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 gives you a modest but real financial return, and the payoff depends almost entirely on which associate program you pick. The median graduate earns around $40,700 ten years out against roughly $14,500 in debt, so you're not drowning, but you're not getting rich either. The bigger concern is the 41.5% graduation rate: most people who start here don't finish, and an unfinished degree with debt attached is the worst outcome available.
Nursing is the clear winner. At about $57,300 a year, it out-earns every other program by a wide margin, and even with the highest program debt at $17,500, that math works. Fire Protection and Vehicle Maintenance and Repair also pay well relative to their cost, with the auto program carrying the lightest debt load of any listed. Accounting is where the numbers turn against you: you earn the least of the top programs while borrowing the most, over $20,000, which is a bad trade for an associate credential.
The specific risk here is finishing. With graduation under half, your real gamble isn't the tuition, it's whether you complete the program before the loans pile up without a credential to pay them back. Pick a career-track program like nursing or trades and stay on schedule.
The net price tiers are gentle. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $11,400. over $110,000, you pay closer to $17,500. That spread is small, so lower-income families don't get a dramatic break here.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or trades credential and can commit to finishing. If you're drawn to accounting or unsure of your direction, the low completion rate and thin earnings for softer programs make this a risky place to borrow.
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.