Overview of Online Colleges in Montana
In 2007, the Montana University System launched the Distance Learning Initiative to ensure the quality of distance learning and online colleges in the state. Two years later, Montana University developed the Montana Digital Academy to provide online educational opportunities for high school students. The College! Now initiative was also created to promote two-year educational opportunities through online options and is expected to increase enrollment at online colleges in Montana. As of 2014, Montana Universities, such as UMOnline and MUS Distance Learning, now offer over 90 online degrees and 700 online courses.
The cost of tuition in Montana has risen steadily over the past few years, increasing 11.7% within a five-year time span. However, students may not have to shoulder the brunt of school expenses since state appropriations for higher education have also increased by 17.9%. Enrollment however is below the national average, increasing just 10.7% during the same five-year time span as tuition. Fortunately, the retention rate for Montana is an astonishing 70.1% for first-years, while the state graduation rate is 46.3%.
Learn more about Montana's best online degree programs and courses by using our extensive database. For more information on how this state's higher education environment compares to national averages, take a look at Montana's State Facts page.