Montana Tech earns No. 1 college ranking in Montana for third straight year
For the third year in a row, Montana Technological University has been named the No. 1 college in Montana by Niche.com, reinforcing the university’s reputation for delivering a high-value education and strong career outcomes.
“This report from Niche.com amplifies what people in Montana, across the country, and even all over the globe already know - that a Montana Tech education delivers results and return on investment,” Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of Students Dr. Joe Cooper said. “We're proud to be able to provide an affordable and safe educational experience that prepares our students to rise to meet the emerging needs of our ever-evolving world."
The 2027 Niche rankings draw on more than 1 million reviews from students and alumni across 3,990 colleges, providing firsthand perspectives on academics, campus life and the overall college experience. Niche also incorporates data from sources including the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation.
Academics and value carry significant weight in the rankings, together accounting for more than 60% of a college’s overall score. For Montana Tech, the numbers behind the ranking tell a compelling story.
Niche gives the university an A for safety and A- grades for value and student life. The site reports that 97% of Montana Tech graduates are employed one year after graduation, compared with 91% nationally. It also lists median annual earnings for Montana Tech graduates five years after graduation at $73,365, compared with a national average of $45,519 and Montana average of $44,319.
Students are optimistic about where their Montana Tech education will take them: 96% of students surveyed by Niche say they are confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.
Montana Tech also earned the top spot in several other statewide Niche rankings:
- No. 1 Best Test Optional College in Montana
- No. 1 Best Research University in Montana
- No. 1 Top Public University in Montana
“Hands-on research is a defining part of a Montana Tech education,” Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Katie Hailer said. “By working alongside faculty on applied research that addresses real-world challenges, our students develop the technical expertise, critical-thinking skills and professional experience needed to become leaders in their fields. That combination of education and discovery is a significant part of what distinguishes Montana Tech graduates, and prepares them to make an immediate impact in the workforce.”
Nationally, Montana Tech ranks No. 49 among the Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America and No. 73 out of 935 schools on the Best Small Colleges in America list.
Montana Technological University, located in Butte, Montana, is the state’s STEM (science, engineering, technology, and math) University. The university is home to nationally and regionally ranked engineering, sciences, and health care programs. Montana Tech’s state-of-the-art facilities include the Lesar Family Nursing Simulation Center, the Underground Mine Education Center, the Electron Microscopy Laboratory, the Montana Tech Advanced Manufacturing Research Group, the Montana Tech Nanotechnology Laboratory, the Center for Advanced Materials Processing, the Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment, and the Center for Energy Technologies.
Applications to Montana Tech are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, click here.