Best Online Colleges in Montana 2025

Earning a bachelor's degree can help you further your career path, no matter where you live. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 5,500 students earned bachelor's degrees in Montana during the 2021-22 school year.

Learning in person doesn't work for everyone, which is why online college programs are becoming increasingly popular. Several schools offer online degrees in Montana.

Earning an accredited degree online gives you the opportunity to pursue your educational goals. The best online colleges offer high-quality programs in a flexible format for busy learners. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in Montana.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Montana

A few colleges and universities in Montana offer online degree programs. We've highlighted our top picks below.

1. University of Montana

The University of Montana is a research institution in Missoula, MT. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like anthropology, communication, criminology, and social work.

The institution is a flagship school of the Montana University System. It's dedicated to providing all distance learners with a high-quality education, no matter where they live.

The university offers several financial aid opportunities to help students pay for their online learning, including the University of Montana Academic Achievement Scholarship (UMAAS), the UM Need Grant, and the Grizzly Promise. About 93% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,152

Out-of-State: $31,622

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,164

Out-of-State: $32,492

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)

2. Montana State University-Northern

At Montana State University-Northern, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, education, and nursing.

Roughly 88% of students receive financial aid, especially grants and scholarships. MSUN offers several financial aid programs to help in-person and online learners.

The university, based in Havre, MT, has a history dating back more than 100 years. But it still keeps up with the times, designing its online programs to fit the lifestyle of busy working students.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,269

Out-of-State: $19,385

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,742

Out-of-State: $18,686

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NCCU

3. Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online in fields like business administration, criminal justice, healthcare, and public relations. MSUB is located in Billings, MT.

The online education programs at MSU Billings are tailored to fit the needs of busy students. The university offers robust student services for both on-campus and online students.

In-state students have a tuition rate of $208.21 per credit for online undergraduate degrees and out-of-state students pay just a bit more, at $224.53. The university offers a range of financial aid options, some of which cover up to full tuition costs, and 91% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,706

Out-of-State: $21,347

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,419

Out-of-State: $21,741

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 56%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NCCU

Other Featured Online Schools

Students in Montana don't have to be limited to Montana online colleges; they can attend accredited colleges online even if the school is in another state. Below, we've featured a few additional top online colleges.

Franklin University

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Franklin University. Areas of study include business, computer science, healthcare, and psychology.

The private nonprofit university, based in Columbus, OH, is geared toward adult learners. It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and charges $398 per undergraduate credit.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private nonprofit institution in Manchester, NH. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online in fields like criminal justice, liberal studies, social sciences, and technology.

SNHU is known for its distance learning programs and is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE). It charges $330 per credit for undergraduate degrees and accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

Western Governors University

Students at Western Governors University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, education, healthcare, and technology.

The private nonprofit school is headquartered in Salt Lake City and accredited by the NCCU. All programs at the fully online college are self-paced.

How We Rank Schools

To find the best colleges online students can attend in Montana, we used the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources. We focused on programs that met the following criteria:

• Location: All schools in the initial list are located in Montana.
• Accreditation: We only included schools that are regionally accredited.
• Type: We focused on four-year public and nonprofit schools, excluding community colleges and for-profit institutions.
• Online programs: We honed in on schools that offer a variety of online programs, specifically online bachelor's degrees, and offered support for online learners.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Montana

While many students love the ability to learn online, there are downsides to online college programs as well. Below, we've highlighted some common pros and cons of online learning.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• On your schedule: Most online courses are asynchronous, meaning students can complete their coursework at the time that works best for them.
• Location flexability: Because you don't have to be on campus, you can learn wherever you like, whether that be at home, at a coffee shop, or at the library.
• Greater range of options: Online and distance education allows you to choose programs from schools nowhere near you, opening doors to more options for majors and degrees.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Requires more focus: Learning from home can provide more distractions, meaning online learning requires more focus and self-discipline.
• Harder to connect: Some students find it harder to connect with their professors or other college students when learning virtually.
• Dependent on technology: If you live somewhere where your internet is spotty or your electricity might go out, or if something happens to your computer, it can become a lot harder to complete your coursework.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Montana

When trying to choose the right online college in Montana, there are several things to think about, such as:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose needs to be accredited; look for regional accreditation since nationally accredited online colleges are not held to as high a standard.
• Major: Available online majors can vary between schools.
• Admissions requirements: Some schools require only a high school diploma, while others have stricter admissions requirements.
• Schedule: You may find online programs available on a traditional full-time schedule or on part-time, accelerated, or self-paced schedules.
• Cost: Tuition costs can vary significantly between schools.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs to help students pay for their online classes.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Montana Cost?

Of the schools listed above, online bachelor's degrees cost less than $350 per credit for in-state students. However, your total tuition cost will depend on several factors, including the financial aid you qualify for.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Montana More Affordable

One of the best ways to make online college more affordable is to choose schools with low tuition rates. There are several colleges, especially public schools, that offer affordable online degrees in Montana.

All students should also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for federal and state programs. Below, we've offered some additional resources for finding affordable programs:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Montana Scholarships & Grants

Several scholarships and grants are available to Montana residents. We've broken down a few of these programs below.

Grizzly Promise

The Grizzly Promise funds up to four years, or eight semesters, for eligible Montana residents at the University of Montana. There is no separate application; all students are assessed for this program based on their FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Deadline: N/A

Montana's STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program

Montana's STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program helps undergraduate students at Montana State University schools who are enrolled in a STEM or healthcare program. The application is available on their website.

Award Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 15, 2025

2 Plus 2 Honor Scholarship

The 2 Plus 2 Honor Scholarship is for students who have graduated with an associate degree from a Montana community college with a 3.4 GPA. It covers tuition costs for students to continue on to earn their bachelor's degree at a public Montana university.

Award Amount: Full tuition for two years

Deadline: June of the year immediately following your graduation with an associate degree

Top Majors for Montana Graduates

According to the NCES, the top fields of study for bachelor's degree graduates in Montana are:

• Business: Business majors can lead to careers in areas like finance, human resources, marketing, and sales.
• Engineering: Most schools offer majors in specific types of engineering, like civil engineering or mechanical engineering, so students can choose the major that best aligns with the type of engineer they want to be.
• Healthcare: Popular healthcare majors for bachelor's degree students include nursing, healthcare administration, and health sciences.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Degrees in the natural sciences or in mathematics can help you find jobs in academia, research, or hands-on fieldwork.
• Humanities: Humanities is a broad field that encompasses the arts, culture, and languages. A degree in one of these fields can lead to numerous job opportunities.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Montana

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online colleges in Montana.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Montana?

Most bachelor's degrees take about four years of full-time study, while online master's degrees can range from one to three years. However, some schools offer accelerated online degrees in Montana that allow students to earn their degrees faster.

Should I Enroll in an Online College in Montana?

Only you can decide if you should enroll in an online college in Montana. Earning a degree can make a huge difference in your career trajectory, and online colleges offer a flexible way to complete your education.

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

Of the schools listed above, both Montana State University-Northern and Montana State University Billings have open admissions policies. This means they accept all students who meet the minimum application requirements.

Is Online College Free in Montana?

Online college is not inherently free in Montana. However, programs like the Grizzly Promise and other financial aid options can reduce or completely eliminate your tuition costs.

Explore Degree Programs With Online Courses in Montana

Take charge of your education by exploring the online degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.