The Best Bachelor's in Business Administration Programs in Montana for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
- Rocky Mountain College ranks #1 in Montana on a 69.1 Program Score, with a 48% graduation rate.
- The University of Montana-Western graduates the most students on this list (51%), from #3.
- The hardest to get into is University of Providence (#2), which admits 50% of applicants.
- Public schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Montana State University-Northern, ranks #4.
- Programs analyzed
- 5
- In-state tuition range
- $5,010-$34,544
- Average graduation rate
- 39%
- Median salary (BLS)
- $105,770
We analyzed 5 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 5 ranked programs in Montana runs from $5,010 to $34,544 a year, a $29,534 spread for the same credential.
Rocky Mountain College tops the list with a 69.1 Program Score on a 48% graduation rate, at $34,544 a year in-state. Across all 5 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 39%, ranging from 28% to 51%. 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.
Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana, Compared by Score
Rocky Mountain College leads at 69.1, and Salish Kootenai College closes the chart at 54.3. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 5 Best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana, Ranked for 2027
The 5 best Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana, ranked by outcomes.
Rocky Mountain College
Billings, MT · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 70%
- In-state
- $34,544
- Out-of-state
- $34,544
All Rocky Mountain College business administration students complete an internship for academic credit, and the school reports a 98% institutional job placement rate.
- 48% graduation rate
- Program Score 69.1
- $34,544 tuition
- Required internship
The Business Administration bachelor's degree at Rocky Mountain College is built around leadership, teamwork and communication, with a core in accounting, management, economics, statistics, professional writing and business law. Students choose a concentration in Accounting, Management or Small Business Management, and each requires a minimum of 45 semester hours. Every business administration student completes an internship for academic credit. The page also describes a 3:2 option that leads to a BS in Business Management and a Master of Accountancy in five years, which the school says meets Montana's CPA eligibility. The school reports a 98% institutional job placement rate.
Federal data show a 48% graduation rate and a 70% admit rate. Tuition is $34,544 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 69.1 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a small private college, a required internship and a choice between accounting, general management and starting a small business, including those who want a path to the CPA exam through the five-year 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's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration lets students choose general business, finance or management and earn credit for internships.
- Program Score 66.4
- $30,048 tuition
- Three concentrations
- Internship for credit
The University of Providence offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that totals 120 credits. The business core accounts for 36 credits and each concentration adds 12. Students choose general business, finance or management. The general concentration covers commerce law, budgeting, entrepreneurship and project management, while the management concentration includes human resource management and supply chain management. The page highlights interpersonal skills, technological skills and problem-solving as the main competencies. Students can earn school credit for internships, with past placements at Stockman Bank and Social Security. The degree is offered on campus in Great Falls, Montana, and the school also lists an online option. The page notes that the program is an Educational Member of the International Accreditation Council for Business Education and has not yet undergone accreditation review.
Federal data shows a 28% graduation rate and a 50% admit rate for the university. Tuition is $30,048, the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 66.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The low graduation rate is worth weighing. The program fits students who want a small-campus business degree with a choice of emphasis and internship experience.
University of Montana-Western
Dillon, MT · Public
- Grad rate
- 51%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $5,039
- Out-of-state
- $18,420
The University of Montana-Western pairs a 120-credit business degree with a required internship, a capstone and options from equine management to web and digital media.
- 51% graduation rate
- Program Score 63.1
- $5,039 in-state tuition
- Required internship and capstone
The Business Administration BS at The University of Montana-Western totals 120 credits and combines traditional business courses with problem-based learning and team projects, delivered in a small business, rural context. The core covers accounting, finance, law, statistics, marketing, operations, management and human resources, and includes a 6-credit cooperative education internship and a capstone. Students choose an option such as Equine Management, Management Accounting, Health and Fitness Management, Small Business Management or Web and Digital Media. A fourth-year experience lets eligible students complete a Small Business Management minor online while starting a business or working. The school reports specialized IACBE accreditation for its business degrees.
Federal data show a 51% graduation rate and a 100% admit rate. In-state tuition is $5,039, against $18,420 for out-of-state students. The Program Score of 63.1 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. The program fits students who want hands-on, project-based business study with an applied option tied to a particular industry, and who may want to launch a venture or work during their final year.
Montana State University-Northern
Havre, MT · Public
- Grad rate
- 41%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $5,010
- Out-of-state
- $19,785
Every business course at Montana State University-Northern is offered both online and in person, with minors ranging from diesel technology to community leadership.
- 41% graduation rate
- Program Score 61.6
- $5,010 in-state tuition
- Online and in-person courses
The Business Administration bachelor's degree at Montana State University-Northern covers finance, marketing, operations and management, with a focus on analyzing business problems and making data-driven decisions. Students tailor the degree with a business or non-business minor, and the school lists options as varied as diesel technology, agriculture operations and community leadership. The page says every business course is available both online and in person, so students can mix formats around their schedules. Students work through case studies, projects and internships, and can specialize in areas such as accounting, small business management and technical sales. The school describes faculty with corporate and non-profit experience, plus industry partnerships that support networking and internships.
Federal data show a 41% graduation rate, and the college is open admission, so no admit rate screens applicants out. In-state tuition is $5,010, against $19,785 for out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 61.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students from Montana and nearby who want a small-campus business degree with room to pair it with a practical minor, and who may need online coursework alongside work or family commitments.
Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MT · Public
- Grad rate
- 28%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $5,076
- Out-of-state
- $10,260
Salish Kootenai College builds its business administration degree around leadership "appropriate to Indian Country" and careers with tribal enterprises and governments.
- 28% graduation rate
- Program Score 54.3
- $5,076 in-state tuition
- Tribal business focus
The Business Administration Bachelor of Arts at Salish Kootenai College gives students a broad grounding in finance, accounting, management, marketing and business strategy. Stated learning outcomes include communicating in writing and in presentations, analyzing financial information, working in teams, weighing the ethics of decisions in a business and cultural context, and applying leadership styles appropriate to Indian Country. The college's business department also offers an associate Business Management degree, and the page notes that bachelor's graduates can go on to advanced study such as an MBA. Career paths named on the page include tribal enterprises, tribal governments, non-profit program management and starting or growing a business.
Federal data show a 28% graduation rate, and the college is open admission. In-state tuition is $5,076, compared with $10,260 for out-of-state students. The program has a Program Score of 54.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want to study business close to home, who are drawn to tribal and community organizations, and who value a smaller campus with open enrollment.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
The median school on this list graduates 41% of its students. The highest rates belong to The University of Montana-Western (51%) and Rocky Mountain College (48%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.
- #3 The University of Montana-Western51% graduation rate
- #1 Rocky Mountain College48% graduation rate
- #4 Montana State University-Northern41% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana?
On this list, 2 of 5 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 70%.
- #2 University of Providence50% admitted
- #1 Rocky Mountain College70% admitted
- #3 The University of Montana-Western100% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
This list holds 3 public and 2 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 61.6 public and 67.8 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
Enrollment on this list runs from 671 at Salish Kootenai College to 1,358 at The University of Montana-Western. Of the 5, 5 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rocky Mountain CollegeRocky Mountain College | $59,499 | $21,679 |
| #2 | University of ProvidenceProvidence | $48,103 | $21,492 |
| #3 | The University of Montana-WesternMontana-Western | $47,344 | $19,481 |
Graduates of Rocky Mountain College earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $59,499; the lowest figure here is $47,344 at Montana-Western.
Rocky Mountain College leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $19,481 a year at Montana-Western to $21,679 at Rocky Mountain College.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What a Bachelor's in Business Administration Costs in Montana
In-state tuition among the 5 ranked programs in Montana runs from $5,010 to $34,544 a year. Montana State University-Northern anchors the low end at $5,010, while Rocky Mountain College sits at the top at $34,544. 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 $138,176 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.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Online Business Administration Options in Montana
1 of the 5 ranked Montana programs offers 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.
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.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About Business Administration Bachelor's Programs in Montana
What is the best business degree in Montana?
By Program Score, Rocky Mountain College ranks first among the 5 business administration programs in Montana we analyzed, with a 69.1 score and a 48% 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.