Montana's Best College Town Is Nestled In The Rockies With Quick Access To Yellowstone

When it's time to choose the university of your dreams, there are several important factors to consider. Is it a good school with the majors you want? Is it actually accredited? How affordable is it compared to other options? Can you get in? And, finally, something unlikely to consider: How fun is the town or city where the school is located? Even if you plan to mostly stay on campus, the surrounding area matters! Bigger cities will have more attractions, like clubs and restaurants, but may be more expensive and less catered to college kids. Too-small towns can be tedious, and to cope, you may end up drinking your way through school instead of attending classes. Essentially, you want a unicorn: a campus with everything you need in a friendly town full of activities and a fun lifestyle. 

It sounds like a big ask, but this college town does exist. For the coolest college town in America, the one college town to rule them all, look no further than picturesque Bozeman, Montana. Home to both Montana State University and Gallatin College (for two-year or trade programs), Bozeman is a thriving, beautiful community that takes great pride in its university. As a bonus, it regularly wins awards as one of the best college towns in the country. 

Started as an agricultural college in the late 1800s, Montana State University is now home to around 17,000 students, with around 15,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students. Bozeman's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most popular national parks in America (and probably the most famous), has earned it the nickname 'University of the Yellowstone,' and various research programs cement its reputation for disciplines like biology, paleontology, and geology. The school is also known for its engineering school and remains loyal to its roots as a true Western agriculture university. Montana State is also considered one of the most supportive universities for Native American students in the United States.

As only about 30% of the student body lives directly on campus, the surrounding town has welcomed college students in various neighborhoods. Bobcat fans are abundant in Bozeman, filling up well-attended sports games, tailgates, parades, powwows, international fairs, and a host of other activities. And then, of course, there's one of the key reasons many choose Montana State for their college experience: the nearby Rocky Mountains. 

Bozeman is definitely a must-visit spot in Montana. The historic downtown, leafy neighborhoods, and million-dollar mountain views make it the fastest-growing city in the U.S., with an estimated growth of 40% since 2010 and a population of about 57,000 (as of 2023). Other draws include the college (go Cats!) and the surrounding valleys and peaks. Bozeman is in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded by Rocky Mountain regions like the Bridger Range (the closest to town) and the Madison Range. These mountains are home to an extraordinary amount of free recreation areas in forests, along rivers, near lakes, and on trails, which is one of the big draws for college students. Outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of things to do in Bozeman, no matter the season. 

In winter, skiers can hit the pristine, powdery slopes of Big Sky Resort or Bridger Bowl Ski Area, just 30-60 minutes away. For cheaper tickets, take a longer drive to Showdown Ski Area or Discovery Ski Area. Trails, both in and near town, are open for winter hiking or snowshoeing. Pro trip: Rent snowshoes from the Student Union on campus. Hunting and fishing are popular year-round (in season and with a license, natch), with several blue-ribbon rivers winding through the valley. In summer, float down the Madison River, swim in Hyalite Reservoir, or hike up the famous 'M' trail, a path to the proud and symbolic Montana State letter emblazoned on a mountainside and visible throughout the town.