The Best Business Administration Programs in Montana for 2026
The best business administration programs in Montana are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 7 business programs in Montana on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in business administration actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 7 ranked programs in Montana runs from $5,010 to $40,132 a year, a $35,122 spread for the same credential.
Carroll College tops the list with a 77.4 Hakia Score on a 69% graduation rate, at $40,132 a year in-state. Across all 7 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 45%, ranging from 28% to 69%. The national median pay in the field is $105,770 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
- Carroll College ranks first among Montana's business programs with a 77.4 Hakia Score and a 69% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 7 ranked Montana programs spans $5,010 to $40,132 a year, a $35,122 gap for the same bachelor's in business administration.
- The 7 ranked Montana programs graduate 45% of students on average, from 28% to 69%.
- 4 of the 7 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Montana residents.
- 2 of the 7 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $105,770 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Montana program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 7 accredited programs in Montana reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 7 Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carroll CollegeHelena, MT | Nonprofit | $40,132 | 69% | 71% | 77.4 |
| 2 | Rocky Mountain CollegeBillings, MT | Nonprofit | $34,544 | 48% | 70% | 69.1 |
| 3 | The University of MontanaMissoula, MT · online option | Public | $5,964 | 48% | 96% | 67.8 |
| 4 | University of ProvidenceGreat Falls, MT · online option | Nonprofit | $30,048 | 28% | 50% | 66.4 |
| 5 | The University of Montana-WesternDillon, MT | Public | $5,039 | 51% | 100% | 63.1 |
| 6 | Montana State University-NorthernHavre, MT | Public | $5,010 | 41% | NR | 61.6 |
| 7 | Salish Kootenai CollegePablo, MT | Public | $5,076 | 28% | NR | 54.3 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
A Closer Look at the Top Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
Carroll College
Helena, MT · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $40,132
- Out-of-state
- $40,132
Carroll College graduates 69% of its students, above the 45% average across this ranking, on a 77.4 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 77.4, #1 of 7
- 69% graduation rate
- $40,132 tuition
- Top graduation rate on this list
Based in Helena, MT, Carroll College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #1 of the 7 ranked here, earning a 77.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 65.7 group average. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 45% average across the ranked schools. Carroll College admits 71% of applicants, more selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at University of Providence, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 28% to 69%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,156 students.
On cost, Carroll College charges $40,132 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $160,528 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,010 at Montana State University-Northern to $40,132 at Carroll College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Rocky Mountain College
Billings, MT · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 70%
- In-state
- $34,544
- Out-of-state
- $34,544
Rocky Mountain College graduates 48% of its students, above the 45% average across this ranking, on a 69.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 69.1, #2 of 7
- 48% graduation rate
- $34,544 tuition
- Admits just 70% of applicants
Based in Billings, MT, Rocky Mountain College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #2 of the 7 ranked here, earning a 69.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 65.7 group average, in the top third of the 7 ranked programs. The program graduates 48% of its students, above the 45% average across the ranked schools. Rocky Mountain College admits 70% of applicants, more selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at University of Providence, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 28% to 69%.
On cost, Rocky Mountain College charges $34,544 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $138,176 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,010 at Montana State University-Northern to $40,132 at Carroll College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 96%
- In-state
- $5,964
- Out-of-state
- $30,527
The University of Montana graduates 48% of its students, above the 45% average across this ranking, on a 67.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 67.8, #3 of 7
- 48% graduation rate
- $5,964 in-state vs $30,527 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Based in Missoula, MT, The University of Montana is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #3 of the 7 ranked here, earning a 67.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 65.7 group average, in the middle third of the 7 ranked programs. The program graduates 48% of its students, above the 45% average across the ranked schools. The University of Montana admits 96% of applicants, less selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at University of Providence, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 28% to 69%.
On cost, The University of Montana charges $5,964 a year in-state, roughly 5x the $30,527 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $23,856 in tuition for residents, against $122,108 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,010 at Montana State University-Northern to $40,132 at Carroll College. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with an online option.
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 28%
- Admit rate
- 50%
- In-state
- $30,048
- Out-of-state
- $30,048
University of Providence ranks #4 of the 7 bachelor's in business administration programs in this analysis, with a 66.4 Hakia Score and a 28% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 66.4, #4 of 7
- 28% graduation rate
- $30,048 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in Great Falls, MT, University of Providence is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #4 of the 7 ranked here, earning a 66.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 65.7 group average, in the middle third of the 7 ranked programs. The program graduates 28% of its students, below the 45% average across the ranked schools. University of Providence admits 50% of applicants, more selective than the 77% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 28% to 69%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 763 students.
On cost, University of Providence charges $30,048 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $120,192 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,010 at Montana State University-Northern to $40,132 at Carroll College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
The University of Montana-Western
Dillon, MT · Public
- Grad rate
- 51%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $5,039
- Out-of-state
- $18,420
At $5,039 a year in-state, The University of Montana-Western is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 63.1 Hakia Score on a 51% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 63.1, #5 of 7
- 51% graduation rate
- $5,039 in-state vs $18,420 out-of-state
- Admits just 100% of applicants
The University of Montana-Western is a public institution in Dillon, MT. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #5 of the 7 analyzed here with a 63.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 65.7 group average, in the lower third of the 7 ranked programs. The program graduates 51% of its students, above the 45% average across the ranked schools. The University of Montana-Western admits 100% of applicants, less selective than the 77% average for the group. That is more open than the 50% rate at University of Providence, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 28% to 69%.
On cost, The University of Montana-Western charges $5,039 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $18,420 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $20,156 in tuition for residents, against $73,680 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,010 at Montana State University-Northern to $40,132 at Carroll College. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Montana State University-Northern
Havre, MT · Public
- Grad rate
- 41%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $5,010
- Out-of-state
- $19,785
At $5,010 a year in-state, Montana State University-Northern is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 61.6 Hakia Score on a 41% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 61.6, #6 of 7
- 41% graduation rate
- $5,010 in-state vs $19,785 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Havre, MT, Montana State University-Northern is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #6 of the 7 ranked here, earning a 61.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 65.7 group average, in the lower third of the 7 ranked programs. The program graduates 41% of its students, below the 45% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 28% to 69%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 966 students.
On cost, Montana State University-Northern charges $5,010 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $19,785 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $20,040 in tuition for residents, against $79,140 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,010 at Montana State University-Northern to $40,132 at Carroll College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MT residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 21x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MT · Public
- Grad rate
- 28%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $5,076
- Out-of-state
- $10,260
At $5,076 a year in-state, Salish Kootenai College is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 54.3 Hakia Score on a 28% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 54.3, #7 of 7
- 28% graduation rate
- $5,076 in-state vs $10,260 out-of-state
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Salish Kootenai College is a public institution in Pablo, MT. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #7 of the 7 analyzed here with a 54.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 65.7 group average, in the lower third of the 7 ranked programs. The program graduates 28% of its students, below the 45% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 28% to 69%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 671 students.
On cost, Salish Kootenai College charges $5,076 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $10,260 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $20,304 in tuition for residents, against $41,040 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,010 at Montana State University-Northern to $40,132 at Carroll College. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MT residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 21x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
What a Bachelor's in Business Administration Costs in Montana
In-state tuition among the 7 ranked programs in Montana runs from $5,010 to $40,132 a year. Montana State University-Northern anchors the low end at $5,010, while Carroll College sits at the top at $40,132. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $20,040 in tuition at the low end against roughly $160,528 at the high end for the same bachelor's in business administration. Against the national median of $105,770 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes a business degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Business Administration Options in Montana
2 of the 7 ranked Montana programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online business degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Business Administration Careers and Pay After a Montana Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $105,770 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $5,010 or $40,132 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Montana program compete in that same national pay structure.
Common Questions About Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
What is the best business degree in Montana?
By Hakia Score, Carroll College ranks first among the 7 business administration programs in Montana we analyzed, with a 77.4 score and a 69% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does a business degree cost in Montana?
In-state tuition among the ranked Montana programs runs from $5,010 to $40,132 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online business degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $105,770 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Montana-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.