Carroll College vs Great Falls College Montana State University: Which Nursing School Wins on the Numbers?
Two of Montana's biggest nursing schools, side by side — 2025 first-time NCLEX pass rates from the state board of nursing, plus cost, admissions and each school's own nursing-graduate earnings from federal data. Both schools' best RN programs posted the same 2025 first-time NCLEX pass rate (100%), so the decision comes down to cost, campus and what their graduates go on to earn.
| Carroll CollegeHelena · Montana · Private nonprofit | Great Falls College Montana State UniversityGreat Falls · Montana · Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Best 2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate | 100% | 100% |
| In-state tuition / yrsticker, whole institution | $41,484 | $4,028 |
| Avg net price after aid / yr | $23,960 | $12,468 |
| Acceptance ratewhole institution | 71% | — |
| Graduation rate | 69% | 34% |
| Undergraduates | 1,092 | 894 |
| BSN grad pay, 1 yr outthis school’s own nursing grads | $75,007 | — |
| BSN grad median debt | $27,000 | — |
Green = better on that row (higher pass rate, pay and graduation rate; lower cost and debt). Acceptance rate and size aren't scored — bigger or more selective isn't better for everyone. “—” = not published for that school.
Want a different matchup? Open this comparison in the interactive tool and swap either school — any two in the country.
The pass-rate gap is a preparation gap
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher NCLEX pass rate — Carroll College or Great Falls College Montana State University?
They tied in 2025: both schools' best RN programs posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, per the Montana board of nursing.
Which is cheaper — Carroll College or Great Falls College Montana State University?
On published in-state tuition, Great Falls College Montana State University ($4,028/yr vs $41,484/yr). After average aid, net prices run $23,960 (Carroll College) vs $12,468 (Great Falls College Montana State University).
About this data
Pass rates are 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN rates from the Montana board of nursing (each school's best rated RN program). Tuition, net price, admissions, earnings and debt come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (June 2026 release); earnings and debt are program-level figures for each school's own nursing graduates and lag the current class by several years. Full sources are on each school's page.