Best Online Communications Programs in Montana (2026)

Home > Programs > Communications > States > Montana


Montana Communications At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Communications Salary$69,952
Salary OutlookMontana offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMontana Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online communications degree in Montana offers a flexible path into communications careers. Montana offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Montana students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Communications Schools in Montana

The following schools offer accredited online communications programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Montana.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Carroll College

Helena, MT BOC Score 66.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 69%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $61,772
Avg net price $23,960/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT BOC Score 43.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 47%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $44,511
Avg net price $16,784/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$8,552
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$33,671
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 100

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Rocky Mountain College

Billings, MT BOC Score 41.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 70%
Graduation rate 48%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $49,036
Avg net price $19,751/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$35,582
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$35,582
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 66%
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Fort Peck Community College

Poplar, MT BOC Score 33.2
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 16%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $14,747
Avg net price $400/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$2,250
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$2,250
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 26

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Montana

Communications professionals in Montana experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Montana.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Montana)
Public Relations Specialist$63,780
Public Relations Manager$99,990
News Analyst, Reporter and Journalist$47,960
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist$68,080

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Communications Degree in Montana?

Choosing a program in Montana can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Montana offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Montana economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online communications programs in Montana accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Communications pay in Montana compare to other states?

Montana offers competitive wages for communications professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Montana a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for communications in Montana?

The Montana Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Montana. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Browse Other States

More Montana guides