Montana Colleges & Universities
Top college and university libraries in Montana
These college and university libraries stand out for their collections, special collections and archives. Public access varies, so each entry says how visitors can use the library.
Maureen and Mike Mansfield LibraryUniversity of Montana
The University of Montana library was established in 1895. The five-story Mansfield Library, completed in 1978, was dedicated in 1979 to Mike Mansfield, the Senate's longest-serving majority leader, and his wife Maureen. It holds the earliest authorized edition of the Lewis and Clark journals and is a Federal Government Depository Collection with an extensive Maps Collection.
Montana State University LibraryMontana State University
The Montana State University Library in Bozeman is the flagship library for all of the Montana State University System's campuses. It was named the Roland R. Renne Library in 1978 to honor the university's sixth president. The college began building a library collection in January 1894, about seven months after it was founded.
The most beautiful college library in Montana
Maureen and Mike Mansfield LibraryUniversity of Montana
Completed in 1978 on the east side of the University of Montana campus, the five-story Mansfield Library honors Ambassador Mike Mansfield, an alumnus, and his wife Maureen. The library has moved several times over its history as the collection outgrew each location.
Last verified: November 2, 2026. Visitor rules, hours and borrowing policies change, so check the library's website before you go.
About colleges and universities in Montana
As just more than 1 million people live sprawled across the state of Montana, it is not surprising that there are less choices for higher education in this western state. There are two major public university systems in Montana consisting of eight campuses total, three community colleges and seven tribal colleges. Students in Montana have their choice of three private universities as well, all of which have religious affiliations.
The Montana State University System was created in 1994 and encompasses four different campuses. It stands out as a unique college system due to the fact that the universities within this system are all specialized institutions that award higher degrees or technical degrees. For instance, Montana State University - Billings and Montana State University Northern are universities that strictly offer master's degree programs. Montana State University - Bozeman is a doctoral university while Montana State University College of Technology is considered to be a technical school.
The University of Montana System is the other major public college system located in the state. Its flagship campus is the University of Montana - Missoula, which is a research university that is located in Missoula, Montana. Also a part of the system is the University of Montana - Western which is a university that offers bachelor's degree programs to its students. The two other schools that are a part of this system are Montana Tech of the University of Montana which is located in Butte and grants master's degrees, and the University of Montana - Helena College of Technology, which is another technical college.
There are three community colleges in the state of Montana that provide students with an opportunity to earn a two-year degree or earn an education that will start them on a trade career path. In addition to the three community colleges, there are seven tribal colleges that are located on American Indian reservations within the state. These colleges are designed to provide those who are living on the reservations an opportunity to have a good education without having to travel far.
The state of Montana, with its great plains and wide open spaces, has produced many important alumni throughout the course of history. Montana State University, for example, has produced several film producers and directors, a few artists, and even NFL players. Several Montana governors also attended Montana State University before going on to lead the state.