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2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Montana

By Jordan Beliles • Edited by Bailey Fletcher • Updated 7/16/2024

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Online community colleges in Montana cater to a diverse demographic of distance learners. Earning an online education in Montana enables you to advance your career through a tailored schedule, helping you achieve your educational and career goals without breaking the bank. 

  • The most affordable schools in Montana have tuition costs under $8,940.
  • Dawson Community College is among the most affordable schools in the nation with a tuition cost of $7,781. 

Our approach to sorting community colleges in Montana is based on various important criteria, such as affordability and online enrollment. We believe this methodology provides a more nuanced perspective, allowing you to make informed decisions based on factors that matter most to you.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Best by Affordability

Best by Affordability schools must provide a “global” tuition at the undergraduate level and have the same rate for the vast majority of programs. The OnlineU staff manually researches tuition costs on official school websites. Both of our most affordable schools in Montana are below $9,000 in tuition costs.

Dawson Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $7,781

Why We Like Them:

DCC offers tuition of just $7,781, placing it in the 100th percentile for affordability among colleges across the country. Additionally, with 97% of students receiving financial aid, DCC demonstrates a strong commitment to making higher education accessible to all. Online learning at DCC includes options to complete all the general education studies for their associate of arts or associate of science programs. Noteworthy is DCC's involvement in the Montana Online Course Exchange, enabling students to cross-enroll in courses from other Montana institutions, further enhancing their online education opportunities.

Miles Community College

Key Metrics:

  • Annual Tuition: $8,940

Why We Like Them:

MCC earns its place on our affordability index due to its highly affordable tuition of $8,940, placing it among the top 25% of the most cost-effective options nationwide. This is complemented by a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, which offers you the advantage of more personalized attention and interaction in your courses. Online programs at MCC cover various areas catering to undergraduate students, including the online Associate of Arts in Human and Social Services that is designed as a transfer degree to the University of Montana’s Bachelor of Social Work. Other online majors include accounting, general studies, and business.

Honorable Mention

Our Honorable Mention section highlights schools that deserve your attention during your college search. We've included specific reasons why we recommend them, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of their unique offerings. One of the most popular community colleges in Montana has an online enrollment of 438.

Great Falls College Montana State University

Key Metrics:

  • Online Students: 438

Why We Like Them:

GFCMSU earns its place due to its notable online enrollment of 438 students. Additionally, every student receives financial aid, placing it among the top 18% of schools for this metric, which highlights its commitment to making higher education accessible. GFCMSU offers a variety of technical healthcare degrees including health information coding specialist, healthcare scribe apprentice, and health information coding. These programs prepare you for immediate employment and certification, ensuring you are job-ready upon completion.

Student Reviews of Online Associate Programs

Veronica Reel, Graduating 2026

Im proud that I chose to pursue my career with UMA! This is a great school, with great assistance and plenty of people that’s willing to help when needed. Couldn’t have chosen a better school. Highly Recommended! Promise you want be disappointed. UMA rocks

Review Date: 5/7/2025

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Veronica Reel, Graduated 2026

Elizabeth, Graduated 2025

Attended: Bryan University Online

Attending Bryan University is not my first experience with online schooling. My last school was a very popular school that is advertised very frequently with blue and yellow colors. Here at Bryan University I have found that the way the lessons are presented makes it easier for me as a student to understand, and actually grasp the materials. Because I am a visual learner their way of providing audio books, and videos to help me engage with the materials keep me interested, and I find myself completing... Read More

Review Date: 4/13/2024

Attended: Bryan University Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Elizabeth, Graduated 2025

Quinlin, Graduated 2024

Attended: The University of Texas at San Antonio

I must recognize the humanity of the UTSA Leadership, especially Mr. ,Daniel Gockley, Executive Director who has stepped in to review my housing cancellation. He took action immediately then went above and beyond to escalate my request approved for a contract cancellation on the grounds that I experienced a significant change to my family situation. My family is greatly appreciative of his support and care for students and family members!!

Review Date: 12/5/2020

Attended: The University of Texas at San Antonio

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Quinlin, Graduated 2024

Jennifer Johns, Graduated 2023

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

I really enjoyed this school. I have been able to learn so much from the instructors and also my classmates as well. I did struggle with the math classes for my degree program and feel like the instructors could be a lot more hands on when it comes to teaching those classes and also, their instructions on the big assignments could be a lot more clearer. I found myself confused at times when working on the Portfolio projects because the directions were not clear. Other than that, I found this school... Read More

Review Date: 8/11/2023

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Jennifer Johns, Graduated 2023

Nikki, Graduated 2023

Don’t attend this school unless you have a lot of money and time to burn through. I have been at this school since February 2022 and worked hard to maintain a A - B average. But when you have some instructors who clearly are there to make easy money because they don’t have to show up to a actual classroom and use outdated videos that are not in sync with what you are currently doing then it becomes a major problem. Not only that but there are some instructors there who don’t even try to answer questions... Read More

Review Date: 9/16/2022

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Nikki, Graduated 2023

Darcy, Graduated 2023

Attended: Bryan University Online

The entire experience was amazing and simple. The team supports you through all the steps making returning to school stress free and easy. They get connected on a personal level so you feel like an individual and not just a number. It’s a great school and experience.

Review Date: 2/8/2021

Attended: Bryan University Online

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Darcy, Graduated 2023

Kimberly R King, Graduated 2020

What it was like attending UMA-Ultimate Medical Academy it was the best choice I decided for myself. I had already attended college for Medical Billing and Coding that motivated me to want to pursue an Associate's of Science Degree in Healthcare Management. The experience at UMA-Ultimate Medical Academy was a great one, when you have any kind of question it's someone available at any time you need to talk to someone. The staff and students are motivating and help keep you motivated.

Review Date: 9/28/2020

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Kimberly R King, Graduated 2020

Brittany, Graduated 2020

Attended: Skagit Valley College

As military it's hard to find schools that work with you. I thought the curriculum was great, except for the VBA taught. It was cool to learn, but not many jobs require or desire that. My two biggest issues were enrolling and instructor teaching. Enrolling was extremely difficult as I had to drive an hour away and take time off work, which was extremely rare to be able to do that. They wouldn't answer their phones and I had to turn in paperwork in person. It's online for a reason. Secondly one of... Read More

Review Date: 6/1/2022

Attended: Skagit Valley College

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Brittany, Graduated 2020

Paul, Graduated 2018

Attended: Lincoln Tech

My stay here has been draining of my work ethic and overall time. It took me two months to find a job due to the lack of help received compared to what was promised, and in essence this school is just a small prison. Dorm punishments are unfair and inconsistent. I had received 20 hours of community service on campus merely for free labor due to me having a girl in my room. Neither me or her were in any sort of situation that we were doing something and we were both clothed. Yet I talked to another... Read More

Review Date: 9/24/2018

Attended: Lincoln Tech

Overall Rating: 1.5/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Paul, Graduated 2018

Matt, Graduated 2018

Attended: DeVry University

I'm going to keep this brief. I transferred from my on campus tech school to Devry after my I accepted a full time job that didn't allow me to go to physical classes. It's true, many of the course material is outdated and the material can be googled . However, I did find many of the information useful and up to date. Networking is constantly changing, so that's important. The teachers usually work with your schedule for the most part. Now here's my problem with Devry. unfortunately I failed that... Read More

Review Date: 7/26/2018

Attended: DeVry University

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Matt, Graduated 2018

Gregory, Graduated 2015

Attended: Columbia College

I'm halfway through my A.S. in Environmental Studies online. I read the complaints about the Eservices and I have not had the same issues. The registration is simple and my advisor helped me get a schedule set up which is helpful. Everytime I call I reach someone, and all my emails are responded to very quickly.

Review Date: 6/7/2014

Attended: Columbia College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Gregory, Graduated 2015

NC Student, Graduated 2015

Attended: Independence University

I just graduated this week July 2015 from the Respiratory Therapy program at IU and while attending I did have a few issues. I started in September 2013 after I transferred from a local college following a illness and doing online would make it easier so it would not matter if I had to miss class. I didn't have clinicals at the time, so I was not worried about being too sick to go to clinicals either. I started school and had a lot of classes transfer from my previous school, and by the time I recovered... Read More

Review Date: 7/27/2015

Attended: Independence University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

NC Student, Graduated 2015

Alicia, Graduated 2014

Attended: International Academy of Design and Technology

If I had to do it all again, I would NOT choose IADT/Sanford Brown. I really struggled with this school. Not because it was hard, but because it is BORING. And with the classes, I really don't feel like I learned much of anything. Do I feel confident using my degree to get a job in design, definitely not. I feel like I just wasted so much time, money and energy at this school. While the teachers are really nice and somewhat helpful, and so is the academic staff, the classes are so fast, and unless... Read More

Review Date: 8/5/2014

Attended: International Academy of Design and Technology

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Alicia, Graduated 2014

jessica, Graduated 2013

I was an online student at UMA. The advisers were very friendly and very helpful. I wish I could have met them all in person. I no loner use my degree tho bc the state that I live in does NOT except online degrees. So I now have over $14,000 in student loans on something I can't use. When going for online programs, make sure your State Board excepts the School and or Online schooling in general.

Review Date: 11/10/2016

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

jessica, Graduated 2013

DiFalcon, Graduated 2012

Attended: University of Phoenix

Great College but very expensive. I guess because of the technology used in the learning system the cost of attendance consequently had to be high. I am glad I attended and enjoyed my tenure as a student. I would still want to attend the school if only I can pay myself the tuition which is part of my plan.

Review Date: 3/26/2015

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

DiFalcon, Graduated 2012

Keith butler, Graduated 2024

Attended: UEI College

I attend UEI College Mesa electrician technician program. A great hands on school for students looking to change their career, also has great staff also great oppertunities. I highly recommend anyone here for an higher perpose either it's career wise or school wise. One of the best decisions I have ever made to go back to school and futher educate my self for a career i just started doing.

Review Date: 11/9/2023

Attended: UEI College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Keith butler, Graduated 2024

Karah Gossman, Graduated 2020

Attended: Portland Community College

Portland Community College is a very diverse and welcoming atmosphere. The student body is filled with people of all ages, orientations, and genders, with no discrimination to one group. The teachers are understanding of work getting in the way of school and are graciously lenient. The campuses are very well maintained and easy to get to. In addition, the online courses are plentiful and just as rewarding as on campus classes. I would highly recommend this college to any other.

Review Date: 3/15/2017

Attended: Portland Community College

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Karah Gossman, Graduated 2020

sara, Graduated 2019

Attended: Mitchell Community College

The main problem I had with this school were the college advisors. I had problems with my advisor not knowing what program I was in and what classes I had already taken. He also suggested classes I didn't need to graduate. I thought he knew better than me so I used his advice. I ended up adding an extra semester to my studies because of his mis-information. Learn from me and do not be naive. Research everything and make the best choice for yourself.

Review Date: 12/12/2019

Attended: Mitchell Community College

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

sara, Graduated 2019

Chickadee, Graduated 2018

Attended: Carrington College

Oh god this school is horrible. My experience was a little better after I switched financial aid advisors. I do not recommend Yana as a financial aid advisor, she is so rude! I ended up leaving because she wasn’t helping me with my financial aid. She rarely answered my emails, or returned any of my phone calls. This school could be great if the staff weren’t so awful.

Review Date: 9/30/2019

Attended: Carrington College

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Chickadee, Graduated 2018

Dani, Graduated 2017

I...for the life of me can't seem to understand why anyone would ever consider ECPI University to be beneficial for military members. All they want is that GI Bill. Nevermind your technical training or hands-on experience. Oh, and did I mention they make it damn near impossible to transfer credits from other ACCREDITED schools. I had to start over from scratch. Money is their motive. You fail to attend one day, and you can literally fail a whole class, due to it being an accelerated program, and... Read More

Review Date: 7/26/2017

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Dani, Graduated 2017

Want an online degree that's:

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  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
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