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$4,748Tuition
1,169Students
27%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,520Earnings
#13 in MontanaPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Flathead Valley Community College

Flathead Valley Community College serves Montana's northwest corner with practical programs that connect directly to regional jobs. The college enrolls 1,169 students in a town-remote setting that reflects the rural communities most graduates will serve. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 93% choosing to stay close to home for their education. Programs focus heavily on career and technical training that matches the needs of the Flathead Valley's tourism, healthcare, and trades economy.

Students pay an average net price of $8,723 after financial aid, making this one of Montana's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $4,748 annually. Graduates typically earn $38,520 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $10,500. The relatively low loan repayment rate of 50% suggests some graduates struggle financially, but monthly payments average only $111. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $6,585.

The student-faculty ratio of 13:1 allows for hands-on learning in technical fields. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in the college's nursing and allied health programs. The 27% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Flathead Valley Community College focuses on career and technical education that prepares students for Montana's job market. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors know students personally. However, the 27% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students transfer before completing degrees or juggle work with school. The college serves as a regional workforce development center, offering programs in fields like healthcare, trades, and business. Students can complete certificates and associate degrees designed to either launch careers immediately or transfer to four-year universities. The technical programs align with local industry needs in the Flathead Valley's tourism and service economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
27.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,520

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $38,289
Precision Metal Working. Associate $37,208
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $29,322
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $16,580

View all 55 programs →

Campus Life

Flathead Valley sits in the mountains of northwestern Montana, about 30 miles south of Glacier National Park. You'll need a serious winter coat here, as snow blankets the campus from November through March. Only 124 students can live in campus housing, representing just over 10% of the 1,169 total enrollment. Most students commute from nearby towns across the valley.

The 40/60 male-to-female split reflects strong programs in both traditionally male-dominated trades and female-heavy healthcare fields. With 93% of students coming from Montana, you'll find a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know each other. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually learn your name. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or fishing, taking advantage of the spectacular mountain setting. Many students work part-time jobs in Kalispell's tourism or service industries. The campus feels quiet during evenings and weekends, as most students head home to family ranches or part-time jobs scattered throughout the rural valley.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
124 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 2 2 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
13°–29°F
July Avg
49°–79°F
Annual Precipitation
48.4"
Annual Snowfall
58.2"

Student Demographics

Nearly 60% of students are women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's nursing and healthcare programs that dominate the curriculum. The student body draws heavily from Montana, with 93% coming from in-state, showing FVCC's role as the primary higher education option for the rural Flathead Valley region. About 16% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families from logging, tourism, and agriculture communities. Students typically choose FVCC for its practical career training rather than academic prestige, preparing for jobs in the local economy.
Men
40.0%
Women
60.0%
White
78.4%
Black
0.6%
Hispanic
4.5%
Asian
1.6%
In-State Students
93.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
16.5%

Location

Flathead Valley Community College sits in Kalispell, Montana, about 250 miles northwest of Billings and 300 miles from Spokane, Washington. The campus serves the scenic Flathead Valley, nestled between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. With 93.31% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Montana's rural communities and outdoor enthusiasts. The remote mountain setting offers strong skiing, hiking, and fishing just minutes from campus. Housing capacity reaches only 124 students, reflecting the commuter-focused nature of this wilderness-adjacent community college. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Flathead Valley Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Kalispell, Montana 59901

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,520
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,434
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,100
Loan Repayment Rate
50.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Flathead Valley Community College?

Flathead Valley Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 1,169 students with 93.31% coming from Montana, making it primarily a regional institution for local workforce development.

How much does Flathead Valley Community College cost for Montana residents?

In-state tuition runs $4,748 annually, with a total cost of attendance reaching $14,470 including room and board. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $6,585 after financial aid, though only 16.47% receive federal Pell Grants.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Flathead Valley Community College?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career and technical programs. Classes focus heavily on hands-on training for local industries in the Flathead Valley region of northwestern Montana.

What are employment outcomes like for Flathead Valley Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.3% employment rate, reflecting strong connections to local employers in the region. However, the 27% six-year graduation rate indicates many students transfer or leave before completing their programs, typical for community colleges serving diverse student populations.

Does Flathead Valley Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 124 students out of 1,169 total enrollment. Most students commute from the surrounding Flathead Valley area, with room and board costs of $8,472 for those who do live on campus.

How much debt do Flathead Valley Community College students typically graduate with?

Graduates carry a median debt of $10,500 with monthly loan payments of $111, lower than four-year institutions. Only 8.59% of students take federal loans, reflecting the college's focus on affordable workforce training rather than transfer preparation.