1. Montana State University (MSU)

Overview

Montana State University (MSU), located in Bozeman, is the state’s largest public research university and a leader in engineering education. MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The college is known for its strong emphasis on sustainability, energy research, and technology innovation. MSU provides students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, internships, and hands-on projects through its many research centers, including the Western Transportation Institute and the Center for Biofilm Engineering. With a beautiful campus located near Yellowstone National Park, MSU offers students both academic rigor and an inspiring environment for outdoor adventures.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #127 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 16,700+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 3,800

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Industrial, and Chemical Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 81%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1120-1300 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Chet Huntley – Renowned television newscaster and co-anchor of NBC’s The Huntley-Brinkley Report.
• Bill Pullman – Hollywood actor known for his roles in Independence Day and Spaceballs.
• Greg Gianforte – Governor of Montana and former technology entrepreneur.
• Steve Daines – U.S. Senator from Montana and former business executive at Procter & Gamble.
• Craig Barrett – Former CEO of Intel and key figure in the technology industry.

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2. Montana Technological University (Montana Tech)

Overview

Montana Technological University, commonly known as Montana Tech, is a highly respected public university in Butte, Montana, with a strong focus on engineering, applied sciences, and technical education. Originally founded as a mining school in 1900, Montana Tech has since expanded its engineering offerings to include a wide range of programs such as petroleum, mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering. The university’s location in the heart of Montana’s mining region provides students with unique opportunities for internships and hands-on experiences in the energy and natural resource industries. Montana Tech is particularly well-known for its petroleum engineering program, which is ranked among the best in the nation.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #117 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 2,700+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 1,200

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Petroleum, Mining, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, Electrical, and Metallurgical Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s programs in Petroleum, Environmental, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 92%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1080-1260 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Dennis Washington – Billionaire businessman, founder of the Washington Companies, and a key figure in the mining and construction industries.
• Frank Gardner – Former President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME).
• David Thomson – Renowned mining engineer and consultant.
• Robert “Bob” Gannon – CEO of Westmoreland Coal Company.
• Denny Rehberg – Former U.S. Representative for Montana.

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3. University of Montana (UM)

Overview

The University of Montana, located in Missoula, is a public research university known for its liberal arts education and growing engineering programs. While UM is traditionally more recognized for its environmental sciences, it offers a variety of engineering-related programs through its College of Business and College of Humanities & Sciences. UM’s environmental engineering and systems ecology programs are particularly strong, with a focus on sustainability and environmental problem-solving. Students benefit from the university’s location near the Rocky Mountains, which provides an ideal setting for studying environmental engineering and ecosystem sustainability.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 10,000+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 400

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Environmental Engineering and Systems Ecology.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s in Environmental Engineering and Resource Conservation.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 94%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1050-1260 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Jeannette Rankin – First woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
• Carroll O’Connor – Actor known for his role as Archie Bunker in All in the Family.
• Colin Meloy – Lead singer and songwriter for the indie rock band The Decemberists.
• J.K. Simmons – Academy Award-winning actor, known for his roles in Whiplash and Spider-Man.
• Mike Mansfield – Former U.S. Senator and longest-serving Senate Majority Leader.

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4. Carroll College

Overview

Carroll College, located in Helena, is a private Catholic liberal arts college that offers a robust engineering program with a strong emphasis on student-centered education and ethical leadership. Carroll’s engineering curriculum focuses on providing students with both a strong foundation in the liberal arts and the technical skills needed for success in the engineering profession. The college’s small class sizes allow for personalized attention and close interaction with faculty, and students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects through the Engineering Design Clinic. Carroll College’s engineering program is ideal for students looking for a well-rounded education that integrates technical knowledge with ethical and societal considerations.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate): 1,200+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 200

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Engineering Science.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 75%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1140-1340 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only program).

Famous Alumni

• Brian Schweitzer – Former Governor of Montana.
• Patrick Duffy – Actor, known for his roles in Dallas and Step by Step.
• Mike Fellows – Former Libertarian Party candidate for Congress.
• Tom Matzke – Leader in environmental consulting.
• Mary Ellen McCaffrey – Renowned pediatric surgeon and health advocate.

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5. Rocky Mountain College (RMC)

Overview

Rocky Mountain College, located in Billings, Montana, is a private liberal arts college that offers an engineering program through a unique 3-2 dual degree partnership with other institutions. Students spend three years at Rocky Mountain College studying the foundational aspects of engineering, mathematics, and sciences before transferring to an engineering school for two more years to complete their degree. This program is ideal for students who want the benefit of a liberal arts education alongside their technical engineering training. RMC’s small class sizes and close-knit community foster strong student-faculty relationships, making it a great choice for students seeking personalized attention.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate): 900+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 50 (in 3-2 program)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Pre-Engineering (leading to completion at partner institutions).

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 64%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1080-1250 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate pre-engineering program).

Famous Alumni

• Steve Daines – U.S. Senator from Montana and former technology executive.
• Al Olszewski – Orthopedic surgeon and Montana State Legislator.
• Ralph Yarlott – President of Little Big Horn College.
• Bill Sali – Former U.S. Representative for Idaho.
• Mike Matz – Conservationist and former director of the Pew Environment Group’s U.S. public lands program.

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6. Salish Kootenai College (SKC)

Overview

Salish Kootenai College, located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Pablo, Montana, is a tribal college offering programs designed to serve Native American students and provide culturally relevant education. SKC offers a unique Environmental Engineering program that focuses on sustainable development, environmental protection, and natural resource management. The program is designed to address the environmental challenges facing Native American communities, providing students with the skills needed to protect and manage natural resources effectively. SKC’s engineering program emphasizes hands-on learning, with opportunities to work on real-world projects that directly impact Native American reservations and other communities.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate): 800+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 100

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, and Hydrology.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 92%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: Not required for admission.
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only program).

Famous Alumni

• Clarence “Curly” Bear Wagner – Blackfeet elder and cultural preservationist.
• Shannon Augare – Former Montana State Senator and tribal leader.
• Darrell Robes Kipp – Blackfeet educator, historian, and co-founder of the Piegan Institute.
• Diane Mallickan – Native American cultural consultant and interpreter for the National Park Service.
• Joe McDonald – Founding president of Salish Kootenai College and educational leader in Native American higher education.