Great Falls College Montana State University: $3,904 Tuition

$3,904Tuition

828Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,034Earnings

#9 in MontanaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Great Falls College Montana State University

Great Falls College Montana State University serves 828 students who come primarily for hands-on technical training and associate degrees. This community college specializes in workforce preparation programs that connect directly to Montana's job market. Nearly all students (96%) come from within Montana, creating a tight-knit community focused on practical skills rather than traditional four-year academics. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in career-focused programs.

Students pay an average net price of $10,632 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $3,904. Graduates earn a median of $38,034 ten years after enrollment, making the investment worthwhile for many career-focused students. Only 30% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families seeking affordable skills training. The relatively low debt burden aligns with the school's mission of preparing students for immediate employment rather than extended education.

Women make up 74% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service industry programs. The 32% six-year graduation rate reflects the nature of community college attendance, where many students transfer, work part-time, or complete certificates rather than full degrees. This isn't about prestige but practical preparation for Montana careers.

Academics & Faculty

Great Falls College Montana State University focuses on career-ready training through associate degrees and technical programs designed for immediate workforce entry. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides hands-on instruction crucial for technical fields like nursing, welding, and automotive technology. With 74% female enrollment, the college reflects its strong health sciences and business programs that attract women. The 32% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students who often transfer or enter careers before completing degrees. Students earn a median of $38,034 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the practical value of Montana State's technical training approach in preparing graduates for local industries.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 31.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,034

Campus Life

The campus sits in Montana's third-largest city, where students bundle up for winters that regularly dip below freezing and last from November through March. Nearly all 828 students commute since this is a non-residential campus serving local workforce needs. Women make up 74% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong health sciences and business programs.

Great Falls offers outdoor recreation year-round, from fishing the Missouri River to hiking the nearby Little Belt Mountains. Students often work part-time jobs in town between classes, with 96% coming from in-state. The semester system allows flexibility for working adults returning to school. Weekend activities center around the city's restaurants, the Russell Museum, or outdoor adventures rather than campus events. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in technical labs and nursing clinicals. Many students complete their associate degrees in two years before transferring to four-year universities or entering Montana's healthcare and manufacturing sectors directly.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1969

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
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–37°F
July Avg: 54°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 14.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Three out of four students at Great Falls College are women, reflecting the school's strong nursing and healthcare programs that draw students from across Montana. Nearly all students come from in-state, showing the college serves as a local workforce pipeline for central Montana employers. The student body is predominantly white, mirroring the regional demographics of Great Falls and surrounding rural communities. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college attracts working-class Montanans seeking affordable technical training and associate degrees to enter careers quickly.

Men: 26.0%
Women: 74.0%
White: 75.4%
Black: 0.6%
Hispanic: 5.9%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 96.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.0%

Location

Great Falls sits in north-central Montana along the Missouri River, about 160 miles north of Billings and 200 miles from the Canadian border. The city of 60,000 residents serves as a regional center for agriculture and military operations, anchored by Malmstrom Air Force Base. Great Falls College draws 96.18% of its students from within Montana, reflecting its role as a local workforce development center. The surrounding area features rolling plains and is known for outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, and hiking in nearby mountain ranges. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers offer mild weather perfect for campus activities. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Great Falls College Montana State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Great Falls, Montana 59405

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,034
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Great Falls College Montana State University?

Great Falls College operates as an open-enrollment community college, meaning students don't face competitive admission requirements. The school enrolls 828 students with 96.18% coming from Montana, reflecting its mission to serve local workforce development needs.

How much does Great Falls College Montana State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,632 annually, with significant savings for Montana residents who face just $3,904 in tuition. Only 30.03% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many can afford the low published costs without extensive assistance.

What academic programs is Great Falls College Montana State University known for?

The college specializes in two-year associate degrees and technical training programs designed for immediate workforce entry. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive focused instruction in career-oriented fields that meet Montana's job market demands.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Great Falls College Montana State University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $38,034 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical nature of the technical programs. However, only 32.20% complete their programs within six years, which is common for community colleges serving many part-time and working students.

Where is Great Falls College Montana State University located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Great Falls, a small Montana city that provides an intimate learning environment for its 828 students. With 74.03% of students being women, the campus reflects the demographics of many health and human services programs typical at technical colleges.

Does Great Falls College Montana State University offer good value for working adults?

The college serves as an affordable pathway for career changers and working adults, with 29.45% taking federal loans to finance their education. Founded in 1969 as part of the Montana State University system, it has built strong connections with local employers who hire graduates directly into the regional workforce.