For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Montana is $6,591 for Montana residents and $19,581 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Montana, the average tuition & fees are $25,153 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Montana is $7,032 for Montana residents and $21,004 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Montana, the average graduate tuition is $28,164.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $14,496 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,058. 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.
You can compare all Montana colleges in various ways:
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 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Montana is $23,004 for residents and $35,994 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $41,057. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $19,866 for Montana residents and $24,882 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 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 | $23,004 | $35,994 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $41,057 | |
| Community Colleges | $19,866 | $24,882 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Montana, 31 out of 31 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 20 public and 17 private colleges in Montana. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Montana is $4,869 for Montana residents and $17,711 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $24,177
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $3,551 for residents and $8,538 for out-of-state students.
| Montana Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $4,869 | $17,711 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $24,177 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $3,551 | $8,538 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $15,773 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Montana, 10 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Montana is $5,446 for Montana residents and $19,248 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $25,087
| Montana Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $5,446 | $19,248 |
| Private Schools | $25,087 | |
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 $190 for Montana residents and $718 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $925
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $266 for Montana residents and $906 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $1,127
| Montana Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $190 | $718 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $925 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $140 | $328 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $266 | $906 |
| Private Schools | $1,127 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Montana
At colleges in Montana, the average living cost is $14,496 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,058 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $14,389 | $14,923 |
| Private Schools | $14,844 | $15,598 |
