Best community colleges in Montana

Long gone are the days when education levels weren't inherently tied to income levels. Twenty-first-century teens as young as high school freshmen consider what colleges are available to them sooner rather than later to make a decent living in the long run.

Be it grades or money, many young adults choose the more convenient option of community college to begin their undergraduate education: 41% of all undergrads are in a two-year school, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. When it comes down to education and numbers, a community college's annual tuition and fees are significantly less than four-year schools no matter which way the data is sliced. Stacker compiled a list of the best community colleges in Montana using rankings from Niche. These community colleges offer a great reason to consider a two-year education before moving on to a four-year school. If considering a continued education, these community colleges are a perfect place to start.

#5. Highlands College of Montana Tech (Butte)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $9,746

#4. Great Falls College - Montana State University (Great Falls)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $7,991

#3. Helena College - University of Montana (Helena)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $12,175

#2. Miles Community College (Miles City)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $8,001

#1. Flathead Valley Community College (Kalispell)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $9,092