2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Montana

1

Flathead Valley Community College
Kalispell, MT

Our analysis ranked Flathead Valley Community College the best value for a degree in registered nursing in Montana. Set in the town of Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,659. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $21,187. Registered Nursing graduates of Flathead Valley Community College earn a median of $71,348 early in their careers. Set against $21,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Miles Community College
Miles City, MT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Miles Community College earned it the #2 place for registered nursing. Located in the town of Miles City, Miles Community College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $5,500 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,220 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $29,199. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Miles Community College generally make around $67,708. Set against $29,199 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MT

Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Salish Kootenai College, which ranked #3. Set in the rural area of Pablo, Salish Kootenai College is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,311 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,583. Registered Nursing graduates of Salish Kootenai College earn a median of $52,607 early in their careers.

4

Great Falls College Montana State University
Great Falls, MT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Great Falls College Montana State University earned it the #4 place for registered nursing. Set in the city of Great Falls, Great Falls College Montana State University is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,028 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,911 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $38,034 ten years out.

5

Montana State University Northern
Havre, MT

Montana State University Northern is a great value for students pursuing a degree in registered nursing, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Havre, Montana State University Northern is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,982, compared with $21,875 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $30,486 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $77,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Helena College University Of Montana
Helena, MT

Helena College University Of Montana landed the #6 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the city of Helena, Helena College University Of Montana is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,106, with out-of-state students paying around $11,278. Students borrow a median of $29,692 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $63,902. Set against $29,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT

Montana State University Billings ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,280, while out-of-state students pay about $22,897. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $29,869. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Montana State University Billings generally make around $72,000. That is a strong return on a $29,869 median debt.

8

Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Butte, MT

Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana came in at #8 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the town of Butte, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Students borrow a median of $35,839 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana generally make around $74,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

9

The University Of Montana
Missoula, MT

The University Of Montana placed #9 among the best values for registered nursing. The University Of Montana is a large public school located in the city of Missoula. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $34,743. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from The University Of Montana generally make around $67,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

10

Montana State University
Bozeman, MT

Montana State University came in at #10 for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $86,654 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

11

University Of Great Falls
Great Falls, MT

University Of Great Falls landed the #11 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the city of Great Falls, University Of Great Falls is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $30,448 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,847 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $101,187. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%.

12

Carroll College
Helena, MT

Carroll College came in at #12 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Helena, Carroll College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,484 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Carroll College earn a median of $75,007 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.