Rocky Mountain College logo

Rocky Mountain College

Billings, MT Private ยท Urban www.rocky.edu
Accept Rate
72.88%
Grad Rate
46.3%
Enrollment
790
Avg SAT
1093
Tuition
$33,252
Median Salary
$49,036
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Rocky Mountain College offers a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where students are known by name, not just a student ID. The small campus size fosters a strong sense of community and individualized attention from faculty. It feels like a supportive, tight-knit environment where you're encouraged to explore your passions.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

72.88%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 109375th Pctl
9901240
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
1924
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in unique extracurriculars or work experience in your application essay, as RMC values well-rounded students. Connect directly with the admissions office and ask thoughtful questions to show your genuine interest. Since test scores are optional, focus on showcasing your strengths through your GPA and personal statement.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1093
40080012001600
School range: 990โ€“1240

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

RMC provides a strong liberal arts foundation with notable strengths in transportation, business, and biology. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors who are dedicated to teaching and mentorship. Undergraduate research is actively encouraged, providing hands-on experience in your field of study.

Popular Majors

Transportation
17.3%
Business & Marketing
16.2%
Biology & Biomedical
11.7%
Psychology
10.6%
Education
8.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.3%
Natural Resources
5.6%
Communications
5%
English & Literature
3.9%
Agriculture
3.9%
Social Sciences
3.4%
History
2.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

46.3%
Graduation Rate
63.8%
Retention Rate
790
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$33,252
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,508
After financial aid
Total Cost
$44,180
Cost of attendance/year
31.7%
Receive Pell Grants
56.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Billings

Students in Billings enjoy easy access to outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains. The city has a growing downtown with local breweries, restaurants, and cultural events like the Alberta Bair Theater. For recreation, the nearby Yellowstone River and Rimrocks provide excellent opportunities for weekend trips.

Local Rent Check

$874 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Billings
Explore Billings

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$133,008
$0Est. 4 Years: $133,008

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($49,036):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with a supportive community, though standard urban safety precautions are always advised. Billings is the largest city in Montana, offering both city amenities and a community feel, but students should remain aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly personalized attention from faculty due to small class sizes
  • โœ“ Strong programs in niche fields like transportation and parks & recreation
  • โœ“ Beautiful location with immediate access to outdoor recreation
  • โœ“ Test-optional admissions policy

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates compared to national averages
  • โœ— Limited diversity in a predominantly white state
  • โœ— Smaller campus may offer fewer social activities than larger universities

Notable Alumni

Kevin K. K.
Former CEO of a major transportation company and influential leader in the logistics industry.
James E. 'Jim' R.
Renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist known for his work in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Sarah J. M.
Award-winning educator and founder of a successful charter school network in Montana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rocky Mountain College is known for its strong, specialized programs in Transportation Management, Biology, and Parks & Recreation. It is also Montana's first college, founded in 1878, and offers a unique undergraduate aviation program. The college is recognized for its personalized, liberal arts education in a small, supportive setting.

No, Rocky Mountain College has a moderately high acceptance rate of 72.88%, making it accessible to many applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1093. While admissions are not highly selective, a solid academic record and a well-rounded application are still important for consideration.

Campus life at RMC is intimate and community-oriented, with a small student body of around 790 students. Students often describe it as a family-like environment where it's easy to get involved in clubs, athletics, and campus activities. The urban setting in Billings provides opportunities for off-campus exploration, while on-campus events foster a close social scene.

The value of a degree from RMC depends on your career goals. With an average net price of $18,508 and strong programs in fields like transportation and business, it can be a solid investment for students pursuing those paths. However, the 10-year median earnings of $49,036 suggest that graduates should carefully consider their major and career outlook to maximize their return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Yellowstone County Billings Clinic First Interstate Bank Cenovus Energy Montana State University Billings
Smart Start Score
51

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 891
  • In-State Tuition $33,252
  • Zip Code 59102

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 51.1% โ™€ 48.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $18,508, RMC can be more affordable than its sticker price suggests, especially with over 30% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $49,036 are modest, so the return on investment depends heavily on your chosen major and career path. Overall, the cost is competitive for a private college, but students should be strategic about funding and major selection.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $33,252
Housing (12 mo) $10,488
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $50,940
With avg financial aid:
$18,508/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.