3 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Montana 2025

A few colleges in Montana offer students the ability to earn an online degree at an affordable tuition rate. You can reduce costs by filling out the FAFSA as well.

Getting an online degree is an exciting way to further your career without having to take time away from your busy life to be on campus. Montana has several options for cheap online colleges and traditional students. Programs are available in healthcare, business administration, social work, and many more�all from fully accredited online colleges in Montana.

Ready to get started finding a program with the right price tag and schedule for you? Take a look at our list of the best, cheapest online colleges in Montana.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Montana

Montana offers high-quality online education options that fit almost every need. The flexibility of asynchronous online classes makes it easy to fit higher education into your busy life, whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Each of these schools are fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), so you can be confident in the quality and integrity of your online learning, even without a hefty price tag.

1. University of Montana

The University of Montana offers various online degree programs, including anthropology, media arts, social work, and communications degrees. Graduate programs in education and various certificates are also available. Additionally, the Montana Online Course Exchange makes it easy to enroll in courses offered by other eligible Montana University System schools.

Online tuition for residents is $341.50 per credit hour, including all fees, while out-of-state students will pay $931.10 per credit hour, also including fees. Students pursuing their first bachelor's degree will be automatically entered into consideration for various scholarship programs.

2. Montana State University Billings

MSU Billings offers a wide variety of bachelor's degree programs, from business administration to criminal justice to English. If you're interested in more than just one field, the online Bachelor of Science in liberal studies program allows you to craft a program that blends topics from many different academic areas.

MSU Billings also offers online learning programs to pursue an associate degree or a graduate degree. Associate programs include business, accounting, and human resources. Graduate students can pursue public relations, mental health counseling, and more.

In-state undergraduate students taking fewer than six credits will pay $208.21 per credit hour, plus fees. Non-resident part-time students will pay $224.53 plus fees. But MSU Billings has over 500 available scholarship awards to help offset these costs.

3. Montana State University-Northern

Montana residents interested in online classes at MSU Northern will pay $208.73 per credit hour, plus fees. For students taking 12 to 18 credits, tuition is a flat rate of $2,504.76.

Expectations for online courses are the same as in-person, so you can be confident you are getting the same quality education as on-campus students. Bachelor's programs include business technology, community leadership, criminal justice, education, and more.

Other Affordable Online Colleges

Montana isn't the only state with affordable online colleges. If the three options above don't meet your needs, know that there are other great ways to pursue your postsecondary education completely online.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) has 33 bachelor's degree programs, including cybersecurity, finance, education, and many others. This online university, institutionally accredited by the NWCCU, is committed to excellence. WGU's schools of education, business, technology, and Leavitt School of Health are all further accredited.

WGU offers flat-rate tuition, so you pay one fee to take as many credits as you want in a six-month term. Prices vary based on the program you choose, but the cheapest option is the Bachelor of Science in information technology at $3,725, and the most expensive is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (prelicensure) at $8,755. The average cost of tuition for WGU, not including fees, is $4,768 per six-month term.

National University

National University (NU) offers adult learners over 45 degree programs that they can take at their own pace and on their own time. This nonprofit university in San Diego is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Their commitment to utilizing the latest technology and catering your learning experience to best fit your needs ensures the highest quality experience.

A bachelor's degree from NU costs between $348 and $370 per credit hour, plus fees. There are also programs to pursue a master's degree or doctorate, as well as certificate programs. If you are in need of financial assistance, you can fill out the FAFSA and apply for scholarships like the Key Grant, the Year of You scholarship, or the Whisper Military Spouse scholarship.

Our Selection Criteria

Choosing the right college and program is hard. When we were finding a cheap colleges in Montana, we ensured to only include colleges that meet the following important criteria:

Reasonable tuition rates: The total tuition rate for each school must not exceed $500 per credit hour or $12,000 per year. The average cost of tuition at our three Montana schools is $252.81, plus fees.
Scholarship opportunities: Schools must accept FAFSA and have scholarship and grant opportunities. All three schools also participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange program.
Accreditation: All three schools are fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and also boast further program-specific accreditation.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Montana Cost?

The cost of college in Montana, even for distance learning degrees, can vary quite a bit. Most schools also include additional fees for things like equipment, facilities, and building upkeep. When searching for affordable online colleges, we found that the University of Montana was one of the cheapest colleges in Montana for online learners at $341.50.

This price includes all additional fees. The number of scholarships that the University of Montana offers also helps make this the cheapest option for online students in Montana.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Making an online degree more affordable is a top concern for many students. Fortunately, there are various strategies and resources to help you achieve this goal. There are some key ways to make college cheaper.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

Attend a Community College

Community colleges generally have lower tuition and fees compared to four-year institutions. They provide an affordable starting point for your educational journey. Many community colleges also have transfer agreements in place with four-year schools, allowing you to complete your degree at a lower cost.

Consider In-State Public Institutions

Public colleges and universities within your state of residence can be more cost-effective than private or out-of-state institutions. In-state tuition rates often apply to local residents.

Utilize Tax Credits and Deductions

Tax credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit can help reduce the overall cost of college. You or your parents may also be eligible for deductions related to tuition and fees, as well as student loan interest on your tax returns.

Work While in School

Working part-time while pursuing your degree can help offset tuition and living expenses. However, it's crucial to strike a balance to avoid negatively impacting your academic performance.

Choose a Cost-Effective Institution

Some colleges and universities are more budget-friendly than others, even if they offer similar academic quality. To find the best value, carefully compare the costs of different institutions.

FAQs About Online Programs and Financial Aid at the Cheapest Colleges in Montana

Still wondering which online program is the best for you? Take a look at the FAQs below to learn more about the best cheap online colleges in Montana.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Montana?

Distance education at online schools can be one of the best ways to keep the cost of college low. But fees can still creep in and bring up the price. When we compared costs, we found the University of Montana was the cheapest option.

Are Cheap Online Colleges in Montana Accredited?

Yes, all of our rankings have full accreditation. You can be confident with any of these choices that you'll be getting the very best education.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Montana?

According to U.S. News & World Report, Montana State University Billings has a 100% acceptance rate, making it the easiest college to get into. MSU Billings does require a 2.5 GPA or that you rank in the upper half of your high school graduating class.

What Financial Aid Is Available To Online Students in Montana?

Along with FAFSA, all three of our colleges participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. This program lowers tuition rates for college students from certain western states, including Arizona, North Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii, and others. Undergraduate students in this program will not pay more than 150% of their chosen school's in-state tuition rate.

Find Accredited Degree Programs With Online Coursework

Pursuing higher education doesn't have to be an unreachable goal. Take the next step in reaching that goal by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to talk about furthering your career at an affordable online college.