Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,738
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,580
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $155/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $17,500 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,007 | $12,825 |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $40,485 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,416 | $20,429 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $34,847 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | $12,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Helena College graduates enter the workforce with relatively manageable debt loads. The median debt of $14,580 creates monthly payments of $155, which represents just 4.2% of typical graduate earnings of $44,104 in the first year after completion. This debt-to-income ratio sits well below the recommended 10% threshold that financial experts consider manageable. The college's strong ties to Montana's government sector and healthcare industries help explain the impressive 93.3% employment rate. Many graduates find work in the state capital's expanding medical facilities or pursue transfer opportunities to complete bachelor's degrees. With earnings climbing to $51,936 by the fifth year and low debt burdens, Helena College delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.