About Highlands College of Montana Tech
Students here get remarkable value for their investment. The average net price of $12,184 leads to median earnings of $54,329 within ten years of graduation. Recent graduates earn $63,761 in their first year after completing programs. With typical debt loads of $18,750 and monthly payments around $199, most students see strong returns on their education. The employment rate of 96.7% shows employers actively recruit these graduates.
The student body is overwhelmingly local, with 92.5% coming from Montana. Men make up 63.6% of enrollment, reflecting the technical focus of many programs. Only 15.6% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than the lowest income brackets. The 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's open-door policy and the reality that many students attend part-time while working.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,329
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,606 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $42,235 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,829 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,829 |
Campus Life
Most students commute from Butte and surrounding mining towns rather than live in the dorms, which can house 460 students. The campus connects to Montana Tech next door, so students share some facilities and social activities with four-year students. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like skiing, hunting, and hiking in the nearby mountains. The mining heritage runs deep here, and many students come from families who worked the copper mines. Butte's downtown historic district offers a few restaurants and bars, but the nearest major city is Salt Lake City, about 350 miles south.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 460 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Negligent Manslaughter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–31°F
- July Avg
- 45°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 25.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 62.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 63.6%
- Women
- 36.4%
- White
- 79.3%
- Black
- 0.3%
- Hispanic
- 5.0%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 92.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.6%
Location
- Address
- Butte, Montana 59701
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,329
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,365
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $199/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Highlands College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, accepting 343 students annually. The student body is 92.54% in-state residents who come primarily for the college's strong technical and trades programs. Most students can gain admission with a high school diploma or equivalent.
How much does Highlands College of Montana Tech cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,184, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,939 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $15,000. Only 15.57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from working-class families just above the federal aid threshold.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Classes maintain a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in technical coursework. The college focuses heavily on hands-on learning in fields like mining technology, welding, and healthcare. Small class sizes help students master the practical skills employers demand in Montana's resource-based economy.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Graduates achieve a 96.7% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers. The median earnings of $54,329 ten years after enrollment exceed many four-year college graduates. However, the 29% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete programs or leave for immediate employment opportunities.
Where do students live at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
The campus housing capacity of 460 students exceeds total enrollment of 343, ensuring guaranteed on-campus housing. Room and board costs $11,530, which is reasonable for the mountain West region. Most students appreciate the close-knit community atmosphere in Butte, a historic mining town with strong blue-collar values.
Is Highlands College of Montana Tech worth the investment for technical careers?
Students carry a median debt of just $18,750 with monthly payments of $199, making it one of the more affordable paths to technical careers. The 58.44% loan repayment rate reflects the financial challenges some graduates face, but strong employment rates and solid earnings potential make it a practical choice for hands-on learners. The college's connection to Montana Tech's engineering programs provides unique pathways for career advancement.
