Best ADN Programs in Montana for 2026
The best ADN programs in Montana put you in front of patients in roughly two years and cost a fraction of what a four-year BSN runs. Montana's seven accredited programs charge between $2,560 and $5,964 in annual in-state tuition, and every single one of their graduates sits for the exact same NCLEX-RN exam as a BSN graduate. Pass it, and you hold the same registered nurse license. No asterisk, no lesser credential.
The average graduation rate across the seven programs we analyzed is 40%, which is honest context for what you're walking into. ADN programs are rigorous, clinically intensive, and built for people who want to work sooner rather than later. If you're weighing a two-year community college route against a four-year university program, the core question isn't the license you'll earn. It's how quickly you want to be earning an RN's salary and how much debt you're willing to carry on the way there.
This ranking scores all seven Montana ADN programs on graduation rate, cost, selectivity where data is available, and overall outcomes using IPEDS data. We pulled the numbers, ran the scoring, and ranked what we found. The rest is your call.
Key Takeaways on the Best ADN Programs in Montana
- Montana ADN tuition ranges from $2,560 (Aaniiih Nakoda College) to $5,964 (University of Montana) in-state annually, making the associate degree route the lowest-cost path to an RN license in the state.
- ADN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN exam as BSN graduates and earn an identical registered nurse license upon passing, according to the NCSBN.
- Miles Community College ranks first with a 62% graduation rate and a Hakia Score of 79.8, the highest among all seven programs analyzed.
- The average graduation rate across Montana's seven ADN programs is 40%, ranging from 29% at Flathead Valley Community College to 62% at Miles Community College.
- Registered nurses nationally earn a median of $97,550 per year according to the BLS, and that figure applies equally to ADN-prepared and BSN-prepared nurses.
- All seven Montana ADN programs are public institutions, meaning in-state residents get the community college tuition advantage without private-school price tags.
Programs were scored using the Hakia Score, a composite index built from IPEDS data weighted across four factors: graduation rate (primary driver), in-state tuition cost (lower cost improves score), selectivity where admit-rate data was available, and program outcomes. ADN records in IPEDS often lack admit-rate data; in those cases, the model redistributed weight across the remaining factors. No program is included unless it reported nursing-specific data. Scores range from 0 to 100; a higher score means a program delivers better measurable outcomes relative to its cost and access profile.
The 7 Best ADN Programs in Montana, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miles Community CollegeMiles City, MT | Public | $4,680 | 62% | — | 79.8 |
| 2 | The University of MontanaMissoula, MT | Public | $5,964 | 48% | 96% | 73.6 |
| 3 | Montana State University-NorthernHavre, MT · online option | Public | $5,010 | 41% | — | 70.1 |
| 4 | Helena College University of MontanaHelena, MT | Public | $2,903 | 33% | — | 67.1 |
| 5 | Montana State University BillingsBillings, MT · online option | Public | $4,997 | 30% | — | 66.0 |
| 6 | Aaniiih Nakoda CollegeHarlem, MT | Public | $2,560 | 34% | — | 64.3 |
| 7 | Flathead Valley Community CollegeKalispell, MT | Public | $4,863 | 29% | — | 62.4 |
ADN Programs in Montana, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
The Top ADN Programs in Montana, Program by Program
Miles Community College
Miles City, MT · Public
MCC's five-semester ADN admits 38 students per year and posted an 88.46% ultimate NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025.
- $4,680/yr in-state tuition
- 88.46% ultimate NCLEX pass rate (2025)
- Five-semester program, 38 seats/year
- ACEN accredited, NLC compact state
Miles Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing runs five semesters and seats 38 students per cohort, making admission genuinely competitive in a rural Montana market. All nursing instruction is delivered on campus, with students assigned to clinical partner sites across the region; placements vary by year and are confirmed in July after acceptance. The program is ACEN-accredited and approved by the Montana Board of Nursing through 2027. Montana belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, so graduates who earn an unencumbered MT license can practice in 33 additional compact states without a separate application.
At $4,680 per year in-state tuition, MCC is one of the lower-cost paths to an RN in Montana. IPEDS reports a 62% graduation rate; the program does not publish an overall admit rate. On NCLEX-RN outcomes, MCC's first-attempt pass rate was 69.23% in 2025, while the ultimate pass rate (all attempts) reached 88.46% that same year. The program's Hakia Score of 79.8 ranks it first among Montana ADN programs in this analysis. The 100% job placement rate recorded in 2024 reflects strong regional demand, and the school publishes a direct RN-to-BSN pathway link for graduates who later want to bridge up while working.
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT · Public
Missoula College reports a 94% program completion rate and 100% job placement within six months of graduation.
- $5,964/yr in-state tuition
- 94% nursing program completion rate
- 100% six-month job placement
- UM RN-to-BSN bridge pathway
The Associate of Science in Nursing at Missoula College, the community-college division of the University of Montana, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through a curriculum that combines classroom learning, a skills lab with current simulation equipment, and supervised clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities. The program is housed within UM's Health Professions Department and draws on the university's network of community and regional clinical partners to expose students to diverse patient populations. Graduates earn a University of Montana credential, giving them access to UM's RN-to-BSN pathway if they choose to bridge up after working as an RN.
In-state tuition runs $5,964 per year, and with a 96% overall admit rate, the university is broadly accessible, though the nursing program itself operates with selective cohort sizing. IPEDS records a 48% graduation rate institution-wide. The program's own page states a 94% completion rate for RN students, which is a significantly stronger indicator of nursing-specific persistence. The Hakia Score of 73.6 places this program second in Montana. The BLS reports a national median of $97,550 per year for registered nurses, the same credential ADN graduates earn upon passing NCLEX.
Montana State University-Northern
Havre, MT · Public · online option
MSU-Northern's ACEN-accredited ASN program uses Meta Quest VR simulation and pairs every student with a dedicated faculty advisor.
- $5,010/yr in-state tuition
- ACEN accredited program
- VR simulation and ASLS center
- RN-to-BSN pathway built in
Montana State University-Northern offers a pre-licensure Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in Havre that prepares graduates to sit for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN. The in-person program blends classroom instruction, simulation labs with advanced medical equipment, and clinical placements in hospitals and healthcare facilities. What sets Northern apart is its simulation infrastructure: students train with Meta Quest VR headsets for immersive clinical scenarios and have access to an Advanced Stroke Life Support training center. Small class sizes mean one-on-one faculty mentoring throughout the program, and an optional RN-BSN track is available for graduates who want to advance without interrupting their careers. The program is ACEN-accredited, and the application window for the current cycle runs May 1 through June 15, 2026.
In-state tuition is $5,010 per year, plus a dedicated ASN nursing program fee of $600 annually. IPEDS data shows a 41% institution-wide graduation rate; the school's program page does not publish a standalone NCLEX pass rate, so no figure is cited here. The Hakia Score of 70.1 ranks Northern third among Montana ADN programs. The BLS national median wage for registered nurses is $97,550 per year, the same credential this ASN program leads to.
Helena College University of Montana
Helena, MT · Public
Helena College's RN program posted a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate and a 100% six-month job placement rate for its December 2024 graduating cohort.
- $2,903/yr in-state tuition
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate (Dec 2024)
- 96% RN program completion rate
- LPN certificate also offered on campus
Helena College University of Montana runs one of the most outcomes-focused ADN programs in the state, admitting 20 students each semester (spring and fall starts) into its Associate of Science in Registered Nurse program. Students move through prerequisite coursework, simulation labs, and supervised clinical placements in Helena-area healthcare settings. The college also offers a separate LPN (Practical Nurse) certificate that admits 16 students per year, giving career-changers or current healthcare workers a distinct entry point before potentially bridging to the RN level. Both programs require the TEAS entrance exam; seats are limited and application deadlines are firm. The ASRN program holds ACEN Continuing Accreditation, the highest ongoing status ACEN awards.
At $2,903 per year in-state, Helena College carries the lowest published tuition of any Montana ADN program in this ranking. Program-level outcomes for the December 2024 graduating cohort were exceptional: a 100% NCLEX-RN first-attempt pass rate, a 96% retention/completion rate, and 100% job placement within six months. IPEDS records a 33% institution-wide graduation rate, which reflects the full two-year college population and not nursing-program-specific persistence. The Hakia Score of 67.1 places Helena College fourth in this Montana ranking. For graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN, the BLS national median wage for registered nurses is $97,550 per year.
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT · Public · online option
City College at MSU Billings feeds graduates into Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, and a dozen other regional employers — and its 2+1 track lets you start BSN coursework before you even finish your ASN.
- $4,997/yr in-state tuition
- LPN-to-ASN bridge track
- NLN CNEA accredited
- 2+1 concurrent BSN pathway
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) at City College at MSU Billings is a competitive-entry program run through the community-college arm of Montana State University Billings. Admission is selective and points-based: applicants are ranked on GPA and prerequisite performance after first being admitted to City College. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations at area hospitals and care facilities in Billings. A clear pathway exists for Practical Nurses (LPNs/PNs) to advance into the ASN — prior coursework and clinical experience can satisfy the first semester of core nursing classes, shortening the journey. The program is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). A distinctive "2+1" option lets enrolled ASN students begin taking RN-to-BSN courses simultaneously, compressing the total time to a bachelor's degree for those who choose to continue.
In-state tuition runs $4,997 per year through the community-college fee structure, making this one of the more affordable paths to an RN credential in the Billings metro. The program's graduation rate of 30% reflects the competitive, selective nature of nursing admission at this institution. Admit-rate data is not publicly reported. Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN — the same national licensure exam taken by BSN graduates — and earn a full, unrestricted RN license. The program's Hakia Score of 66 ranks it fifth among Montana ADN programs, reflecting solid accreditation standing and a strong local employer network. It fits students who want a cost-controlled entry into nursing, prefer the Billings job market, and may want to ladder into a BSN without stopping work.
Aaniiih Nakoda College
Harlem, MT · Public
Aaniiih Nakoda College charges just $2,560 per year — the same rate for every student regardless of residency — and its "Grow Our Own" ASN logs 495 clinical hours preparing nurses for rural and tribal healthcare settings.
- $2,560/yr flat tuition (no OOS premium)
- 495 clinical hours
- ACEN accredited
- Tribal and rural healthcare focus
The Associate of Science in Nursing at Aaniiih Nakoda College in Harlem, Montana is built around a "Grow Our Own" philosophy: train nurses from within the community to serve the rural and frontier populations of the Fort Belknap region and surrounding areas. The program is explicitly structured around cultural competency — students study the Medicine Wheel Paradigm, integrate Aaniiih and Nakoda lifeways into practice, and are trained for the realities of remote frontier healthcare. After completing two semesters of prerequisite coursework (anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, sociology, psychology, and an American Indian Studies requirement), students enter four semesters of nursing core. That core logs 495 clinical hours and 150 lab hours and covers fundamentals, pharmacology, maternal/child, adult nursing, mental health, and a dedicated NCLEX preparation course in the final semester. The program is ACEN-accredited (initial accreditation) and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and earn a standard RN license.
Tuition is $2,560 per year and is the same for all students — there is no out-of-state premium, which is unusual and meaningful for students from tribal communities across state lines. With an enrollment of roughly 120 students campus-wide and a graduation rate of 34%, this is a small, high-touch program. No NCLEX pass rate is published on the program page. The Hakia Score of 64.3 places it sixth among Montana ADN programs. This program is the right fit for students connected to tribal communities or rural Montana who want to return and practice close to home, and for whom the flat, near-zero-out-of-pocket tuition is the decisive factor.
Flathead Valley Community College
Kalispell, MT · Public
Flathead Valley Community College offers a competitive-entry ASN in Kalispell with an LPN track, a CNA-to-RN ladder, and a BSN partnership transfer option — a full nursing career pipeline at $4,863 per year.
- $4,863/yr in-state tuition
- LPN-to-RN and CNA-to-RN pathways
- BSN transfer partnership
- Limited-enrollment competitive entry
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) at Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) in Kalispell is a limited-enrollment, competitive-entry program. Admission requires a separate nursing application and completion of specific prerequisites; candidates are evaluated against published criteria in the RN application packet. FVCC structures nursing as a full career ladder: students can enter as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), move into the Licensed Practical Nursing certificate (CAS), and then advance to the ASN. Each step is stackable. For those already holding an LPN credential, the LPN-to-RN pathway is available through the same program structure. Clinical rotations are hands-on and completed in person at regional healthcare sites in the Flathead Valley. For students who want to go further, FVCC also offers a BSN partnership transfer track, allowing ASN graduates to articulate into a bachelor's program. The program is listed under FVCC's nursing accreditation structure; the program page directs prospective students to the RN Information and Application Packets for full accreditation detail.
In-state tuition is $4,863 per year, keeping total program cost well below what a four-year university would charge for a pre-licensure BSN. The graduation rate is 29% and admit-rate data is not publicly reported for this program. No NCLEX pass rate is published on the program's web page. The Hakia Score of 62.4 ranks it seventh among Montana ADN programs. It is a strong fit for students in northwest Montana who want a low-cost, structured path from first healthcare job to RN licensure, or for working LPNs in the Kalispell area looking to advance credentials without leaving the region. For those who eventually want a BSN, the articulation partnership removes the need to start over at a four-year school.
What an ADN Costs in Montana and Why the ROI Is Hard to Ignore
An associate degree in nursing is the cheapest legal path to an RN license in the country, and Montana's programs illustrate that clearly. Annual in-state tuition across the seven programs runs from $2,560 at Aaniiih Nakoda College to $5,964 at the University of Montana. Even at the high end, you're looking at roughly $12,000 in tuition across two years before fees, books, and living costs. A BSN at a four-year institution regularly runs two to three times that figure, sometimes more.
The return on that investment is the same regardless of degree level. BLS wage data puts the national median for registered nurses at $97,550 per year. That number doesn't change based on whether you earned an ADN or a BSN. You're buying the same earning power for less money and in less time. The math works in your favor if you want to enter the workforce quickly and bridge to a BSN later while an employer may help cover the cost.
Community college tuition stays low because public funding subsidizes it. Every one of Montana's seven ADN programs is a public institution, so in-state residents get that subsidy. If you're a Montana resident choosing between a community college ADN and a private out-of-state nursing program, the cost gap over a career can be significant. Factor in two additional years of RN income you'd earn as an ADN graduate while a BSN student is still in class, and the financial case for the associate degree route is even stronger.
ADN Graduates Take the Same NCLEX-RN as Every Other RN Candidate
There is one licensing exam for registered nurses in the United States, regardless of whether you hold an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. It's called the NCLEX-RN, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). ADN graduates sit for it. BSN graduates sit for it. Pass it, and the state issues you an RN license. The license doesn't specify what degree you came from.
The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing, which means the exam adjusts difficulty based on your responses. It tests clinical judgment, not whether you spent two years or four years in school. ADN programs are built to prepare you for exactly this exam, with the same pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical decision-making content that BSN programs cover, compressed into a two-year format. The accredited ADN programs in Montana are designed around NCLEX-RN preparation as a core program outcome.
What does a good NCLEX pass rate look like? State nursing boards and the NCSBN typically flag programs with first-attempt pass rates below 80% as areas of concern. When you're evaluating any ADN program, ask for its most recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate. A program that doesn't publish this number is worth scrutinizing. The programs ranked here are accredited, which means they're accountable to pass-rate standards, but the specific figures vary by school and year.
Accreditation: What It Means for Your ADN and Your Career
Two national accrediting bodies cover nursing programs in the United States. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits all program types, including associate degree programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits baccalaureate and graduate programs only. For ADN programs, ACEN is the relevant body.
Accreditation matters for two concrete reasons. First, most employers verify it. Hospitals and health systems that hire nurses want to know you graduated from an accredited program, and many make it a formal requirement. Second, if you plan to bridge to a BSN later, the RN-to-BSN programs you'll apply to will often require that your original ADN came from an accredited school. Skipping accreditation now closes doors later.
Program accreditation is different from regional institutional accreditation. A community college can be regionally accredited while its nursing program lacks ACEN accreditation. Check both. If a program you're considering isn't listed in the ACEN directory, that's a problem worth resolving before you enroll. Every program ranked on this page has been screened for accreditation status as part of the ranking methodology.
ADN vs. BSN: The Honest Decision You're Actually Making
An ADN gets you to an RN license faster and for less money. A BSN takes two additional years and costs more, but it's increasingly what hospitals want on a resume. Neither answer is wrong. The right answer depends on where you want to work, how much debt you can absorb, and whether you're planning to bridge up later.
The hospital hiring landscape has shifted. Magnet-designated hospitals, which are facilities that meet specific nursing excellence standards, often prefer or require a BSN for staff nurses. If your goal is to work at a large academic medical center, a BSN is a stronger starting position. If you're targeting rural hospitals, long-term care, outpatient clinics, or community health settings, an ADN is typically sufficient and widely accepted. Montana's healthcare geography skews toward community and rural settings, which matters for how ADN graduates get hired locally.
The most common play right now is ADN first, then bridge. You earn your RN license in two years, get hired, start collecting a registered nurse salary, and then complete an online RN-to-BSN program part-time. Many employers now offer tuition assistance for the bridge. You end up with a BSN, two extra years of clinical experience, and significantly less student debt than a direct-entry BSN student who stayed in school the whole time. If you're considering this path, explore our RN-to-BSN program rankings as your next step.
There are legitimate reasons to start with a BSN. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) is often faster than an ADN. If you're certain you want to work in a Magnet hospital, a BSN saves you the bridge step. But for most people looking at entry-level nursing in Montana, the ADN is a defensible, practical choice.
Can You Complete an ADN Online? The Real Answer on Hybrid Programs
No accredited prelicensure ADN program can be completed fully online. This is not a technicality or a school policy. It's a clinical reality. Registered nurse licensure requires demonstrated clinical competency, and that competency is assessed through supervised hands-on patient care hours. State nursing boards mandate a minimum number of clinical hours, and those hours must be completed in person at approved clinical sites: hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health settings.
What does exist, and what schools sometimes market as "online" or "hybrid," is a program that delivers its didactic coursework, lectures, and some simulation components through online platforms while keeping clinical rotations in person and on-site. This is a legitimate format. If you're working and need schedule flexibility for the classroom portion, a hybrid ADN program can be a practical fit. But you'll still show up for clinicals, and you'll need to live within commuting distance of a clinical placement site.
Be skeptical of any ADN program that uses the word "fully online" without immediately clarifying the in-person clinical requirement. A program that doesn't require clinical hours is not an accredited prelicensure nursing program. If you're evaluating schools, ask directly: how many clinical hours are required, where are clinical placements located, and how are placements arranged? For rural Montana students, clinical placement availability is a real logistical factor to confirm before enrolling.
RN Salary and Career Outlook for ADN-Prepared Nurses
An associate degree in nursing qualifies you for the same registered nurse job market as a BSN. The BLS projects registered nurse employment to grow 6% through 2033, adding roughly 193,100 jobs over the decade. Montana, like most rural states, faces ongoing nursing shortages that push that demand higher than national averages. Community college-educated nurses are not a second tier in this market.
The national median wage for registered nurses is $97,550 per year, based on BLS OEWS data. That figure applies regardless of degree level. Your ADN doesn't cap your salary. What affects pay are setting (hospitals pay more than outpatient clinics), shift differentials, years of experience, and specialty certifications you earn post-licensure. An ADN-prepared nurse who pursues critical care or emergency nursing and picks up relevant certifications earns more than a BSN-prepared nurse in a lower-acuity setting.
The career ceiling conversation is more nuanced. Nursing leadership, advanced practice, and CRNA tracks all require at minimum a BSN, and most require graduate degrees. If your ten-year plan involves becoming a nurse practitioner or nursing director, an ADN is a starting point, not a finish line. But it's a legitimate starting point with a strong salary attached from day one. For nurses who want to stay at the bedside and build expertise in a specialty, the NCLEX credential from a community college program and the NCLEX credential from a university program are functionally equivalent in the job market.
Common Questions About ADN Programs in Montana
How long does an ADN program take to complete?
Is an ADN enough to become a registered nurse?
ADN vs. BSN: which one should I choose?
How much does an ADN program in Montana cost?
Can I complete an ADN program fully online?
Do ADN nurses make less money than BSN nurses?
Can I bridge from an ADN to a BSN later?
What NCLEX pass rate should I look for in an ADN program?
Our Methodology for Ranking ADN Programs in Montana
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many community colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: clinical placement quality, NCLEX pass rates, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.