Online Schools and Colleges in Montana

Montana is home to an expansive online education system, including six public four-year universities, 13 public community colleges, tribal schools and a number of private colhleges and technical schools. Montana also offers some online courses for students at the primary level in grades K-12. Six public universities and five two-year community colleges in Montana offer online degree and course options. A small number of private institutions, including Rocky Mountain College and the University of Great Falls, also offer online studies. For those in grades K-12, the Montana Digital Academy offers single courses and district programs. However, there are currently no fully-online schools in the state at the K-12 level.

Montana has cheaper tuition than many other states. In-state college students in Montana pay an average of $6,783 per year in tuition, which is significantly less than the national average of $9,037. Students can find online courses and degrees at many of Montana’s 16 public and two private colleges and universities.

This guide covers important information for students considering online schools and colleges in Montana, including financial aid opportunities, programs for nontraditional students, and resources for online learners.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

On average, college graduates in the U.S. earn more than individuals without a college degree. In Montana, university graduates earn above-median wages within three years of graduation. As the following table illustrates, higher levels of education typically correlate with higher salaries.

Source:BLS

Montana students pay lower-than-average tuition rates at public and private postsecondary institutions. The following tables compare the cost of in-state, out-of-state, and private school tuition in Montana with national averages. Montana colleges charge less for tuition across the board, making the state an affordable option for online students.

Source:National Center for Education Statistics

When weighing the costs of their education, students should consider expenses beyond tuition, such as travel and technology fees. We cover several cost considerations for online students below.

Out-of-state students often pay significantly more in tuition than in-state learners in Montana. Qualifying for in-state tuition in Montana can save students more than $16,000 each year. Learners qualify for in-state tuition by living in Montana for 12 consecutive months. They must submit proof of residency, such as a Montana vehicle registration, driver’s license, or voter registration card. Montana State University outlines residency requirements.

Out-of-state students who live in some states near Montana may qualify for tuition reductions through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). WUE students save an average of $9,400 each year.

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be employees or the children of employees at Glacier Bank Corporation. Students also need a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates of Montana high schools with a minimum 3.5 GPA and graduate within the top 20% of their class.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Candidates must be Montana residents completing an associate degree from a Montana community college or two-year campus of the Montana University System. Applicants also need a minimum 3.4 GPA.

Amount: Undergraduate tuition (up to four semesters)

Who Can Apply: Students must be Montana residents pursuing an undergraduate degree. They must demonstrate financial need, meet satisfactory academic progress, and qualify for the Pell Grant.

Amount: $500 per semester

Who Can Apply: Montana high school students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or healthcare at an eligible campus qualify for this opportunity. Applicants must meet several criteria, including holding a minimum 3.25 high school GPA.

Amount: Up to $6,000

Who Can Apply: Students must be Montana residents pursuing an undergraduate degree at a qualifying campus with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship caused by a significant unforeseen event, such as an illness, loss of a family member, or accident.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Who Can Apply: Nonresidents of eligible states and U.S. territories can apply to reduce their tuition for up to four years through this opportunity.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: To qualify for this opportunity, students must be members of the Montana National Guard in good standing who do not already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Montana students who are National Merit semi-finalists receive a full tuition waiver if they attend a Montana University System campus within nine months of graduating high school.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Students with one-quarter American Indian blood or those who are members of a recognized Indian tribe in Montana can apply for this tuition waiver. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Varies

As more colleges and universities offer online courses and degrees, assessing the quality of prospective schools and programs can prove challenging. Accreditation is a voluntary quality assurance process that colleges undergo to demonstrate that they meet education standards regarding faculty, curricula, academic support, and student learning.

Regional and National Accreditation

Subject-Specific Accreditation

How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited

Montana offers many online adult education programs to help nontraditional students advance their careers. We outline adult education programs and resources for Montana students below.

Current and prospective online students in Montana can take advantage of many resources to support their studies. The following resources include information on financial aid opportunities, program availability, and education news for Montana students.