1. University of Montana (UM)
Overview:
The University of Montana, located in Missoula, is the flagship institution of the Montana University System. Founded in 1893, UM offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, humanities, sciences, and the arts. The university is renowned for its scenic campus, strong academic programs, and vibrant student life.
U.S. News Ranking:
The University of Montana is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States for its academic excellence and research contributions.
Number of Students:
UM has an enrollment of over 10,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.
Degrees Offered:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Acceptance Rate:
UM has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 80% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at UM is approximately 1150.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
UM offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, outdoor recreation, community service projects, internships, and Division I athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Jeff Ament – Musician (Pearl Jam)
- J.K. Simmons – Actor
- Carroll O’Connor – Actor
- Dana Carvey – Comedian and actor
- Dave Dickenson – Former NFL quarterback
Top Hiring Companies:
- University of Montana
- Providence Health & Services
- Missoula County Public Schools
- State of Montana
- Community Medical Center
2. Montana State University (MSU)
Overview:
Montana State University, located in Bozeman, is a land-grant institution and the largest university in Montana. Established in 1893, MSU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs in fields such as agriculture, engineering, business, education, and the sciences. The university is known for its strong research programs, outdoor recreational opportunities, and collaborative learning environment.
U.S. News Ranking:
Montana State University is recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and its strong programs in engineering, business, and the sciences.
Number of Students:
MSU has an enrollment of over 16,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.
Degrees Offered:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Acceptance Rate:
MSU has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 80% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at MSU is approximately 1200.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
MSU offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, outdoor recreation, community service projects, internships, and Division I athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Max Baucus – Former U.S. Ambassador to China and former U.S. Senator
- Steve Daines – U.S. Senator
- Wally McRae – Cowboy poet
- Norm Macdonald – Comedian and actor
- Brad Holland – Former NBA player
Top Hiring Companies:
- Montana State University
- Bozeman Health
- Oracle Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Boeing Company
3. Montana Tech
Overview:
Montana Tech, located in Butte, is a public university specializing in engineering, science, and technical education. Established in 1900, Montana Tech offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as petroleum engineering, environmental engineering, nursing, business, and computer science. The university is known for its strong industry connections, hands-on learning experiences, and high job placement rates.
U.S. News Ranking:
Montana Tech is recognized for its strong programs in engineering, particularly in petroleum engineering and environmental engineering.
Number of Students:
Montana Tech has an enrollment of over 2,000 students, primarily undergraduates.
Degrees Offered:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Acceptance Rate:
Montana Tech has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 70% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at Montana Tech is approximately 1200.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
Montana Tech offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, research projects, internships, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Famous Alumni:
- Jack Horner – Paleontologist
- Karen Bud-Falen – Attorney and former Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
- John Meisenheimer – Former CEO of Stillwater Mining Company
- Sean McSweyn – Olympic distance runner
- Jennifer M. Granholm – Former Governor of Michigan and current Secretary of Energy
Top Hiring Companies:
- Montana Tech
- Barrick Gold Corporation
- Stillwater Mining Company
- NorthWestern Energy
- HDR Engineering, Inc.
4. University of Montana Western
Overview:
The University of Montana Western, located in Dillon, is a public liberal arts university known for its innovative experiential learning programs. Established in 1893, UM Western offers a unique academic calendar known as the “Experience One” program, where students focus on one class at a time for intensive learning experiences. The university offers undergraduate programs in fields such as education, environmental science, business, and the arts.
U.S. News Ranking:
The University of Montana Western is recognized for its innovative “Experience One” program and its strong programs in education and environmental science.
Number of Students:
UM Western has an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students, primarily undergraduates.
Degrees Offered:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate degrees, including bachelor’s programs in education, environmental science, business, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate:
UM Western has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 70% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at UM Western is approximately 1100.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
UM Western offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, outdoor recreation, community service projects, internships, and cultural events.
Famous Alumni:
- Tim Fox – Former Montana Attorney General
- Bob Keenan – Former Montana State Senator
- Melvin R. Laird – Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
- Bob Fletcher – Former Montana State Senator
- Shane Hedges – Professional rodeo cowboy
Top Hiring Companies:
- University of Montana Western
- Beaverhead County High School
- Montana Department of Corrections
- Town Pump
- UPS
5. Rocky Mountain College
Overview:
Rocky Mountain College, located in Billings, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Established in 1878, RMC offers undergraduate programs in fields such as business, education, healthcare, sciences, and the arts. The college emphasizes a personalized education with small class sizes, experiential learning opportunities, and a supportive community environment. Rocky Mountain College is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and commitment to student success.
U.S. News Ranking:
Rocky Mountain College is recognized for its strong programs in healthcare, particularly in nursing and allied health fields.
Number of Students:
RMC has an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students, primarily undergraduates.
Degrees Offered:
The college offers a variety of undergraduate degrees, including bachelor’s programs in nursing, business administration, education, biology, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Rocky Mountain College has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 70% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at Rocky Mountain College is approximately 1150.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
RMC offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, community service projects, internships, study abroad programs, and NAIA athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Gary Cooper – Academy Award-winning actor
- Jeannette Rankin – First woman elected to the U.S. Congress
- Dirk Benedict – Actor
- Marc Racicot – Former Governor of Montana
- Mike Mansfield – Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to Japan
Top Hiring Companies:
- Rocky Mountain College
- Billings Clinic
- St. Vincent Healthcare
- ExxonMobil
- Wells Fargo
6. Carroll College
Overview:
Carroll College, located in Helena, is a private Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1909. The college offers a rigorous academic curriculum rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts. Carroll College is known for its strong sense of community, personalized education, and commitment to service and leadership development.
U.S. News Ranking:
Carroll College is recognized for its strong programs in the sciences, particularly in biology and health-related fields.
Number of Students:
Carroll College has an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students, primarily undergraduates.
Degrees Offered:
The college offers a variety of undergraduate degrees, including bachelor’s programs in biology, nursing, business administration, education, and the humanities.
Acceptance Rate:
Carroll College has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 65% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at Carroll College is approximately 1200.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
Carroll College offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, community service projects, internships, study abroad programs, and NAIA athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Brian Schweitzer – Former Governor of Montana
- Jeanne Shaheen – U.S. Senator
- Peter Fonda – Actor
- Anthony Kennedy – Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
- Pat Williams – Former U.S. Congressman
Top Hiring Companies:
- Carroll College
- St. Peter’s Health
- State of Montana
- Helena Public Schools
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana
7. Montana State University Billings (MSUB)
Overview:
Montana State University Billings, located in Billings, is a public university offering a wide range of academic programs. Established in 1927, MSUB provides students with access to affordable education and career-focused programs. The university is known for its strong ties to the Billings community, diverse student body, and commitment to student success.
U.S. News Ranking:
Montana State University Billings is recognized for its strong programs in education, particularly in teacher preparation and educational leadership.
Number of Students:
MSUB has an enrollment of over 4,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.
Degrees Offered:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Acceptance Rate:
MSUB has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 75% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at MSUB is approximately 1050.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
MSUB offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, community service projects, internships, and NCAA Division II athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Ryan Leaf – Former NFL quarterback
- Ron Erickson – Former CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana
- Scott McMillion – Author and journalist
- Larry Simkins – CEO of The Washington Companies
- Charles Johnson – Former Montana State Senator
Top Hiring Companies:
- Montana State University Billings
- Billings Clinic
- St. Vincent Healthcare
- ConocoPhillips
- ExxonMobil
8. Montana State University-Northern (MSU-N)
Overview:
Montana State University-Northern, located in Havre, is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1929, MSU-N provides students with hands-on learning experiences, industry-relevant curriculum, and a supportive learning environment. The university is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, engineering technology, and agriculture.
U.S. News Ranking:
Montana State University-Northern is recognized for its strong programs in engineering technology, particularly in diesel technology and mechanical engineering technology.
Number of Students:
MSU-N has an enrollment of over 1,000 students, primarily undergraduates.
Degrees Offered:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Acceptance Rate:
MSU-N has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 70% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at MSU-N is approximately 1000.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
MSU-N offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, community service projects, internships, and NAIA athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Sam Kitzenberg – Former Montana State Senator
- Dave Lewis – Former CEO of United Grain Corporation
- Eric Berg – Former Montana State Representative
- Kristine Gale – Former Montana State Senator
- Brock Ivers – Former Montana State Representative
Top Hiring Companies:
- Montana State University-Northern
- BNSF Railway
- CHS Inc.
- Montana Department of Transportation
- Northern Montana Health Care
9. Salish Kootenai College (SKC)
Overview:
Salish Kootenai College, located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, is a tribal college offering culturally relevant education to Native American students. Established in 1977, SKC provides students with academic programs rooted in Native American traditions, languages, and cultures. The college offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Native American studies, environmental science, nursing, business, and education.
U.S. News Ranking:
Salish Kootenai College is recognized for its unique approach to education, centered on Native American traditions and culture.
Number of Students:
SKC has an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students, predominantly Native American.
Degrees Offered:
The college offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Native American studies, environmental science, nursing, business, and education.
Acceptance Rate:
Salish Kootenai College has an open admission policy, admitting all students who meet the minimum requirements.
Average SAT Score:
Salish Kootenai College does not require SAT scores for admission.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
SKC offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including cultural events, powwows, student organizations, internships, and community service projects.
Famous Alumni:
- Elouise Cobell – Native American activist and lead plaintiff in Cobell v. Salazar
- Joseph Medicine Crow – Historian and Crow Tribe elder
- Debra Magpie Earling – Author and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
- Johnny Arlee – Linguist and cultural preservationist
- Terrance Guardipee – Artist and ledger art historian
Top Hiring Companies:
- Salish Kootenai College
- Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
- Tribal Health Department
- Public Schools on Tribal Lands
- Local Businesses on the Reservation
10. Great Falls College Montana State University (GFC MSU)
Overview:
Great Falls College Montana State University, located in Great Falls, is a comprehensive two-year college offering associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce development programs. Established in 1969, GFC MSU provides accessible and affordable education to students in the Great Falls region. The college is known for its career-focused programs, industry partnerships, and supportive learning environment.
U.S. News Ranking:
Great Falls College Montana State University is recognized for its strong programs in healthcare, particularly in nursing and allied health fields.
Number of Students:
GFC MSU has an enrollment of over 2,000 students, primarily undergraduates.
Degrees Offered:
The college offers associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce development programs in fields such as nursing, welding, automotive technology, business, and computer science.
Acceptance Rate:
Great Falls College Montana State University has an open admission policy, admitting all students who meet the minimum requirements.
Average SAT Score:
Great Falls College Montana State University does not require SAT scores for admission.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
GFC MSU offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, internships, community service projects, and career development workshops.
Famous Alumni:
- Joe Mazurek – Former Montana Attorney General
- Mike Cooney – Lieutenant Governor of Montana
- Ryan Zinke – Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. Representative
- Cheryl Walker – Former Montana State Senator
- Fred Thomas – Former Montana State Senator
Top Hiring Companies:
- Great Falls College Montana State University
- Benefis Health System
- Great Falls Public Schools
- Malmstrom Air Force Base
- BNSF Railway