Carroll College vs Rocky Mountain College
Carroll College is moderately selective with a 72.6% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rocky Mountain College (72.9%). Graduates of Carroll College earn $12,736 more per year at the 10-year mark ($61,772 vs $49,036). For families earning $48k–$75k, Rocky Mountain College is more affordable at $14,957 net price vs $19,139.
Admissions & Outcomes
Carroll College has a higher yield rate (21.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Carroll College has a higher median SAT (1140 vs 1110).
Helena, MT
Billings, MT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Rocky Mountain College is more affordable at $15,404 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $28,005 vs $25,150.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Rocky Mountain College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (32%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Carroll College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$60,325
- 2 Civil Engineering$50,856
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$34,526
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$33,993
- 5 Sociology$33,281
Rocky Mountain College
- 1 Air Transportation$46,478
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$40,017
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$36,312
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Carroll College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rocky Mountain College
- 1 Air Transportation
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Carroll College
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$36,182
- Est. total cost/year$47,524
- School typePublic
Rocky Mountain College
- International students5%
- Tuition (international)$29,976
- Est. total cost/year$39,182
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carroll College or Rocky Mountain College?
Carroll College is more selective with a 72.6% acceptance rate, compared to 72.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Carroll College or Rocky Mountain College?
Carroll College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $61,772 compared to $49,036. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Carroll College or Rocky Mountain College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Rocky Mountain College has a lower net price at $14,957 per year vs $19,139. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Carroll College vs Rocky Mountain College?
Carroll College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 67.7%, compared to 47.6%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Carroll College or Rocky Mountain College?
Rocky Mountain College has a larger international student population at 5% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Carroll College and Rocky Mountain College?
At Carroll College, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $60,325 within two years. At Rocky Mountain College, the top-earning major is Air Transportation at $46,478. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.