Top Universities in Montana

Montana's universities are smaller in scale than those of larger states but are well-regarded for their programs in natural sciences, outdoor recreation management, and Native American studies.

University of Montana (Missoula)
The flagship liberal arts and research university of the Montana University System. UM is particularly strong in creative writing (the MFA program has produced an extraordinary number of nationally published authors, including Richard Ford and James Welch), environmental law, wildlife biology, and journalism. The campus, nestled between the Clark Fork River and Mount Sentinel, is one of the most scenically situated in the US. The Davidson Honors College offers a rigorous undergraduate experience. UM's Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research is a key resource for the state's outdoor tourism economy.

Montana State University (Bozeman)
The land-grant university and the flagship for science, engineering, and agriculture. MSU is consistently ranked among the top universities for undergraduate research opportunities. The Museum of the Rockies (on campus) is among the best dinosaur museums in the world. Engineering, agriculture, and education are the largest programs. The proximity to Yellowstone and the surrounding wilderness shapes MSU's strong programs in ecology and wildlife management.

Rocky Mountain College (Billings)
A private liberal arts college affiliated with three Christian denominations (Presbyterian, United Methodist, and United Church of Christ), Rocky Mountain College has strong programs in aeronautical science (one of only two programs of its kind in the region) and equine studies — reflecting Montana's ranching culture.

Carroll College (Helena)
A Catholic liberal arts college with excellent pre-medical and nursing programs — Carroll's healthcare alumni have exceptional medical school acceptance rates. The college's Fighting Saints athletic teams compete in NAIA Division I.

Montana has significant tribal colleges — Salish Kootenai College, Fort Peck Community College, Stone Child College, and others — that serve the state's Native American communities and are nationally recognized for their mission of preserving Indigenous languages and cultures.