Montana Technological University

Students choose Montana Technological University for its "quality of instruction," "small class sizes," and "practical learning." Montana Tech "challenges students to work hard" and is dedicated to "preparing you to be the best in your field and getting you ready for the world." The school is known for its "strong STEM programs" and its focus on research in areas such as advanced materials and manufacturing, environmental remediation, mining engineering, and biomedical science. Montana Tech's School of Nursing is academically challenging, but its "rigorous workload" pays off; according to the school, graduates pass the licensing exam at rates that exceed both the state and national averages. Regardless of their chosen major, Montana Tech provides students with "a great experience on your path to a successful career." This career readiness is supported by professors who "teach real-life scenarios" and "bring their industry experience to the classroom." Students see the benefits of this hands-on education almost immediately. As one student says, "What I have learned in some of my classes directly affected my work during my internship last summer." In addition to their effective teaching methods, professors here are also "easy to approach," always willing to help, and committed to ensuring that students "learn, not fail." The small class sizes ensure students "plenty of one-on-one opportunity if we need it." Another advantage of Montana Tech is its alumni network, which is "extremely supportive of the school." Many alumni "work in some of the highest positions in our fields," creating avenues for "applicable internships, networking opportunities, and jobs."

Students here are “down to earth” and “know how to get the job done well while still knowing how to let loose and have fun doing it.” There is plenty of school spirit here: “We are loud and proud of our school, unafraid to yell at the top of our lungs for everything from the Mining Team to the football field to our hockey team. Go Orediggers!” Given the beautiful location, it’s not surprising that there are “a lot of outdoorsy people” here. While there is no one type of student, most agree that “When doing homework or studying for exams, everyone takes it seriously and attempts to do the best they can.” Another student adds that their peers “truly wish to better themselves as they are extremely dedicated to the craft they are trying to pursue.” The school has a strong sense of community, and “you end up knowing a lot of people and making a lot of friends throughout your classes.” On this tight-knit campus, students are quick to support one another. It’s an environment where “you can literally ask anyone for help and they will help you in an instant.”

When not studying, students take full advantage of the school’s location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with outdoor activities such as skiing, hunting, fishing, biking, and camping. The area also features numerous hiking trails and “lots of rivers for floating.” In addition to outdoor recreation, students find common ground in sports; games here are “well attended” and the crowds are enthusiastic. Students enjoy letting off steam and staying active through any of the various intramural sports offered. Most students prioritize “academics above partying,” although some enjoy visiting local bars or attending house parties on the weekends. Undergraduates enjoy grabbing a bite to eat with friends offcampus, but overall, the town of Butte “isn’t a city with a lot to do.” Consequently, students make their own fun on campus, whether it’s a low-key night playing video games with friends or getting involved in an extracurricular like Powerlifting Club, Engineers Without Borders, or the Mining Team that competes worldwide.

Undergrads at Montana Tech proudly boast of the school’s “high job placement.” Of course, this is not too surprising given that from “the first week of freshman year, they are preparing us to get a job in our field.” Specifically, students are constantly encouraged to write their résumé, attend career fairs, talk to job recruiters, and work with career advisors to determine their ideal job. “Montana Tech’s career fair [helps] many students land paid internships and permanent positions.” Montana Tech Career Services also assists students in finding experiential learning opportunities, from cooperative education programs to internships to shadowing health professionals in their fields. Online, with DIGGERecruiting, or Digger 2.0, Montana Tech connects students and alumni with potential employers who have developed relationships with the career office. All of this groundwork helps guarantee that students earn a great return on their educational investment. You’ll find alums working at top companies such as Chevron Corporation, Enterprise, Devon Energy, and Sherwin-Williams. According to PayScale.com, 60 percent of students report finding a high degree of meaning in their work and a median starting salary of $72,000.