Top 3 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Montana

Embark on a digital learning journey in Montana, where a diverse array of tuition-free online colleges await.

Discover the state's finest institutions offering free college in Montana, providing an opportunity to enrich your education from the comfort of your own space.

Explore the top three choices that bring affordable quality education to your fingertips, embracing the spirit of Montana's landscapes and learning.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

Check out our curated list of the top three affordable online colleges in Montana.

1. Montana State University, Billings

Montana State University in Billings offers a range of affordable, but not free, online programs for certifications and degrees at different levels.

Online associate degree options include:

• accounting technology
• business administration
• general studies
• human resource management

Online bachelor's degree options include:

• business
• communications
• health administration
• public relations

Online master's degree options include:

• educational technology
• health administration
• counseling
• special education

While online students have flexibility, certain classes require regular chats. Financial aid, tutoring, and career services are provided online, but an extra fee applies.

Montana residents in specific counties may not qualify for online-only rates. Online students might pay around $7,220 for over 12 credits a semester.

2. Montana State University, Bozeman

Montana State University offers an online bachelor's degree completion program and various graduate degrees and certificates.

The degree completion program is for those with prior college experience and leads to their earning a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies.

Montana State Online provides master's degrees in:

• education
• family financial planning
• land resources
• mathematics education
• engineering management
• nursing

Graduate certificates in areas like addiction counseling and science teaching are also available.

Tuition is very affordable. For undergraduates, tuition is around $4,041 per semester, while graduates pay approximately $2,996.

3. Montana State University�Northern

Montana State University�Northern, located in Havre, is ranked as the best in Montana and #15 nationally for economic mobility.

The university's focus on mobility rates helps students from lower to higher income levels afford a college degree.

MSU�Northern offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 35 degree options in disciplines like business, nursing, engineering, and humanities.

Tuition varies based on residency and credit hours, with resident online students paying around $314.23 per credit hour.

How To Make College Free

Learn about scholarships, grants, and opportunities for free college in Montana below.

Apply for Grants

Montana provides various grants, including federal grants like Pell and FSEOG. Grants are sums of money given to students specifically for educational purposes that do not require the students to pay them back.

The TEACH Grant assists teachers who are willing to work in high-need areas.

Montana also offers state-funded grants, including the Montana Higher Education Grant (MHEG) and Montana Tuition Assistance Program (MTAP), awarded based on financial need.

These grants aim to support students pursuing higher education within the Montana University System. Early FAFSA filing is recommended due to limited funding availability.

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships offer academic merit-based 'free' aid, varying in criteria, amount, and duration. Like grants, scholarships do not have to be paid back.

The University of Montana provides numerous scholarship opportunities including:

• Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarships
• Presidential Leadership Scholarship
• National Merit Scholarship

Scholarships are diverse and serve as valuable resources to support education funding. Diligence in applying for relevant opportunities can pave the way for a successful higher education journey.

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

In the 2021/2022 academic year, the average tuition for public, in-state universities in the United States was $10,740 per year.

Tuition reimbursement programs and education-funding work possibilities are available in a variety of industries. Talk to your employer to see if they have a program.

If you're looking for a job, be sure to find information on the company's website or ask about tuition reimbursement options during the hiring process.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Tuition waivers can also ease financial burden, eliminating tuition for eligible students. These waivers, however, don't cover additional fees and can't be combined.

They apply to the following groups:

• Montana High School Honor Scholarship recipients
• National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists
• American Indian students
• veterans
• senior citizens
• faculty/staff
• war orphans
• dependents of certain individuals

Talk to the universities that you are applying to about what tuition and fee waivers are available.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Montana Today

With a variety of scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers available, finding a free or low-cost degree in Montana has never been easier. Unlock the door to your future with free college in Montana.