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 gives you a solid return for a two-year public school. You pay $12,184 a year, carry a median debt of $18,750, and reach median earnings of $54,329 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor: you owe less than half of what you make in a single year.
The trade and technical programs here pay off. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment leads at $50,606, and this is an associate-level credential you can finish in two years. The Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair certificate stands out for a different reason: you graduate owing $2,750, and it pays $42,235. That combination of near-zero debt and mid-$40k earnings is the best value on this list. Civil Engineering Technologies and Precision Metal Working both land around $38,829, which still clears your median debt comfortably.
The real risk is finishing. Only 29% of students graduate. If you drop out, you keep the debt and lose the earnings that make these programs worth it. Butte and southwest Montana's mining, energy, and industrial base support the electrical, metalworking, and civil tech tracks, so job demand aligns with what this school teaches.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $8,939. between $48k and $75k, you pay $12,225. Households over $75k actually pay more than the sticker average, above $15,000. If you come from a higher-income family, the discount thins out.
This school fits you if you want a trade or health-tech credential and plan to work in Montana's industrial economy. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree or a program outside the technical fields, since the listed outcomes are all associate or certificate credentials.
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.