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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans practical. At $10,632 a year, the net price is modest for a public two-year school, but median earnings of $38,034 ten years out tell you this is not a fast track to high pay. The math works only if you finish quickly and pick a program tied to a real job.
The 32% graduation rate is the biggest risk here. Two in three students don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the low net price stops mattering. Your return depends entirely on completing, so treat that as the make-or-break factor before enrolling.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed, so judge specific majors by the local job market. As a two-year college, the payoff comes from short, career-focused credentials in fields like healthcare and technical trades that Great Falls employers hire for directly. General transfer tracks only pay off if you actually move on to a four-year degree. stopping at the associate level with a non-technical program is where earnings stay flat.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $9,000 a year. Above $48k, the price jumps to over $12,000 and flattens at $14,341 for everyone earning $75k or more. Middle and higher-income families get the least aid cushion here, so the value proposition is strongest if you qualify for need-based support.
This school fits you if you want an affordable, local credential that leads to a specific job and you're confident you'll finish. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a high-earning career that requires a four-year degree, or if you're unsure about completing, since the low sticker price won't protect you from the completion odds.
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.