Best Criminology Schools in Montana: Online Programs (2026)

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Montana Criminology At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminology Salary$74,070
Salary OutlookMontana offers competitive wages for criminology 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 criminology degree in Montana offers a flexible path into criminology careers. Montana offers competitive wages for criminology 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 Criminology Schools in Montana

The following schools offer accredited online criminology 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

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT BOC Score 54.5
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 28%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $38,520
Avg net price $8,099/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$4,912
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$11,659
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 51

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Providence

Great Falls, MT BOC Score 53.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 50%
Graduation rate 36%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $48,296
Avg net price $17,649/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$30,448
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$30,448
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 71%
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT BOC Score 33.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 29%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $44,296
Avg net price $16,524/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$7,280
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$22,897
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 56%
  • Programs offered: 55

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Blackfeet Community College

Browning, MT BOC Score 29.4
  • 4 year
Graduation rate 14%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $22,953
Avg net price $5,410/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Montana

Criminology 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)
Detective and Criminal Investigator$92,410
Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist$59,750
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$70,050

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminology 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 criminology 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 Criminology pay in Montana compare to other states?

Montana offers competitive wages for criminology 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 criminology 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.


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