Helena College University of Montana: $3,975 Tuition

$3,975Tuition

641Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,738Earnings

#6 in MontanaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Helena College University of Montana

Helena College serves as Montana's capital city training ground for students seeking practical career skills or preparing to transfer to four-year universities. The college enrolls 641 students in a small city setting that puts the state government and local businesses within easy reach. Students can pursue everything from nursing and welding to business administration while staying close to internship and job opportunities in Helena's professional community.

The financial picture looks manageable for most Montana families. In-state students pay $3,975 in tuition, though the average net price reaches $14,455 after factoring in living expenses. Graduates typically earn $40,738 ten years after starting college, while carrying a median debt load of just $14,580. Those monthly loan payments of $155 represent a reasonable burden given the earning potential. Only 18% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who don't qualify for the lowest income brackets.

The student body skews heavily female at 61% and draws almost entirely from Montana with 96% in-state enrollment. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personal attention. The 93% employment rate shows that local employers value the college's hands-on training approach.

Academics & Faculty

Helena College serves as Montana's capital city community college, emphasizing career readiness and university transfer preparation. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in a learning environment where 96% of students are Montana residents. With a 41.5% six-year graduation rate, the college reflects typical community college completion patterns where many students transfer before finishing degrees or attend part-time while working. The school built its reputation around nursing and allied health programs, which connect directly to Helena's medical facilities and state government healthcare needs. Business and trades programs also draw students preparing for Montana's economy, while academic transfer tracks help students continue to four-year universities across the state.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 34.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,738

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,318
Fire Protection.	Associate	$46,087
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$41,007
Computer Programming.	Associate	$40,485
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$35,416
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$34,847
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$18,771

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

Helena College sits in Montana's capital city, giving students access to government internships and state agencies. The campus serves 641 students with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack a heavy coat for the long Montana winters that stretch from November through March. Helena lies about 90 miles from Missoula, the nearest major college town.

Women make up 61% of the student body, and 96% come from Montana. The community college atmosphere means most students commute rather than live on campus. Students often work part-time while taking classes, reflected in the strong 93% employment rate after graduation. Weekend activities center around Helena's outdoor recreation, from hiking Mount Helena to skiing at nearby Great Divide. The small city offers coffee shops, local restaurants, and occasional live music venues. Many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their programs here, while others enter the workforce directly with career-focused training in fields like nursing, welding, and business.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–33°F
July Avg: 54°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.2"
Annual Snowfall: -739.6"

Student Demographics

Helena College draws heavily from Montana communities, with 96% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the state's demographics, being predominantly white with growing Hispanic representation. Women make up 61% of enrollment, which aligns with the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs that traditionally attract more female students. The relatively low Pell Grant rate of 19% suggests the school serves a mix of working adults and recent high school graduates from middle-income families seeking affordable career training in Montana's capital region.

Men: 38.9%
Women: 61.2%
White: 76.9%
Black: 0.8%
Hispanic: 5.5%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 96.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.6%

Location

Helena sits in west-central Montana, about 90 miles north of Bozeman and 120 miles southeast of Missoula. The city serves as Montana's capital, giving students access to government internships and state agency jobs. With 96% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Montana's rural communities seeking career training close to home. Helena sits in a valley surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, offering outdoor recreation like hiking and skiing. The small city atmosphere means students know their professors well with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The capital setting provides a more urban experience than many Montana towns while maintaining that small-town feel. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Helena College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Helena, Montana 59601

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,738
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,936
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $155/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,580

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Helena College University of Montana?

Helena College maintains an open admission policy as a community college, welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. With 641 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for career training and transfer preparation in Montana's capital city.

How much does Helena College University of Montana cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $14,455, though students from lower-income families pay less. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,410 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $3,975 before financial assistance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Helena College University of Montana?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college specializes in career training programs and transfer pathways, preparing students for both immediate employment and four-year university transfer.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Helena College University of Montana?

Graduates achieve a 93.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market success. The median earnings reach $40,738 ten years after graduation, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt loads of $14,580 and monthly loan payments of $155.

Where do most students at Helena College University of Montana come from?

An overwhelming 96.38% of students are Montana residents, reflecting the college's role as a local community institution. The student body is 61.15% women and 76.91% white, serving Helena and surrounding areas with accessible higher education options.

Does Helena College University of Montana offer good financial aid?

Only 18.56% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many students don't qualify for need-based aid or attend part-time. The college provides institutional grants averaging $4,542 to 13.88% of students, while keeping tuition affordable for Montana's working families.