Miles Community College: $5,648 Tuition

$5,648Tuition

353Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,862Earnings

#3 in MontanaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Miles Community College

Miles Community College serves the ranching and agricultural heart of eastern Montana with hands-on career training. The college enrolls 353 students in a remote town setting where practical skills matter more than theory. Founded in 1939, this community college has deep roots in preparing students for Montana's workforce through programs in agriculture, nursing, and skilled trades.

Students pay an average net price of $7,070 after financial aid, making this one of Montana's most affordable higher education options. Graduates earn a median of $42,862 ten years after enrollment, while typical student debt sits at just $11,500. The monthly loan payment of $122 reflects the college's commitment to keeping education accessible. With 96.2% of graduates finding employment, the return on investment proves solid for career-focused students.

Women make up 70.82% of the student body, largely due to strong nursing and healthcare programs. The Pioneers compete in seven NJCAA sports with 117 total athletes sharing $613,035 in athletic scholarships. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in small classes. Three-quarters of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name and professors invest in your success.

Academics & Faculty

Miles Community College serves eastern Montana with career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes where professors know every student's name. With a 48.80% six-year graduation rate, the college provides solid support for students balancing education with work and family responsibilities common in rural communities. The college is particularly known for its nursing program, which feeds healthcare workers into underserved rural areas, and its agricultural programs that connect directly to the region's ranching economy. Students also pursue welding, business, and liberal arts transfers. The employment rate of 96.2% reflects strong industry connections.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 42.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,862

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$47,260

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Miles City sits 300 miles from Billings, the nearest major city, in the heart of eastern Montana ranch country. The 353 students experience true small-town life where everyone knows each other. About 50% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 178 students total. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so heavy coats are essential from November through March.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and track their progress closely. Women make up 71% of the student body, creating a predominantly female campus environment. The Pioneers compete in seven NJCAA sports with 117 total athletes receiving $613,035 in athletic scholarships. Weekends often involve rodeo events, given the school's agricultural roots and rural Montana setting. Students frequently drive to nearby ranches for work or recreation. The campus feels more like a tight-knit community than a traditional college, where 76% of students come from Montana and many plan to stay in the region after graduation.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 178 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1939

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–30°F
July Avg: 59°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.4"
Annual Snowfall: 29.5"

Student Demographics

This eastern Montana community college draws primarily local students, with three-quarters coming from in-state. Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in nursing and other health sciences. The college serves a working-class population, with nearly a quarter receiving Pell Grants. Students come mainly from rural Montana communities and the surrounding region. The 353 enrolled students create a tight-knit campus where everyone knows each other. Many are first-generation college students looking for affordable career training close to home.

Men: 29.2%
Women: 70.8%
White: 75.9%
Black: 2.3%
Hispanic: 3.4%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 76.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.7%

Location

Miles Community College sits in Miles City, Montana, roughly 300 miles from Billings, the state's largest city. The campus serves 353 students in southeastern Montana's ranch country. Miles City anchors a region known for cattle ranching and agriculture, where wide open plains stretch toward the horizon. The town itself has fewer than 9,000 residents and maintains its frontier character as a former military outpost along the Yellowstone River. About 76% of students come from within Montana, reflecting the college's role serving rural communities across the state. The remote setting means students experience true small-town life with outdoor recreation opportunities in Big Sky Country. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Miles Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Miles City, Montana 59301-4774

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,862
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,924
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $122/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Miles Community College?

Miles Community College maintains an open-door admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. With 353 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in eastern Montana. The small student body creates opportunities for personalized attention with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

How much does Miles Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,070 annually, making Miles one of the more affordable college options in Montana. In-state tuition runs $5,648 while out-of-state students pay $10,768. Low-income families earning under $30,000 see their net costs drop to just $5,435 after aid.

What academic programs is Miles Community College known for?

Miles Community College operates on a semester system and focuses on practical, career-oriented education for rural Montana. The college maintains strong ties to local industries including agriculture, energy, and healthcare. With 96.2% of graduates finding employment, the programs clearly align with regional workforce needs.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Miles Community College?

Graduates earn a median salary of $42,862 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The 48.8% six-year graduation rate is typical for rural community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. Most graduates carry manageable debt loads of $11,500 with monthly payments around $122.

What is campus life like at Miles Community College?

The campus houses 178 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere in Miles City. Women make up 70.8% of the student body, reflecting trends in rural community college enrollment. The Pioneers compete in seven NJCAA sports with 117 student-athletes receiving $613,035 in athletic scholarships.

Where do most Miles Community College students come from?

About 76% of students hail from Montana, with many drawn from the state's rural eastern counties where Miles City serves as a regional center. The student body is predominantly white at 75.9%, typical of Montana's demographics. Miles City's remote setting attracts students seeking a small-town college experience away from urban distractions.