Montana’s Best Colleges Doesn’t Include This Major University

For many, some of the best days of their lives are spent in college.

Think about it, what a great time. You're figuring out who you are, you're learning new things, meeting new people, and you have a built-in excuse for poor decisions (I was in college)

Some people love college so much that they figure out ways to stay as long as they can. I went back to school in my 30s and was what they call a non-traditional student. I tried to go right after high school, but that didn't end well for me, or my parents' checking account.

However, after maturing a bit, I was amazed at how much I learned the second time around. It probably helped that I was no longer drinking or trying to "hook up".

READ MORE: Does Montana have an underground town? Check it out. 

I bring this up because the folks over at WalletHub have released a list of the best colleges and universities in Montana, and one of the most popular schools didn't make the cut. So, which Montana school didn't make the list? Let's take a look.

WalletHub based the rankings on the following factors:

• Admission Rate
• Net Cost
• Student-Faculty Ratio
• On-Campus Crime
• Gender and Racial Diversity
• Graduation Rate
• Post Attendence Median Salary

Based on those, here are your Top 5 Best Colleges and Universities in Montana.

#5 - Montana State University- located in Bozeman and home of the Bobcats, MSU is an excellent school with lots going for it. The popularity of the school continues to increase, and we're seeing record enrollment year after year. Plus, Bozeman has been voted the best college town in America for 2 years in a row.

#4 - Montana Tech University- located in Butte, Montana Tech is home to the Orediggers. Montana Tech is known for strong programs in science, tech, engineering, and math.

#3 - Rocky Mountain College- located in Billings, RMC is a private college with a student body of under 1000. Their mascot is the Battlin' Bears, and they are affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, and the United Church of Christ. Oh, and one of their most famous alumni? Arlo Gutherie, although he didn't finish with a degree.

#2 - University of Providence - located in Great Falls, the University of Providence comes in 2nd place in our Top 5. So, what makes this school so great? The University is a private Catholic school and is relatively new to Montana. The school is less than 100 years old and was founded back in 1932. Former U.S. Senator Jon Tester attended the school.

What school is the best college or university in Montana? 

We told you that a popular school didn't make the list, and that's true. The University of Montana in Missoula didn't quite cut it. Now, I'm sure this will make some former and current Griz upset; however, I didn't come up with the rankings. Oh, and congratulations on being able to read!  So, which school took the number one spot?

#1 Carroll College - located in Helena, Carroll is another private Catholic school. The Fighting Saints have 15 different athletic teams and over 35 different academic majors. With an enrollment of just over 1000 students, Carroll College is considered a Crown Jewel in education for the Treasure State.

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