For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Montana is $6,325 for Montana residents and $18,386 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Montana, the average tuition & fees are $23,966 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Montana is $6,611 for Montana residents and $19,533 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Montana, the average graduate tuition is $25,705.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $13,602 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $13,492. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Montana is $21,641 for residents and $33,701 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $38,341. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $18,789 for Montana residents and $23,511 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Montana Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $21,641 | $33,701 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $38,341 | |
| Community Colleges | $18,789 | $23,511 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Montana, 30 out of 30 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 20 public and 16 private colleges in Montana. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Montana is $4,747 for Montana residents and $16,688 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $23,066
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $3,119 for residents and $7,785 for out-of-state students.
| Montana Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $4,747 | $16,688 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $23,066 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $3,119 | $7,785 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $15,936 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Montana, 10 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Montana is $5,206 for Montana residents and $17,990 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $23,279
| Montana Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $5,206 | $17,990 |
| Private Schools | $23,279 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Montana is $194 for Montana residents and $684 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $880
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $269 for Montana residents and $863 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $1,027
| Montana Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $194 | $684 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $880 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $126 | $274 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $269 | $863 |
| Private Schools | $1,027 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Montana
At colleges in Montana, the average living cost is $13,602 when a student lives on campus facility and $13,492 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $13,691 | $13,438 |
| Private Schools | $13,335 | $13,698 |
