College & Education in Montana

16 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Montana

Montana district courts handle family matters in each of its 56 counties across 22 judicial districts. The Child Support Services Division operates under DPHHS. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman are the largest cities. Montana Legal Services Association is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with extensive online self-help for pro se litigants.

16 Resources

1. Montana University System — Free

The Montana University System coordinates public colleges and universities statewide, administering state scholarships, college-planning tools, and the Montana Tuition Assistance Program. Fathers thinking about school — or helping a child apply — can explore MUS financial aid resources, transfer guides, and career pathways at mus.edu. The Helena Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education answers policy questions.

406-449-9124 · 560 N Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. MSU Billings – City College — Paid

Two-year division of Montana State University Billings offering affordable associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training in Billings. Fathers returning to school can pursue programs in trades, healthcare, business, and IT, with flexible day/evening/online schedules and credits that transfer to MSU Billings and other four-year schools. Financial aid staff help file FAFSA and apply for state and institutional scholarships.

406-247-3000 · 3803 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Missoula College – UM — Paid

University of Montana's two-year college offering associate degrees and career-track certificates in Missoula, including nursing, welding, IT, accounting, and early childhood. Fathers can enroll full or part time and pursue credits that stack into a UM bachelor's program. Financial aid counselors assist with FAFSA, Pell Grants, Montana scholarships, and veterans benefits; in-person advising is available on campus.

406-243-7882 · 1205 E Broadway, Missoula, MT 59812 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens the door to federal Pell Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, work-study, and most state and institutional aid at Montana colleges. Fathers — whether starting school, returning, or helping a dependent — can complete the FAFSA online in about 30 minutes with tax info and Social Security numbers. There's no cost to file; call the hotline for help in English or Spanish.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

5. Gallatin College – MSU Bozeman — Paid

Two-year college of Montana State University in Bozeman offering affordable associate degrees and workforce certificates in fields like welding, photonics, nursing aide, IT, and culinary arts. Fathers can enroll part time while working, and credits typically transfer into MSU bachelor's programs. Gallatin College financial aid staff help file FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and line up WIOA or employer tuition support.

406-994-6550 · Bozeman, MT 59717 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Flathead Valley Community College — Paid

Accredited community college in Kalispell serving the Flathead Valley and northwest Montana with associate degrees, workforce certificates, dual-enrollment for high schoolers, and transfer pathways to four-year schools. Fathers can pursue programs in nursing, welding, business, early childhood, and more — on campus, online, or hybrid. Staff help with FAFSA, Montana Promise tuition waivers, and veterans benefits.

406-756-3822 · 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Montana Adult Education – GED Programs — Free

Statewide network of free adult education programs helping Montanans earn a High School Equivalency (HiSET/GED), strengthen basic skills, and prepare for college or trade school. Fathers can find the closest program through the Office of Public Instruction's Adult Education page; classes are offered days, evenings, and online. Testing fees may be waived through partnering providers, and many centers also teach English and digital literacy.

Varies by location · Visit Website

8. Great Falls College – MSU — Paid

Two-year MSU campus in Great Falls offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in healthcare, trades, business, and IT. Fathers can enroll full or part time and take advantage of flexible scheduling, online options, and stackable credits that transfer to four-year schools. The financial aid office helps students complete FAFSA, apply for Montana scholarships, and line up tuition waivers and veterans benefits.

406-268-3700 · 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Helena College – UM — Paid

Two-year campus of the University of Montana in Helena offering associate degrees, workforce training, and technical certificates in fields such as aviation, welding, nursing, and accounting. Fathers can enroll part time while working and transfer credits into UM and other four-year schools. On-campus advisors help students complete FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and access veterans benefits and workforce funding.

406-447-6900 · 1115 N Roberts St, Helena, MT 59601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. Montana Tech – Butte — Paid

Four-year public university in Butte focused on engineering, mining, health professions, cybersecurity, and applied sciences within the Montana University System. Fathers seeking a career-focused degree can apply online; admissions staff help with transcripts, FAFSA, scholarships, and transfer credits from other Montana colleges. Montana Tech also offers online programs for working adults and veterans at reduced rates.

406-496-4101 · 1300 W Park St, Butte, MT 59701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. MSU Northern – Havre — Paid

Montana State University Northern in Havre offers affordable bachelor's and associate degrees in fields like diesel technology, nursing, business, education, and agriculture, with strong hands-on programs for Hi-Line residents. Fathers can apply online or in person; financial aid counselors help with FAFSA, Montana scholarships, and veterans benefits. Evening, online, and hybrid options support working parents.

406-265-3700 · 300 13th St W, Havre, MT 59501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Dawson Community College – Glendive — Paid

Public two-year college in Glendive serving eastern Montana and western North Dakota with associate degrees, workforce certificates, and dual-enrollment for high schoolers. Fathers can choose programs in business, education, healthcare, and trades — many transferable to four-year schools. The financial aid office assists with FAFSA, state scholarships, and tribal scholarships, and on-campus housing is available for rural students.

406-377-3396 · 300 College Dr, Glendive, MT 59330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Miles Community College — Paid

Public two-year college in Miles City offering associate degrees, workforce certificates, and dual enrollment to students across eastern Montana. Fathers can choose programs in business, healthcare, agriculture, and trades. On-campus housing is available, along with online and hybrid courses for working parents. Advisors help complete FAFSA, apply for state and institutional scholarships, and plan transfers to four-year schools.

406-874-6100 · 2715 Dickinson St, Miles City, MT 59301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Aaniiih Nakoda College – Fort Belknap — Paid

Tribally controlled college in Harlem serving the Fort Belknap Indian Community and surrounding area with associate degrees, certificates, and culturally grounded Aaniiih and Nakoda language and studies programs. Fathers can apply in person or online; advisors help with FAFSA, BIA higher education grants, and tribal scholarships. Flexible course schedules accommodate working parents living on and near the reservation.

406-353-2607 · Harlem, MT 59526 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Blackfeet Community College – Browning — Paid

Tribal college in Browning serving the Blackfeet Reservation and the wider Hi-Line, offering associate degrees, certificates, and Blackfoot language and cultural studies. Fathers can apply on campus or online; advisors help with FAFSA, tribal higher education grants, and BIA scholarships. Programs include business, education, human services, and natural resources, many of which transfer to Montana State or University of Montana.

406-338-5421 · Browning, MT 59417 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

16. Salish Kootenai College – Pablo — Paid

Tribal college on the Flathead Reservation in Pablo offering associate and bachelor's degrees in fields like nursing, tribal governance, education, forestry, and computer engineering. Fathers of any background can apply, though tribal members receive priority for many scholarships and BIA aid. Advisors help file FAFSA, tribal scholarships, and veteran benefits. On-campus housing is available for students from across Montana.

406-275-4800 · 58138 US-93, Pablo, MT 59855 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.