College ROI Report
Updated 2024
Best-value Colleges in Montana
Montana is not only one of the most beautiful states in the country, it’s home to some surprisingly good college values. The College ROI Report for Montana helps students and their parents determine which Montana colleges and universities offer the highest return on investment for their educational dollars.
| Rank | School Name | 20 Year Net ROI | Total 4 Year Cost | Graduation Rate | Typical Years to Graduate | Average Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank:1 | School Name: Montana Tech of the University of Montana (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$719,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$93,200 | Graduation Rate:57% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$22,700 |
| Rank:2 | School Name:Montana Tech of the University of Montana (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$658,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$154,000 | Graduation Rate:57% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$22,700 |
| Rank:3 | School Name: Montana State University (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$475,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$93,700 | Graduation Rate:57% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$29,500 |
| Rank:4 | School Name:Montana State University (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$394,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$175,000 | Graduation Rate:57% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$29,500 |
| Rank:5 | School Name: Montana State University-Northern (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$302,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$68,100 | Graduation Rate:29% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$18,200 |
| Rank:6 | School Name:Montana State University-Northern (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$251,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$119,000 | Graduation Rate:29% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$18,200 |
| Rank:7 | School Name: The University of Montana (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$242,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$92,300 | Graduation Rate:46% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$25,300 |
| Rank:8 | School Name:Rocky Mountain College (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$202,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$177,000 | Graduation Rate:46% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$29,900 |
| Rank:9 | School Name: Montana State University-Billings (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$202,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$80,900 | Graduation Rate:29% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$19,100 |
| Rank:10 | School Name: Carroll College (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$179,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$209,000 | Graduation Rate:70% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$28,600 |
Students in Big Sky Country, as the state is affectionately nicknamed, enjoy some of the most amazing outdoor adventure opportunities in the country, including access to Yellowstone National Park in the southern part of the state. More importantly, they can take their pick from several schools that appear in the upper rankings in terms of 20 Year Net ROI. Whatever attracts you to the Treasure State, consider using Payscale’s data to investigate the best value colleges in Montana before you apply.
Montana Tech of the University of Montana is a great option for students who want to get the most out of their educational investments. Located in Butte, Montana Tech is comprised of four colleges and schools. The School of Mines and Engineering’s most popular programs are in industrial hygiene and engineering. As evidenced by its high job placement rating, Montana Tech offers a college return on investment Montana students use to build strong, successful careers. Enrollment hovers around 2,700 students, making it a small yet effective place to earn a degree.
Located in Bozeman, which is widely considered to be the most unique and eclectic city in Big Sky Country, Montana State University offers baccalaureate degrees in 51 fields, master’s degrees in 41 and doctoral degrees in 18. MSU is easily one of the best value colleges Montana students graduate from, and notable alumni include numerous Rhodes scholars, several U.S. reps and a few governors.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you’d be well-advised to consider Carroll College in Helena, Montana. This private Catholic liberal arts school is known for affording alumni with a great rate of acceptance to medical school. As a student, you can take your pick from majors in engineering, education, nursing, theology, computer science and many others, and a variety of pre-professional programs are available as well.
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