The cost of college in Montana — and what it pays back
Across the 18 Montana institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $13,813/yr, $3,093 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $43,763 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 6 of the 18 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$13,813
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$43,763
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
14.7 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
6/18
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Montana's 18 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong0
Solid2
Slow2
Weak14
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll College | $23,960 | $61,772 | 7.1 yrs |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | $14,962 | $54,329 | 10 yrs |
| Montana Technological University | $16,481 | $54,329 | 11 yrs |
| Montana State University | $22,499 | $53,263 | 18.4 yrs |
| Montana State University-Northern | $12,664 | $49,505 | 44.2 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Peck Community College | $400 | $14,747 | no payback |
| Blackfeet Community College | $5,410 | $22,953 | no payback |
| Salish Kootenai College | $7,945 | $32,725 | no payback |
| Flathead Valley Community College | $8,099 | $38,520 | no payback |
| Little Big Horn College | $8,331 | $21,152 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Montana?
The median net price across Montana colleges is $13,813/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Montana cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $13,813/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $3,093/yr less.
What do Montana college graduates earn?
A median $43,763 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Montana college pays for itself fastest?
Carroll College — about 7.1 years to clear its $95,840 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-montana page.