At $12,184/yr net price, Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates earn $54,329/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,329/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,184 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,736 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,329/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,329/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,939/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,440/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,121/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,495/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,606 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $42,235 | $2,750 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,829 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,829 |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at Highlands College of Montana Tech graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Highlands College of Montana Tech offers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with median earnings of $54,329 that easily justify the $12,184 annual net price. Your investment pays back quickly in most programs, especially given the relatively low $18,750 median debt load.
Allied Health programs deliver the strongest returns at $50,606 annually, making them your best bet for financial success. Electrical and electronics maintenance graduates earn $42,235 with remarkably low debt of just $2,750, creating an strong value proposition. Civil engineering and precision metalworking technologies both hit $38,829, still providing solid middle-class earnings potential.
The major financial risk lies in the 29% graduation rate, which means seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs. This low completion rate could leave you with debt but no credential, particularly problematic if you struggle with technical coursework or lack clear career direction.
You should consider Highlands College if you want hands-on technical training for Montana's mining, energy, and healthcare sectors without four-year college debt. The school works best for students with clear career goals in skilled trades or health services who can commit to completing their programs.
Skip this school if you need extensive academic support services, want traditional college experiences, or prefer programs with higher completion rates. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid (15.57%) suggests limited need-based assistance, so expect to cover most costs through other means.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highlands College of Montana Tech worth the cost?
With a net price of $12,184 per year and median earnings of $54,329 after 10 years, Highlands College of Montana Tech offers decent value for technical training. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and indicates many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Allied Health programs lead earnings at $50,606 annually, followed by electrical maintenance technology at $42,235. Civil engineering and precision metalworking programs both average $38,829, which is reasonable for two-year technical degrees.
How much debt do Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates have?
The median debt is $18,750, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. Given the earning potential in health and electrical programs, most graduates can handle this debt load.
Why is the graduation rate so low at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Only 29% of students graduate, which is well below average for community colleges. This suggests students face significant challenges completing their programs, whether financial, academic, or personal.