Best Online Colleges in Montana
Updated October 18, 2023
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When researching online colleges in Montana, you will find a vast array of digital resources at your disposal.
Within the Montana University System, 16 schools enroll 46,000 students and offer online and hybrid degree formats tailored to fit student needs. Montana's largest industries include agriculture, travel and tourism, timber, and mining. As such, distance learners can earn degrees in programs like agricultural education, land resources and environmental science, wilderness management, horsemanship, and diesel technology. More traditional programs, such as degrees in business administration, communications, public relations, accounting, human resource management, and mathematics, may also be completed at online schools in Montana.
Montana maintains membership with the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, a resource–sharing education system from which students at all levels benefit both financially and academically. The state also houses the Montana Higher Education Consortium, which creates professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities for faculty at all Montana universities and colleges. This organization promotes high educational and teaching standards, cutting–edge research, and quality programs for students. Additionally, Montana offers competitively low tuition rates. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in–state and out–of–state tuition in Montana remain 27% and 18% cheaper, respectively, than the national average.
For distance learners, online courses at colleges in Montana offer more scheduling flexibility than traditional on–campus programs. Both part– and full–time online programs can help students earn their degrees while maintaining jobs, familial obligations, and other daily commitments.
The Best Online Colleges in Montana
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Montana
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Montana State University Billings ranks among the best online colleges. Remote students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have 19 options through this public institution. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its campus, whom online learners can also contact. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. Many degree programs include an internship, helping students gain experience in their field. The degrees that graduates receive are fully accredited.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Montana State University Billings at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,653
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Online Master's Programs: 5
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 18%
#2 Best Online Colleges in Montana
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online degree-seekers should consider The University of Montana. The 16 online programs offered by this public institution consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. The school has experience facilitating online classes and a reputation for strong academics, attracting many remote students.
Career and academic service associates located at the Missoula campus also assist online learners. Degree-seekers have the option to connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work in their field. Those who complete all program requirements receive an accredited degree upon graduation.
Anyone interested in learning more about available online programs and how to apply should contact the school directly.
The University of Montana at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,057
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 5
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 6%
Admission Rate: 94%
#3 Best Online Colleges in Montana
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Montana State University offers a high-quality online college experience. Those who enroll at the public institution remotely have 16 online degree opportunities to choose from at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
Online learners are able to work with academic and career services professionals located at the Bozeman campus. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completion of their program.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Montana State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,127
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 7
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 10%
Admission Rate: 82%
#4 Best Online Colleges in Montana
Montana State University-Northern
Havre, MT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Montana State University-Northern is a fantastic choice for online learners. Remote students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have six options through this public institution. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the Havre, Montana, campus are available to help online learners. Degree-seekers who choose to connect with academic advisors can participate in virtual job fairs and other career-planning events. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. Completing an academic program grants graduates an accredited degree.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Montana State University-Northern at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 631
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 1
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%
#5 Best Online Colleges in Montana
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Providence has online programming that ranks favorably among similar opportunities. The private institution offers 11 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school's substantial track record in online education and good academic reputation attract many distance learners.
Online learners benefit from support from academic and career services offices at the school's Great Falls, Montana, campus. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. The school also emphasizes hands-on learning through its internship programs. Completing an academic program grants graduates an accredited degree.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
University of Providence at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 549
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 32%
Admission Rate: 55%
Online Colleges in Montana Ranking Guidelines
We selected the online schools in Montana based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
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