At $10,632/yr net price, Great Falls College Montana State University graduates earn $38,034/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,034/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,632 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,034/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,034/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,808/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,042/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,288/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,341/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,341/yr |
The Risk Factor
32.2% of students at Great Falls College Montana State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Great Falls College Montana State University offers mixed financial returns, with affordable tuition offset by concerning graduation rates and moderate earnings outcomes. Your total investment stays reasonable at around $21,000 for a two-year program, but only one-third of students actually complete their degrees.
Healthcare programs provide the strongest ROI at this school. Nursing, dental hygiene, and medical assistant tracks connect directly to Montana's growing healthcare sector, where regional hospitals and clinics actively recruit graduates. These programs justify the investment through stable job placement and starting salaries that exceed the school's overall median earnings.
Business and liberal arts programs show weaker returns. These fields face limited local opportunities in Great Falls' small job market, often requiring relocation to larger Montana cities or out-of-state moves that weren't factored into your original cost calculations. Trade programs in welding and automotive technology perform better regionally but cap your long-term earning potential.
The biggest financial risk here is the low completion rate. If you join the two-thirds of students who don't finish, you'll carry debt without the credential needed to access better-paying jobs. The school works well financially if you're focused on specific healthcare careers and committed to finishing quickly.
Financial aid reaches only 30 percent of students, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites here before transferring to a four-year school, but only if you maintain strong grades and have a clear transfer plan. Montana residents seeking direct workforce entry in healthcare should consider this school. Others should explore four-year options or more specialized trade schools with higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Falls College Montana State University worth the cost?
With a net price of $10,632 per year and 10-year earnings of $38,034, Great Falls College offers a low-cost education but also produces relatively low graduate earnings. The 32% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What is the ROI of Great Falls College Montana State University?
Great Falls College has a mixed ROI profile - the low annual cost keeps debt manageable, but graduate earnings of $38,034 are below national averages. Students who complete technical programs typically see better returns than those in general studies.
How much debt do Great Falls College Montana State University graduates have?
The low net price of around $10,600 per year means students can potentially graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs. However, the 32% graduation rate suggests many students may accumulate debt without earning a credential.
Which programs at Great Falls College Montana State University have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest job prospects and earnings potential at Great Falls College. These technical programs align better with local job market demands than general education courses.