Dawson Community College: $4,485 Tuition

$4,485Tuition

226Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,951Earnings

#8 in MontanaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Dawson Community College

The Buccaneers sail through eastern Montana's badlands with just 226 students calling this remote college home. Dawson Community College has anchored Glendive since 1940, building a reputation for hands-on technical training and preparing students for Montana's energy and agriculture industries. The town-remote setting means you'll know everyone on campus, with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring professors actually learn your name.

Students pay an average of $10,094 after aid, which represents solid value for a two-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $41,951 ten years out, while carrying just $9,450 in debt with monthly payments around $100. The employment rate hits 92.7%, reflecting strong connections to regional employers who actively recruit from Dawson's programs.

Athletics drive much of the campus energy, with 132 student-athletes competing across 9 NJCAA sports and $480,060 in athletic scholarships available. The student body splits roughly even between men and women, with 52% coming from in-state and housing capacity for 230 students in the dorms. Only 27% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many families can handle the modest costs without extensive borrowing.

Academics & Faculty

Dawson Community College serves rural eastern Montana with practical career programs designed for the region's economy. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide individualized attention. With 226 students total, classes stay small and discussion-based. The college focuses on agriculture, business, and health sciences programs that prepare graduates for local job markets. The 37.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees. Programs emphasize hands-on learning and real-world skills. Students often balance coursework with work and family responsibilities typical of small-town life.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 45.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,951

Campus Life

Dawson Community College sits in Glendive, a town of 5,000 people along the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana. The nearest major city is Billings, about 220 miles west. With housing capacity for 230 students and total enrollment of 226, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose. The tight-knit campus means you'll recognize most faces within your first semester.

Montana winters demand serious gear, with temperatures often dropping below zero and snow lasting from November through March. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates a high school-like atmosphere where professors know your name and track your progress personally. Weekend activities center around the Buccaneers' athletic programs, with 132 total athletes competing in 9 NJCAA sports drawing campus crowds. Students often explore the nearby Makoshika State Park or drive to Billings for shopping and entertainment. The remote setting means campus becomes your world, fostering close friendships but requiring adjustment for students from larger cities.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 230 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1940

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–29°F
July Avg: 59°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.6"
Annual Snowfall: 19.9"

Student Demographics

Dawson Community College draws students from across Montana and beyond, with roughly half coming from out-of-state seeking affordable career training in eastern Montana. The school serves working-class families, with over a quarter receiving Pell Grants. Men slightly outnumber women, reflecting strong programs in agriculture, welding, and other trades that attract male students. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Most students come seeking practical skills for immediate employment in rural industries and healthcare fields.

Men: 53.5%
Women: 46.5%
White: 65.0%
Black: 4.0%
Hispanic: 7.1%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 51.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.8%

Location

Dawson Community College sits in Glendive, Montana, a small town of about 5,000 people along the Yellowstone River. The nearest major city is Billings, roughly 220 miles west. This is classic eastern Montana ranch country, where wide open plains stretch to the horizon and agriculture dominates the economy. The 226-student campus serves a region where the closest four-year university is hours away by car. Glendive offers outdoor recreation along the river and nearby Makoshika State Park, but students should expect a quiet, rural setting far from urban amenities. The town's remote location means most entertainment and shopping happens on or near campus. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Dawson Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Glendive, Montana 59330

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,951
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,022
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $100/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,450

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Dawson Community College?

Dawson Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college enrolls 226 students and maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. This small agricultural college in eastern Montana focuses on serving local ranching and farming communities.

How much does Dawson Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,094 annually after financial aid at Dawson Community College. In-state tuition costs $4,485 while out-of-state students pay $9,135. The college keeps costs manageable for rural Montana families, with graduates carrying a median debt of just $9,450.

What academic programs is Dawson Community College known for?

Dawson Community College offers career-focused programs that prepare students for Montana's agricultural and energy industries. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Many students pursue ranching, agriculture, and trades that align with the region's economic needs in the Yellowstone River valley.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Dawson Community College?

Dawson Community College graduates achieve a 92.7% employment rate, reflecting strong job placement in regional industries. Alumni earn a median salary of $41,951 ten years after graduation. The college's focus on practical skills and local industry connections helps students transition directly into Montana's workforce.

Is Dawson Community College a residential campus?

Dawson Community College houses 230 students in campus housing with room and board costing $8,400 annually. The college draws 51.52% of students from Montana and creates a close-knit community atmosphere. Campus life revolves around the Buccaneers athletic teams, which field 9 varsity sports with 132 total athletes.

What makes Dawson Community College unique in Montana?

Dawson Community College stands out as one of the smallest colleges in Montana with just 226 students in the remote town of Glendive. The college awards $480,060 in athletic scholarships across 9 sports, an unusually high amount for such a small institution. Founded in 1940, it serves as an educational anchor for the sparsely populated eastern Montana region.