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Best Nursing Schools in Montana: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 31, 2026

Explore Montana's 11 nursing programs across universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs ($3,975–$40,352/yr), admission rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Montana

Montana offers 11 accredited nursing programs across the state—a solid selection for a rural state with a population of just over 1 million. These programs include 8 university-based nursing degrees (BSN and higher) and 3 community college Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, giving prospective students flexibility in both location and educational pathway.

The nursing profession in Montana is growing, driven by an aging population and ongoing healthcare workforce shortages. Whether you're a high school graduate, career changer, or working professional, Montana's nursing schools accommodate different timelines and budgets. In-state tuition ranges from $3,975 annually at Helena College to $40,352 at Carroll College—a significant spread that affects your total cost of education.

This guide breaks down Montana's nursing options, helping you identify programs that match your academic profile, financial situation, and career goals.

Top University Nursing Programs in Montana

Montana State University (Bozeman)

Tuition: $8,083/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 86.8%
Graduation Rate: 57.1%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $101,393/year (Doctoral Degree)
Enrollment: 14,472

Montana State University's nursing program stands out for its strong graduate earnings potential, particularly for students pursuing doctoral degrees. With an acceptance rate of 86.8%, MSU is accessible to most qualified applicants. The university's location in Bozeman offers access to a growing healthcare system and outdoor lifestyle that attracts many students. The in-state tuition of $8,083 annually is reasonable for a public research university.

Note: The high graduate earnings figure reflects doctoral-level graduates (likely DNP or PhD holders), not all nursing graduates. Bachelor's degree nursing graduates from MSU typically earn less.

University of Montana (Missoula)

Tuition: $8,152/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 95.6%
Graduation Rate: 45.9%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $61,703/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 7,079

The University of Montana has the highest acceptance rate among Montana's universities at 95.6%, making it one of the most accessible options. Located in Missoula, a college town with strong community support for healthcare, UM offers an inclusive admissions process. However, the 45.9% graduation rate is below the national average, suggesting students should be prepared for rigorous coursework. The nursing graduate earnings figure listed reflects associate's degree holders; bachelor's degree graduates typically earn more.

Montana State University Billings

Tuition: $6,706/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 28.4%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $71,449/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 2,710

MSU Billings offers the lowest tuition among Montana's four-year universities at $6,706 annually. The program's location in Billings, Montana's largest city, provides strong clinical placement opportunities. However, the 28.4% graduation rate is notably low and warrants investigation—prospective students should contact the program directly to understand whether this reflects nursing-specific graduation rates or university-wide data, and what support services are available.

Montana Technological University (Butte)

Tuition: $8,050/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 89.9%
Graduation Rate: 57.4%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $58,777/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 1,428

Montana Tech's nursing program combines affordability with solid graduation outcomes. The 57.4% graduation rate is among the strongest in the state, suggesting effective student support. With an acceptance rate of 89.9%, the program is accessible while maintaining academic standards. The smaller enrollment (1,428 total students) means more individualized attention compared to larger universities.

Montana State University-Northern (Havre)

Tuition: $6,269/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 35.6%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $64,057/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 787

MSU-Northern offers the lowest tuition of any four-year university in Montana at $6,269 annually, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious students. The small enrollment (787) creates a tight-knit community. The 35.6% graduation rate suggests students should seek clarification on program-specific support and completion timelines before enrolling.

Carroll College (Helena)

Tuition: $40,352/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 72.6%
Graduation Rate: 68.4%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $60,217/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 1,052

Carroll College is Montana's most expensive nursing program option at $40,352 annually, but it delivers the highest graduation rate among Montana universities at 68.4%. This private nonprofit institution emphasizes student success and support services. The lower acceptance rate (72.6%) indicates more selective admissions. For students who can afford the tuition and value strong completion rates, Carroll represents a premium educational investment.

University of Providence (Great Falls)

Tuition: $29,018/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 64.2%
Graduation Rate: 43.9%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $103,079/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 527

University of Providence's nursing graduates earn the highest starting salaries among Montana programs at $103,079 annually—a significant advantage over other institutions. The tuition of $29,018 is moderate for a private university. However, the 43.9% graduation rate is below average, and the 64.2% acceptance rate is the most selective among Montana schools. This program suits highly motivated students seeking maximum earning potential.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Montana's three community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at significantly lower costs than universities. ADN graduates are fully licensed RNs and can work immediately in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. Many ADN graduates later pursue bachelor's degrees through RN-to-BSN bridge programs.

Helena College University of Montana (Helena)

Tuition: $3,975/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $58,719/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 641

Helena College offers the lowest tuition of any nursing program in Montana at $3,975 annually. Located in the state capital with access to multiple healthcare systems, the college provides excellent clinical training opportunities. Over a two-year program, total tuition costs approximately $7,950—roughly one-tenth the cost of Carroll College.

Flathead Valley Community College (Kalispell)

Tuition: $4,748/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $71,348/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 1,169

Flathead Valley's ADN program serves northwestern Montana and boasts the highest graduate earnings among community college programs at $71,348 annually. The tuition of $4,748 yearly remains highly affordable. The program's enrollment of 1,169 reflects strong demand and established reputation in the region.

Miles Community College (Miles City)

Tuition: $5,648/year (in-state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $51,923/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 353

Miles Community College serves eastern Montana with the highest community college tuition at $5,648 annually, though still dramatically less than universities. The smaller enrollment reflects the rural location. Graduates earn $51,923 on average—lower than other community college programs but sufficient for sustainable nursing careers in rural areas.

Salish Kootenai College (Pablo)

Tuition: $4,311/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 47.6%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $55,777/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 568

Salish Kootenai College, located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, serves Native American and rural students. The tuition of $4,311 annually is affordable, and the program emphasizes cultural competency and community health. The 47.6% graduation rate reflects the supportive environment and student-centered approach.

How to Choose the Right Montana Nursing Program

Consider Your Starting Point

High school graduates should evaluate acceptance rates and graduation rates. Programs with higher graduation rates (Carroll College at 68.4%, Montana Tech at 57.4%) indicate strong student support systems. If cost is primary, community colleges offer the most affordable entry point.

Career changers and working adults may prefer community colleges due to lower tuition and faster completion (2 years vs. 4 years). Many community colleges offer flexible scheduling and online prerequisites.

Evaluate Total Cost of Education

Don't focus solely on annual tuition. Calculate four-year costs:

Helena College: $7,950 total (2-year ADN)
MSU-Northern: $25,076 total (4-year BSN)
Carroll College: $161,408 total (4-year BSN)

Factor in living expenses, books, and licensing exam fees. Many students work part-time during nursing school, affecting completion timelines.

Assess Graduation Rates Carefully

Higher graduation rates suggest:

Effective student support services
Rigorous but fair academic standards
Strong clinical placement coordination
Mentoring and tutoring availability

Contact programs directly to understand whether published rates reflect nursing-specific data or university-wide statistics.

Research Clinical Placement Opportunities

Nursing education requires extensive clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Programs in larger cities (Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena) typically offer more diverse clinical settings. Rural programs may provide stronger community health and primary care experiences.

Consider Location and Lifestyle

Montana's geography matters. If you're from western Montana, Flathead Valley or University of Montana may feel natural. Eastern Montana students might prefer Miles Community College or MSU-Northern. Bozeman and Missoula offer vibrant college towns; Helena and Great Falls provide state capital/mid-size city environments.

Montana's Nursing Job Market

Montana faces a significant nursing shortage. The state's aging population (median age 40.3 years) drives increasing demand for RNs across all settings. Rural areas particularly struggle to recruit and retain nurses, creating opportunities for graduates willing to work outside major cities.

Salary Context: Montana nursing salaries vary by location and setting. Community college ADN graduates earn $51,923–$71,348 annually depending on employer and region. Bachelor's degree graduates earn $58,777–$71,449. Doctoral-level nurses (DNP, PhD) earn $101,393+, though these represent a small percentage of graduates.

Job Growth: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth in RN positions nationally through 2032. Montana's growth may exceed this due to population aging and rural healthcare expansion.

Specialization Opportunities: Montana hospitals and health systems increasingly seek nurses with specialty certifications in critical care, emergency nursing, perioperative nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Many employers offer tuition assistance for RN-to-BSN programs, allowing ADN graduates to advance without significant additional cost.

Financial Aid for Montana Nursing Students

Federal Aid

All Montana nursing programs participate in federal financial aid programs. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to access:

Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2024-25, for students with family income below ~$60,000)
Federal Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)
Federal Work-Study (on-campus employment)

State-Specific Aid

Montana offers:

Montana University System Scholarship (for Montana residents attending public universities)
Montana Nursing Student Loan Repayment Program (repays up to $60,000 in student loans for nurses working in underserved areas)

Employer Sponsorship

Many Montana hospitals and health systems offer:

Tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees
Loan repayment programs for new graduate hires
Signing bonuses ($3,000–$10,000 common)

Institutional Aid

Carroll College and University of Providence, as private institutions, offer merit-based scholarships to admitted students. Contact their financial aid offices for specific amounts.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore Montana's nursing programs in detail? Visit GradeToGrad's health sciences program search to:

Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates side-by-side
Read student reviews and experiences
Access direct links to program websites and application portals
Calculate estimated total costs with financial aid
Explore similar programs in neighboring states

Action Items

Narrow your choices to 3–5 programs matching your location, budget, and academic profile
Request program information directly from nursing department websites
Schedule campus visits or virtual information sessions (especially important for program culture fit)
Complete the FAFSA by June 30 for maximum financial aid consideration
Apply early (many nursing programs have rolling admissions and fill quickly)
Verify NCLEX-RN pass rates for programs you're considering—this reflects program quality and graduate preparedness

Montana's nursing programs range from highly affordable community college options to prestigious private universities. Whether you prioritize cost, graduation rates, earning potential, or location, Montana has programs suited to your goals. Start your comparison today and take the first step toward a rewarding nursing career.