At $14,455/yr net price, Helena College University of Montana graduates earn $40,738/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,738/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,455 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,738/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,738/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,580 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,410/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,870/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,613/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,275/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,493/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
41.5% of students at Helena College University of Montana graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Helena College delivers solid returns for career-focused students, but your program choice determines everything. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,318 annually against just $17,500 in debt, creating an strong payback timeline. Fire protection and vehicle maintenance also provide strong earning potential relative to the school's low net price.
The 41.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher wages. Computer programming and accounting show weaker returns, with accounting graduates owing $20,429 while earning just $35,416.
Helena College works best if you're targeting healthcare, skilled trades, or public safety careers in Montana. The regional job market supports these fields, and the school's connections with local employers create clear pathways to employment. You should look elsewhere if you want broad career flexibility or plan to work in major metropolitan areas where these credentials may carry less weight.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 19% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. The low sticker price means most students can minimize borrowing, but you'll need to budget carefully since aid opportunities appear scarce. Your best strategy involves choosing high-return programs like nursing and completing quickly to maximize the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helena College University of Montana worth the cost?
Helena College offers decent value for career-focused programs, with a net price of $14,455 and relatively low debt at $14,580. However, the 41% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $40,738 are modest compared to four-year universities.
What are the best paying programs at Helena College University of Montana?
Nursing programs lead with $57,318 average earnings, followed by fire protection at $46,087. Vehicle maintenance and computer programming both offer solid returns around $40,000-41,000 annually.
How much debt do Helena College University of Montana graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $14,580, which is manageable compared to many colleges. The low net price of $14,455 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Helena College University of Montana?
Only 41.5% of students graduate from Helena College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate poses a significant risk for students who may accumulate debt without earning a credential.