to walk or use their hands after a stroke. -
Radiology Technician:
As a Radiology Technician, doctors will rely on your work to make proper diagnoses. You will take pictures of people's bones and organs using MRIs, CT scans, and PET scanners, among other diagnostic tools. With your help, doctors can provide early diagnosis and save lives. -
Registered Nurse:
RNs are the backbone of any hospital. When you complete your RN training, you will find that it's a very diversified field, where you can work with a wide range of patients. Every day will offer great challenges and rewards, too. -
Nurse Practitioner:
To help meet the growing demand for healthcare, Nurse Practitioners have arisen to take on many of the duties doctors fulfill. You will be able to do many of the things doctors do, including diagnose illness and prescribe medications. However, you will be operating under the license of an MD, which will somewhat limit your pay, but alleviates you of ultimate responsibility. -
Healthcare Administrators:
Healthcare administrators help with strategic planning, preparing budgets, risk management, and marketing to keep the facilities operations running smoothly. There are many skills that are necessary to become a successful healthcare administrator.
Top Land Use Planning and Management/Development Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Conservation Scientist | 520 | $54,300 |
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians | 250 | $51,900 |
Forest and Conservation Workers | 40 | $40,000 |
Urban and Regional Planner | 130 | $56,300 |
Civil Engineering Technician | 330 | $52,200 |
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Conservation Scientist:
In this position, you will manage and protect state parks, national forests, and local preserves. In Montana, you might also find work on one of the state's huge ranches. -
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians:
This vital field finds you protecting the natural world from chemical contamination. Not only will you protect remote ecologic areas, but you will help protect the public health by ensuring that the water table is pure. For instance, you might work on issues related to Butte's Berkeley Pit, whose heavy metals may one day seep back into the groundwater. -
Forest and Conservation Workers:
Your career in this field will involve protecting all sorts of natural areas. You will look out for erosion, water issues, and plant-borne disease, among other issues. -
Urban and Regional Planner:
Urban planners help cities and states prepare for future growth, as well as managing current situations. Your projects might include public transportation, bicycling initiatives, or creating policies for zoning building permits. You may one day describe your job as being one large game of Sim City, but with more responsibility. -
Civil Engineering Technician:
In this position, you will work alongside Civil Engineers to design and plan infrastructure projects. In Montana, you might work on hydrologic issues related to the states waterways or you could help rebuild bridges or retrofit them to accommodate new urban growth. Your daily life will likely be split between time in the office pouring over plans, and time spent under a hardhat monitoring a project.
Top Mass Communication/Media Studies Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Announcer | 150 | $39,300 |
Editors | 270 | $53,200 |
Film/Video Editor | 70 | $48,600 |
Reporter | 280 | $45,800 |
Public Relations | 500 | $49,500 |
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Announcer:
Announcers deliver the news or other reports over radio, television, or other media. These days, you might work on a podcast or a new YouTube channel. The internet has opened up many new avenues in this field. -
Editor:
You might think of an editor in a newsroom or working for a publisher. However, editors also work with technical documentation, as freelancers who help out budding novelists, or on websites of all sorts. Your job title may one day be Content Manager, but you'll still be an editor at heart. -
Film/TV Editor:
There are more and more opportunities in this area. Everyone needs video content for their websites, and streaming services are opening more and more opportunities for you to work on exciting films, fictional television shows, and reality television shows, including documentaries. -
Reporter:
In this job, you'll gather information and then organize it into a cohesive narrative. You might report for a daily newspaper, website, or perhaps a magazine. Though Montana might not offer many large daily newspapers, you still could work as a stringer, or freelance reporter, for a large paper such as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, or LA Times. -
Public Relations:
The goal of your life in Public Relations will be to protect an image or reputation. That might be for a corporation, sports team, or local celebrity. Many PR specialists work for individuals such as corporate CEOs, prominent doctors, or politicians. This is a multi-faceted position where you will need to write press releases, arrange for various media events, and even tweak your client's wardrobe to help craft their personal brand.
Top Organizational Communication Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Corporate Communications | 500 | $56,700 |
Legal Secretary/Paralegal | 970 | $49,800 |
Sales | 310 | $61,600 |
Technical Writer | 80 | $60,600 |
Editor | 270 | $53,200 |
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Corporate Communications:
This position encompasses many different duties and might have different meanings in different companies. Depending on the company, you might be in charge of coordinating communications between departments, or you might distribute information across a wide range of subsidiaries, branch offices, and even subcontracting agencies. -
Legal Secretary/Paralegal:
This position is in the service of an attorney or a team of attorneys who need your help crafting briefs and motions. Your background with delivering fact-based messages will help you as you learn the intricacies of legalese. On top of the writing, you will also need expert research skills. -
Sales:
Salespeople are nothing if not communicators. You might even help create written sales materials that inform and motivate potential clients with regards to your product. -
Technical Writer:
This title describes far more than those who create manuals for technical devices or software. Any time a client needs informative, professional documentation a technical writer is needed. You will need the ability to craft elegant prose, but also know how to layout elements in bulleted lists, charts, and graphs. -
Editor:
Editors help writers craft their messages. You'll bring their writing from first draft to polished prose. Newspaper editors, on the other hand, work less with the nuts and bolts of writing and are more concerned with reporting, assigning stories, and overseeing the newspaper as a body unto itself.
Additional Careers in Montana
- Addiction Counselors
- Computer Science Professionals
- Child Counselor
- Corrections and Case Manager
- Counselors
- Criminal Justice Careers
- Cyber Security Careers
- Database Administrators
- Forensic Scientist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Homeland Security and Crisis Management
- Information Technology Specialist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Psychologists
- Public Administrator
- School Counselor
- Software Engineer
- Teachers
- Web Developer
The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Montana
Occupation | Growth Rate |
---|---|
Personal Care Aides | 2.64% |
Home Health Aides | 2.76% |
Physical Therapists | 2.45% |
Market Research Analysts | 2.4% |
Software Developers, Applications | 2.94% |
Physician Assistants | 3.08% |
Nurse Practitioners | 3.09% |
Respiratory Therapists | 2.91% |
Veterinary Assistants | 2.39% |
Occupational Therapists | 2.12% |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 2.47% |
Top 5 Best Associate Degree Programs in Montana
Miles Community College
Score: 91.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,160
- Out-of-State: $10,768
- Net Price: $8,059
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 583
- Undergrad Students: 583
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,900
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Helena College University of Montana
Score: 75.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,975
- Out-of-State: $10,687
- Net Price: $11,214
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 1,423
- Undergrad Students: 1,423
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $42,300
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Highlands College of Montana Tech
Score: 73.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,980
- Out-of-State: $10,370
- Net Price: $14,906
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 655
- Undergrad Students: 655
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $45,500
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Flathead Valley Community College
Score: 70.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,033
- Out-of-State: $11,363
- Net Price: $11,144
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 2,129
- Undergrad Students: 2,129
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,500
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Dawson Community College
Score: 68.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,435
- Out-of-State: $9,135
- Net Price: $10,572
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 462
- Undergrad Students: 462
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,100
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Top 5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Montana
Montana Technological University
Score: 81.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,050
- Out-of-State: $24,730
- Net Price: $16,045
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 1,625
- Undergrad Students: 1,437
- Graduate Students: 188
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
The University of Montana-Western
Score: 75.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,430
- Out-of-State: $19,038
- Net Price: $11,584
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,424
- Undergrad Students: 1,424
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Montana State University
Score: 74.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,083
- Out-of-State: $31,337
- Net Price: $17,250
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 16,681
- Undergrad Students: 14,625
- Graduate Students: 2,056
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Carroll College-Helena
Score: 74.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,352
- Out-of-State: $40,352
- Net Price: $23,916
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,168
- Undergrad Students: 1,125
- Graduate Students: 43
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Rocky Mountain College
Score: 72.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,252
- Out-of-State: $33,252
- Net Price: $19,353
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,054
- Undergrad Students: 845
- Graduate Students: 209
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Top 15 Best Master's Programs in Montana
Montana Technological University
Score: 83
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,042
- Out-of-State: $19,690
- Net Price: $16,045
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 1,625
- Undergrad Students: 1,437
- Graduate Students: 188
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Montana State University
Score: 77.8
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,451
- Out-of-State: $22,757
- Net Price: $17,250
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 16,681
- Undergrad Students: 14,625
- Graduate Students: 2,056
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Carroll College-Helena
Score: 76.92
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,698
- Out-of-State: $13,698
- Net Price: $23,916
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,168
- Undergrad Students: 1,125
- Graduate Students: 43
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Rocky Mountain College
Score: 75.6
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,903
- Out-of-State: $31,903
- Net Price: $19,353
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,054
- Undergrad Students: 845
- Graduate Students: 209
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Montana State University-Northern
Score: 72.48
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,742
- Out-of-State: $18,686
- Net Price: $10,940
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 1,140
- Undergrad Students: 1,105
- Graduate Students: 35
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
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.
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College Cost Analysis - Montana vs National
Average Montana Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $6,972
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State Tuition – $24,481
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
Financial Aid | Montana | Nationally |
---|---|---|
Received Federal Grants | 39% | 37.7% |
Average $ per Recipient | $9,700 | $10,927 |
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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.