For many students, attending college in Montana is a dream come true. It is not always easy to afford tuition at one of the top colleges in Montana, while still enjoying an exemplary school culture, unique programs, and convenient access to outdoor activities. Nonetheless, these incredible institutions provide abundant opportunities for students to reach their full potential.
Fortunately, with a little planning, attending college in Montana is an option for most students. If your students want to prepare, here’s what they need to know.
About Montana
Many students attending college in Montana find that the state offers a lot to offer. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Plus, Montana has a long, rich history.
When it comes to climate, Montana is one of the coldest regions in the country. The average daily high is close to 57°F, and the highest during the warmest part of summer is usually around 88°F. During the winter, the lowest temperature usually falls around 16°F. Therefore, students attending colleges in MT need to be prepared for the weather, especially if they are not from the area.
Colleges and Universities in Montana
In total, Montana has 32 colleges and universities. Of those, 14 are four-year institutions, while 18 are two-year colleges, trade schools, or technical schools.
Because of the low number of educational institutions in Montana, it may be a little difficult for some students to consider all of them. However, for students who want to streamline their college search, here are some tips.
College Towns in Montana
When your students are ready to begin their college search, some may find it easier to start by exploring Montana college towns. This strategy allows students to ensure the broader community can meet their needs, which can lead to an improved college experience.
Here is a list of Montana college towns:
- Billings
- Bozeman
- Butte
- Dillon
- Great Falls
- Havre
- Helena
- Missoula
Major Colleges and Universities in Montana
If checking out the college towns in Montana doesn’t help your students narrow down their options, looking at the top colleges in Montana is another down-to-earth approach. Since Montana doesn’t have too many four-year colleges, students can explore them all. However, it can feel less cumbersome to start with a slightly shorter list than when making a list. college decision.
Here’s an overview of the major colleges and universities in Montana:
- Carroll College
- Montana State University
- Montana State University-Billings
- Montana State University-Northern
- Montana Technological University
- Rocky Mountain College
- Salish Kootenai College
- University of Montana
- University of Montana Western
- University of Providence
Finally, students should use the above fields as a starting point. There are other options, so if the colleges on this list don’t feel like a good fit, your students should keep looking until they find a match.
Montana Financial Aid
After your students choose the best college in Montana for them, they’ll need to consider the financial side of the equation. Fortunately, there are many financial aid options available, including some that don’t lead to the debt that student loans create.
Usually, scholarships for Montana students have residency requirements. Usually this involves living in Montana at least 12 consecutive months for a reason other than college before the start of an academic year or semester.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t awards for out-of-state students. Institutional awards may have no residency requirements. For example, many of Montana State University Scholarship no residence as a requirement. Instead, the majority of Montana State scholarships are open to any student attending the school, making them worth exploring regardless of the student’s place of residence.
Montana University Grants
College Grants for Montana Students Works Similar to federal Pell Grants, so they do not lead to debt. Although Montana doesn’t have a wide variety available, students should explore them to see if they qualify.
Here is a list of some of the University of Montana grants:
Montana Scholarship
For many students, Montana scholarships are a great way to cover the cost of college. They don’t lead to debt, and many work at the many excellent schools in the state.
Here is a list of scholarships in Montana:
- 2 Plus 2 Honor Scholarship
- Gianforte Trade and Technical Scholarship
- Montana Daughters of the American Revolution (MT DAR) Scholarships
- Montana State University National Merit Scholar Program
- Montana STEM / Healthcare Scholarship
- MUS Honor Scholarship
- Pride Foundation Scholarships
It is important to remember that each award will have its own set of requirements. Therefore, students need to review the rules before applying to make sure they qualify.
Live and Travel in Montana
Students who are attending one of the best colleges in Montana will spend time off campus, and some may even choose to skip living in a dorm. Therefore, all students need to know a little about life and how to get around in Montana. Here are some details they need to consider.
House in Montana
When students are attending college in Montana, choose between dorms and apartments not always easy. By looking at local housing prices, students can easily figure out which option makes the most sense.
In most cases, buying a home in Montana doesn’t make sense for students. The median home value in Montana is $464,330 (as of November 2022), $100,000 above the national average of $357,589.
However, renting can be reasonable. The fair market value of a one-bedroom apartment in Montana is $717 per month, while a two bedroom apartment is $918 per month. As a result, an apartment may be within reach of students, especially if they have roommates.
Transportation Options
While students may spend most of their time on campus, they also need to be outside often. For local travel, many cities in Montana have options like public buses and car-sharing. However, if they need to travel to other cities or states, transferring to the airport or train is often a better option.
Montana has multiple airports, allowing students to arrive anywhere in the United States or to international destinations with ease. Here is a list of Montana airports:
- Bert Mooney Airport
- Billings Logan International Airport
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- Glacier Park International Airport
- Great Falls International Airport
- Helena Regional Airport
- Missoula Montana Airport
Montana also has many Amtrak stations, all of which are located on Empire builder line. Here is the list of Montana Amtrak stations:
- Browning, MT (BRO)
- Bank Cut, MT (CUT)
- East Glacier Park, MT (GPK)
- Essex, MT (ESM)
- Glasgow, MT (GGW)
- Havre, MT (HAV)
- Libby, MT (LIB)
- Malta, MT (MAL)
- Shelby, MT (SBY)
- West Glacier, MT (WGL)
- Whitefish, MT (WFH)
- Wolf Points, MT (WPT)
Things to do in Montana
Many students want to get out from time to time, allowing them to have fun while in college. There are many outstanding attractions in Montana, giving students a wide range of options.
Montana has an array of spectacular parks. Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most visited options, offering miles of trails, beautiful scenery, and quiet spots for picnicking.
Another popular attraction that many students will enjoy is the Museum of the Rockies, which has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is another great option, especially for animal lovers.
For students who want a more exciting outing, a trip to Garnet’s Ghost Town is an appealing option. If your students are interested in history, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is undeniably a must-visit.
Make Money in Montana
For students attending college in Montana, earning an income while they are in school is often a must. A job that allows them to add any financial support, ensuring they can make ends meet. Here’s what students need to know about making money in Montana.
Minimum wage
Many students work part-time while studying mainly in minimum-wage jobs. By knowing the minimum wage in Montana, students can often predict their income potential, making it easy to ensure they can properly meet their financial needs.
In Montana, the minimum wage is $9.20 per hour. That rate applies to both tipping and no-tipping positions, so people working in positions that typically tip will get the same base hourly rate and tip that puts them on top. and go beyond that.
Employment rate
When students prepare to go to college in Montana, finding a job is often part of their plans. Therefore, understanding the local unemployment rate is beneficial. When unemployment is high, jobs are likely to be hard to come by, while the opposite is true with low unemployment.
As of October 2022, the unemployment rate in Montana is 3.0 percent. That number was only slightly below the national average at the time. 3.7 percent. Therefore, students can often find part-time work easily.
Montana Key Industry
As is the case with most states, Montana has a diversified economy. Financial services – including insurance and real estate – are one of the fastest growing sectors in the state. Trade, business services and manufacturing are also growing, which could provide opportunities for students looking to start a business in those industries.
Health care is another important part of Montana’s economy. The construction sector is also thriving as demand for housing remains quite high due to the state’s growing population.
Attending college in Montana has many advantages for students. It is a breathtaking state with unique outdoor activities, a distinct history, and opportunities for students to reach their full potential. With a little planning, Montana is an affordable option for most students. There are many options for students, including public and private universities, two-year and trade schools, and financial aid opportunities. Students who choose to attend college in Montana will also have the opportunity to explore natural attractions, learn about the state’s economy, and even make some money. Montana is an exciting option for many students and one that is worth exploring.