Montana, known for its vast wilderness, beautiful landscapes, and rugged terrain, is also home to several private colleges and universities that offer unique and high-quality educational experiences. While public institutions dominate the state’s higher education landscape, private colleges in Montana play a crucial role in delivering liberal arts, professional, and faith-based education. These institutions are dedicated to fostering intellectual growth, leadership, and community service in their students.
1. Carroll College
History and Overview
Founded in 1909, Carroll College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Helena, Montana. It is affiliated with the Diocese of Helena and is known for its rigorous academics, especially in pre-professional programs, along with its focus on Catholic values.
Academic Offerings
Carroll College offers a variety of undergraduate programs, with some of its strongest fields being pre-professional programs. Major academic areas include:
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Pre-Medical, Public Health, and Occupational Therapy.
- Business: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management.
- Liberal Arts: Theology, Philosophy, English, and History.
- Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.
Key Features
- Pre-Professional Excellence: Carroll is well-regarded for its pre-medical and nursing programs, producing graduates who are highly competitive in medical and health science fields.
- Faith-Based Learning: As a Catholic institution, Carroll College integrates faith and values into its curriculum and encourages spiritual growth among its students.
- Community Engagement: Carroll is committed to service learning, offering students many opportunities to engage with the community through volunteer work and internships.
2. Rocky Mountain College
History and Overview
Rocky Mountain College (RMC) is a private liberal arts college located in Billings, Montana. Founded in 1878, it is the oldest college in the state and maintains a commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service. RMC is affiliated with three Christian denominations: the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ.
Academic Offerings
Rocky Mountain College offers over 50 undergraduate majors and programs, ranging from the liberal arts to professional fields. Key areas of study include:
- Aviation: One of the few colleges in Montana offering a comprehensive aviation program, including pilot training and aviation management.
- Health Professions: Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, Health and Human Performance, and Pre-Medicine.
- Business and Management: Business Administration, Finance, and Entrepreneurship.
- Environmental Studies: Environmental Science, Biology, and Wildlife Biology.
Key Features
- Aviation Program: RMC’s aviation program is highly regarded, offering both flight training and business management courses that prepare students for careers in the aviation industry.
- Outdoor Learning: Located near the Rocky Mountains, RMC emphasizes outdoor education and environmental studies, taking advantage of Montana’s natural resources for fieldwork and research.
- Small Class Sizes: RMC is known for its personalized attention, with small classes that foster close relationships between students and faculty.
3. University of Providence
History and Overview
Founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Providence, University of Providence (UP) is a private Catholic university located in Great Falls, Montana. The university is dedicated to providing a values-driven education, with a focus on leadership, service, and social justice.
Academic Offerings
The University of Providence offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a particular focus on health sciences, business, and liberal arts. Key academic areas include:
- Nursing and Health Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Pre-Medicine, Public Health, and Health Administration.
- Business and Leadership: Programs in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, and Nonprofit Management.
- Criminal Justice and Legal Studies: Bachelor’s programs in Criminal Justice and Legal and Paralegal Studies.
- Liberal Arts: Psychology, Philosophy, History, and Religious Studies.
Key Features
- Health Sciences Focus: UP has a strong emphasis on health sciences, particularly in nursing and healthcare administration, with robust clinical partnerships across Montana.
- Faith-Based Education: As a Catholic university, UP integrates faith, ethics, and service into its curriculum, fostering students’ personal and spiritual growth.
- Flexible Learning Options: UP offers both on-campus and online degree programs, catering to traditional students as well as working professionals.
4. Montana Bible College
History and Overview
Montana Bible College (MBC) is a small, private Christian institution located in Bozeman, Montana. Founded in 1987, MBC focuses on biblical studies and preparing students for ministry work and leadership roles within Christian communities.
Academic Offerings
Montana Bible College offers a focused set of academic programs, all grounded in Christian theology and ministry. The primary areas of study include:
- Biblical Studies: In-depth study of the Bible, including Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Greek.
- Pastoral Ministry: Preparing students for leadership roles in the church, with courses in theology, preaching, and counseling.
- Christian Leadership: Programs designed to equip students for leadership in various ministry contexts, both locally and globally.
- Youth Ministry: A specialized program that prepares students to work with young people in church and community settings.
Key Features
- Faith-Centered Curriculum: MBC emphasizes a strong Christian worldview, with all courses designed to deepen students’ understanding of Scripture and their faith.
- Small Community: The college provides an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention from faculty and engage closely with their peers.
- Practical Ministry Training: MBC encourages practical ministry experience through internships, mission trips, and service opportunities, ensuring students are prepared for real-world leadership.
5. Yellowstone Christian College
History and Overview
Yellowstone Christian College (YCC) is a private Christian college located in Billings, Montana. Founded in 1974, YCC offers a biblically centered education aimed at developing spiritual, intellectual, and professional skills in students.
Academic Offerings
YCC provides a range of academic programs focused on Christian leadership and ministry, including:
- Biblical Studies: A comprehensive program focusing on Scripture, theology, and church history.
- Christian Ministry: Programs designed to prepare students for roles in pastoral leadership, worship ministry, and missionary work.
- General Studies: A liberal arts program that provides students with foundational knowledge in English, history, and science, alongside biblical education.
- Business Leadership: A program that combines Christian ethics with business principles, preparing students for leadership roles in both ministry and the marketplace.
Key Features
- Christian Leadership Focus: YCC’s curriculum is designed to foster leadership within Christian contexts, equipping students for ministry roles and service.
- Affordable Education: YCC emphasizes affordability, making private Christian higher education accessible to students with limited financial resources.
- Faith Integration: The college integrates biblical principles into all academic programs, ensuring students graduate with both spiritual and intellectual development.
6. Great Falls College – MSU (Affiliated but Independent)
History and Overview
Though technically a public institution, Great Falls College – MSU has close partnerships with the University of Providence and other private institutions in Montana. This college operates independently, offering specialized programs that supplement private colleges’ offerings in the area.
Academic Offerings
Great Falls College provides career-focused programs and associate degrees that complement the liberal arts and professional studies at nearby private institutions. Areas of study include:
- Health Professions: Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Assisting, and Radiologic Technology.
- Technical and Trade Programs: Welding, Industrial Technology, and Sustainable Energy.
- Business Programs: Business Management, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship.
- Liberal Arts: Associate degrees in English, Communications, and Psychology that can serve as a foundation for further study at a private four-year college.
Key Features
- Collaborative Partnerships: The college partners with private institutions like the University of Providence to offer students a broad range of academic pathways.
- Career-Ready Programs: Great Falls College focuses on workforce development, providing students with practical, hands-on training in health, technology, and trade fields.
- Pathways to Bachelor’s Degrees: Students can transfer their associate degree credits to four-year institutions like Carroll College and the University of Providence, making it an integral part of Montana’s higher education ecosystem.
7. Flathead Valley Community College (Collaborative Institution)
History and Overview
Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) is a public two-year institution with a strong commitment to partnerships with private colleges and universities across Montana. Located in Kalispell, FVCC offers academic programs that support further education at private institutions throughout the state.
Academic Offerings
While not a private institution, FVCC provides associate degrees and certificates that can be transferred to private universities, offering programs in:
- General Education: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees that serve as transfer programs to Montana’s private and public universities.
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Radiology, and Emergency Medical Services.
- Liberal Arts: Programs in Psychology, History, English, and Communication.
- Business and Entrepreneurship: Associate degrees in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship.
Key Features
- Transfer Agreements: FVCC has established transfer agreements with private colleges such as Carroll College, ensuring students can continue their education seamlessly.
- Practical Training: The college offers extensive career and technical education programs that prepare students for immediate employment or further study in specialized fields.
- Community Engagement: FVCC is deeply connected to the Flathead Valley region, promoting service learning and community involvement as part of its educational mission.