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.
Featured Online Programs
15 Colleges in Montana
Additional Resources
Official State Links
- Montana University System Board of Regents
- Montana Commissioner of Higher Education
- Montana State Education
College Savings
- Montana Family Education Savings Program: The state's 529 plan offers students and families a means of saving for college early, with added tax benefits. Students can use their savings for a 2- or 4- year school, either in Montana or out-of-state. Montana's plan is run by Vanguard.
Education Nonprofits
- Hopa Mountain Indigenous Scholars of Promise: This Montana nonprofit works with 30 indigenous high school juniors and seniors each year, providing them with resources, skill sessions, support and advocacy. Each student is in the top 20% of his or her high school class and visits several colleges and universities as a member of this program.
- Montana Higher Education Student Assistance Corporation: This nonprofit is dedicated to helping Montana students pay for higher education. Through grants, loan financing and assistance, and several scholarships, MHESAC has helped a large chunk of the state's students successfully transition from high school to college.
Higher Education News
- Montana University System News Center: The state organization of public universities posts articles and notes related to schools within Montana.
- Education Week Montana: This national publication offers the option to filter news by state, providing Montana residents with a list of pertinent articles on trends in the state's higher education system.