Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, accreditation, and outcomes across Montana's top-ranked nursing programs.
Montana’s nursing pipeline is compact: just eight institutions produce the state’s registered nurses. An associate degree takes two years and costs less upfront, while a bachelor’s program requires four years but aligns with employer preferences at Magnet hospitals.
Choosing the right school involves more than tuition. NCLEX pass rates from the Montana Board of Nursing and median earnings data published in College Scorecard show wide outcome gaps even among these few programs.
A program’s first-time pass rate can directly affect hiring prospects in Billings, Missoula, and the state’s critical access hospitals.
These eight Montana nursing programs represent the best combination of value, outcomes, and training quality for 2026. Each profile includes key metrics and unique strengths to help you find the right fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | ~$16,000/yr (est.) | In-state students pursuing a public BSN | |
Montana Tech's CCNE-accredited BSN is the state's highest-ranked nursing program, blending nearly 1,000 clinical hours with cutting-edge simulation training. As one of only two public pre-licensure BSNs in Montana, it offers affordable in-state tuition and a health care informatics minor. Graduates benefit from strong placement rates and a curriculum built for advanced specialization.
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| #2 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | ~$24,000/yr (est.) | Career changers needing an accelerated BSN | |
Carroll's private BSN stands out for its liberal arts integration and two track options: a traditional four-year path or an accelerated 15-month program for career changers. Clinical placements begin early in Helena, and the curriculum aligns with the Nurse Licensure Compact for out-of-state mobility. With a Board of Nursing approval through 2032, it combines selective admissions with strong NCLEX preparation.
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| #3 | Salish Kootenai College | Pablo, MT | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Students committed to serving Native communities | |
Salish Kootenai's direct-admit BSN emphasizes rural and Native community health, reflected in its clinical rotations across urban and tribal settings. The ACEN-accredited program offers high-fidelity simulation and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio on a tribal college campus. Students benefit from early entry options and a cohort-based progression tailored to first-generation and underserved learners.
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| #4 | Montana State University | Bozeman, MT | $22,000/yr | ||
Montana State University's BSN spans five campuses, making it a top choice for place-bound students across the state. The program achieves a 92.05% first-time NCLEX pass rate and is recognized nationally for rural nursing research. Direct entry for Montana high school graduates and new simulation facilities enhance access and training quality.
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| #5 | The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | ||
Missoula College's ASN program combines rigorous ACEN-accredited training with a small cohort of 18 students, ensuring personalized acute-care preparation. With Board of Nursing approval through 2033, it provides a stable pathway to RN licensure in western Montana. The four-semester curriculum includes intensive labs, simulations, and clinical rotations.
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| #6 | Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell, MT | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Flathead Valley's LPN-to-RN bridge program delivers an accelerated, two-semester path to the NCLEX-RN. The 28-credit curriculum focuses on direct patient care and is state board approved for Montana licensure. Affordable community college tuition and strong local job demand make it a practical choice for working LPNs in Kalispell.
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| #7 | University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Providence's traditional BSN integrates compassionate, mission-driven care with state-of-the-art simulation training. The four-year program offers direct entry and pre-nursing tracks, with a 3.0 GPA threshold. Graduates emerge ready for diverse roles in Great Falls and beyond, supported by financial aid at this Catholic institution.
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| #8 | Montana State University Billings | Billings, MT | $17,000/yr (net price) | ||
City College at MSU Billings provides an NLN CNEA-accredited ADN with flexible admission options like the MSUB Readiness Exam. The program emphasizes hands-on clinicals and technology, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and the region's strong RN job market. With a median state wage of $59,900, it's a cost-effective entry to nursing in south-central Montana.
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While many nursing school rankings focus solely on prestige or NCLEX pass rates, no competitor page offers a straightforward side-by-side comparison of Montana nursing program costs. The table below lists in-state and out-of-state tuition and net price (the average amount students pay after federal financial aid) for all eight nursing schools in the state. Because net price is calculated at the institution level, treat it as a rough guide rather than a guaranteed cost for nursing students specifically. Where data are available, we also include median graduate debt to help you gauge long-term financial commitment.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead Valley Community College | $6,223 | $11,659 | $8,099 | $10,500 |
| Salish Kootenai College | $6,399 | $11,583 | $7,945 | $12,923 |
| Montana State University Billings | $7,280 | $22,897 | $16,524 | $18,209 |
| Montana Technological University | $8,289 | $26,094 | $16,481 | $18,750 |
| Montana State University | $8,460 | $33,287 | $22,499 | $22,500 |
| The University of Montana | $8,552 | $33,671 | $16,784 | $22,400 |
| University of Providence | $30,448 | $30,448 | $17,649 | $18,750 |
| Carroll College | $41,484 | $41,484 | $23,960 | $25,757 |
Data from the Montana Board of Nursing reveals how the state's programs perform on the national licensure exam.1 While individual school reports vary by year, the aggregated figures provide a clear picture of nursing education quality in Montana.
For comparison, the national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated nurses was 86.7% in 2025.2 Montana’s recent BSN and ADN aggregates comfortably exceed that benchmark, signaling strong program effectiveness across the state.
NCLEX pass rates serve as a critical indicator of how well a nursing school prepares its graduates for entry-level practice. The exam tests competencies that directly impact patient safety, so consistent high performance suggests a curriculum aligned with current clinical standards, effective teaching methods, and robust student support systems.
A pass rate that steadily trends upward, or remains above 90%, often reflects a program that refines its coursework based on exam blueprints and student feedback. Conversely, rates that dip or fluctuate widely can point to gaps in clinical rotations, faculty turnover, or outdated instructional materials. Prospective students should review multi-year data rather than a single snapshot, as one year’s results may be skewed by a small cohort size.
Both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) expect programs to maintain an 80% or higher first-time NCLEX pass rate. Falling below this threshold can trigger a formal review, probation, or even loss of accreditation. For students, attending a program that loses accreditation can jeopardize eligibility to sit for licensure exams and transfer credits.
Because of this, schools with pass rates consistently above 80% demonstrate not only academic rigor but also a commitment to continuous improvement. It is wise to confirm a program’s current accreditation status and examine its three-year NCLEX trend before enrolling. The Montana Board of Nursing publishes these figures annually,1 making them a reliable yardstick for program quality.
The Montana Board of Nursing requires all pre-licensure programs to report NCLEX results each year. This transparency allows candidates to compare schools objectively. When reviewing rates, note whether a figure represents first-time test-takers or all takers, first-time numbers are the standard accreditation metric. Some schools also publish their internal data on program websites, but the board’s reports remain the most consistent source for cross-school comparisons.1
Montana nursing programs must clear two separate hurdles to be recognized: national accreditation and state board approval, and missing either can derail your career. Understanding the difference helps you avoid enrolling in a program that won't let you sit for the NCLEX or transfer credits.
Two organizations grant national nursing accreditation in the U.S. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) focuses on baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. In Montana, all four BSN programs with full approval, Montana State University, Montana Technological University, and the University of Providence, hold CCNE accreditation. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is more common for associate-degree programs, though it also accredits diploma and higher levels. Among Montana ADN programs, Aaniiih Nakoda College’s ASN is ACEN-accredited. Both CCNE and ACEN are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, so nationally accredited programs open doors to financial aid, licensure in other states, and admission to advanced degrees.
National accreditation alone does not authorize a graduate to take the NCLEX in Montana. Every nursing program in the state must also receive approval from the Montana Board of Nursing. This approval confirms the curriculum meets state standards and is renewed on a set cycle. For instance, Montana Technological University’s BSN approval runs through 2032, while the University of Providence BSN is approved through 2026. Even if a program has CCNE or ACEN accreditation, a lapsed state approval invalidates graduates’ eligibility for the licensing exam.
Prospective students can verify a program’s standing through two free public tools: the CCNE or ACEN online directories, and the Montana Board of Nursing’s approved programs list. Because accreditation can change, as seen with Blackfeet Community College, which holds only conditional state approval through 2026 and no national accreditation, it is essential to check both sources shortly before applying. Some ASN programs, like those at Helena College, Flathead Valley Community College, and Great Falls College MSU, have current state approval but do not list a national accreditor. Students aiming for later RN-to-BSN advancement should confirm that credits will transfer and that the program meets employers’ hiring requirements.
Attending a program without national accreditation can block access to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and student loans. Graduates of non-accredited programs may also be ineligible for advanced nursing degrees, which almost universally require a nationally accredited undergraduate foundation. In a workforce that increasingly prioritizes NCLEX pass rates and accreditation status, picking a fully accredited, board-approved school protects your flexibility to practice in Montana, move to another state, or continue your education. Always align your choice with both accreditation and state board status from day one.
Montana requires all RN applicants to pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check before licensure. Nurses already licensed in another state can apply by endorsement through NURSYS and pay a $200 application fee. Be sure to plan for processing times and temporary permits if you want to start working quickly.
Understanding the nursing degree landscape in Montana starts with knowing which credential aligns with your nursing career paths. From two-year associate programs to doctoral degrees, each pathway serves a distinct purpose. Below, we break down the options available within the state and online.
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes two years and is offered at many Montana community colleges and technical centers. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce as registered nurses. ADN programs focus on clinical skills and direct patient care, making them a practical choice for students who want to start working quickly or keep costs low. Rural hospitals, long-term care facilities, and smaller clinics often hire ADN-prepared nurses. However, larger healthcare systems increasingly prefer or require a BSN, especially in acute-care settings.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree that adds coursework in leadership, research, public health, and evidence-based practice. Montana’s public universities, such as Montana State University and the University of Montana, offer BSN programs, along with private institutions like Carroll College. A BSN is now the standard for new hires at many hospitals nationwide, and this trend is strong in Montana’s urban centers. Facilities pursuing Magnet recognition, a marker of nursing excellence, mandate that a certain percentage of their RNs hold a BSN, which drives demand for graduates with this degree.
For career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) compresses nursing coursework into roughly 12 to 15 months. In-state ABSN options are limited, but Montana State University offers a rigorous on-campus track. Online ABSN programs from accredited out-of-state schools are an alternative for those willing to complete clinical rotations locally. For working ADN nurses, RN-to-BSN bridge programs are widely accessible online through Montana universities, allowing them to earn a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work. These flexible programs often take one to two years and remove the need for relocation.
Advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader are among the many nursing specialties that require a master’s (MSN) or doctoral degree (DNP). Montana has limited in-state graduate nursing programs, but online MSN and DNP tracks from accredited universities nationwide are well-established. Nurse practitioner specialties, including family and psychiatric mental health, are commonly pursued via distance learning with local clinical preceptorships. A graduate degree can also lead to roles in nursing administration or health policy.
Montana's registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $81,000 as of 2025, according to the latest wage data. The earnings range is wide: the lowest 10 percent of RNs made roughly $63,000, while the top 10 percent cleared $106,000 annually. For those in the middle half of the distribution, pay stretched from $70,000 at the 25th percentile to $94,000 at the 75th percentile. These figures reflect the state's mix of hospital, clinic, long-term care, and community health roles across urban and frontier settings.
The $81,000 Montana median sits below the national median for registered nurses, though the gap narrows when accounting for the state's lower cost of living. RN wages in neighboring states fall within a similar band; Idaho, Wyoming, and North Dakota all report median figures that roughly parallel Montana's, giving the region a consistent pay landscape for new graduates. While national wage data is not broken down at the state level for every metric, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth in RN jobs nationally from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings expected each year, many of them tied to retirements and an aging population. Montana's own demand is fueled by its rural healthcare shortages and expanding outpatient services, suggesting similar or stronger proportional growth in the coming decade.
Location matters within the state. Billings offers the highest median RN wage at $82,000, with the top 10 percent earning $107,000. Missoula and Great Falls follow closely at medians of $79,000 and $78,000, respectively. While the differences are modest, Billings' larger hospital systems and specialty centers tend to drive up the top end of the pay scale. Nurses willing to work in the state's smaller towns or remote critical access hospitals may find lower base salaries but often benefit from loan repayment incentives or housing stipends that boost overall compensation.
Typical federal student debt for Montana nursing graduates ranges from $10,500 to nearly $26,000, depending on the program. When measured against median earnings 10 years after entry, which vary from $32,725 to $61,772 across the schools in our ranking, the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio stays manageable across the board. For instance, graduates of the most affordable associate-degree programs may carry debt equal to just 27% of one year's typical earnings, while those completing higher-cost bachelor's programs see ratios closer to 40-50%. That means a new RN in Montana can realistically cover monthly student loan payments with less than one week's pay, leaving ample room for other living expenses. Choosing a program with lower tuition and strong regional job placement can further stretch the value of your degree.
State-specific employment numbers show between 10,000 and 11,000 RNs working in Montana. Although precise statewide growth projections aren't published separately, the national outlook points to steady expansion, and Montana's healthcare employers consistently report difficulty filling nursing vacancies. The state's elderly population share is above the national average, ensuring long-term demand in geriatric care, home health, and chronic disease management. New graduates who complete clinical rotations in local facilities often receive job offers before graduation, especially in high-need specialty areas like ICU, labor and delivery, and perioperative nursing.
Clinical placement availability is a critical concern for nursing students in rural Montana, where vast distances can limit opportunities. Programs partner with regional hospitals, tribal health centers, and critical access facilities to provide essential hands-on training. Prospective students should ask schools directly about clinical site availability and whether placements require relocation within the state. Early planning helps ensure a smooth clinical experience.
Choosing a nursing school in Montana creates many questions about admissions, costs, and outcomes. Below are answers to common queries to help you make an informed decision.
