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Great Falls College Montana State University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Great Falls College Montana State University

In a city named for the Missouri River's cascades, Great Falls College Montana State University is known for hands-on learning that sets students up for the next step, whether that is a career start or a smooth transfer to a four-year campus. Classrooms and labs feel practical and current, with simulation spaces, tech-enabled rooms, a solid library, and a learning commons. Tutoring and advising come across as personal. The culture is down-to-earth and welcoming, with many working adults and first-generation students finding their footing.

Student life leans active and community minded. Clubs and volunteer projects make it easy to plug in, and the river trails, city parks, and quick mountain trips keep weekends busy. Career services connect students with regional employers for internships and hands-on placements, drawing on ties across healthcare, business, and the trades. Under big Montana skies, the college is known for stackable, skills-first pathways and its place in the Montana State University family.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, Montana, 59405, USA
Website: gfcmsu.edu
Unit ID: 180249

Academic & Institutional

Control: Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Length of Study: Programs of 2 to less than 4 years (e.g. associate degree)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Associate's - Mixed Transfer/Career, Nontraditional
Campus Setting: Located in a small city (population under 100,000)
Tuition: In-state: $3,904 (Tuition $2,947 + Fee $957) · Out-of-state: $12,229 (Tuition $11,272 + Fee $957)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,318
Undergraduate: 828
Graduate/Other: 490
Male: 391 Female: 927
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 174 Full-time: 97 Part-time: 77

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Great Falls College Montana State University with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Montana. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Montana vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Health (11)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601 Dental Assisting/Assistant. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $114,060 -$23,840 (-17.3%)
31-9091 Dental Assistants $48,860 $45,500 -$3,360 (-6.9%)
51.0602 Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to clean teeth and apply preventive materials, provide oral health education and treatment counseling to patients, identify oral pathologies and injuries, and manage dental hygiene practices. Includes instruction in dental anatomy, microbiology, and pathology; dental hygiene theory and techniques; cleaning equipment operation and maintenance; dental materials; radiology; patient education and counseling; office management; supervised clinical training; and professional standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $114,060 -$23,840 (-17.3%)
29-1292 Dental Hygienists $93,890 $91,650 -$2,240 (-2.4%)
51.0706 Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to plan, design, and manage systems, processes, and facilities used to collect, store, secure, retrieve, analyze, and transmit medical records and other health information used by clinical professionals and health care organizations. Includes instruction in the principles and basic content of the biomedical and clinical sciences, information technology and applications, data and database management, clinical research methodologies, health information resources and systems, office management, legal requirements, and professional standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
11-9111 Medical and Health Services Managers $137,730 $117,860 -$19,870 (-14.4%)
29-2072 Medical Records Specialists $55,970 $52,210 -$3,760 (-6.7%)
29-9021 Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $73,410 $74,490 +$1,080 (+1.5%)
51.0707 Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of health information administrators and other professionals, to construct medical records and clinical databases, perform manipulations on retrieved data, control the security and quality of records, and supervise data entry and technical maintenance personnel. Includes instruction in clinical and biomedical science data and information requirements, database management, data coding and validation, information security, quality control, health information content and structure, medical business procedures, and legal requirements.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
29-2072 Medical Records Specialists $55,970 $52,210 -$3,760 (-6.7%)
29-9021 Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $73,410 $74,490 +$1,080 (+1.5%)
51.0806 Physical Therapy Assistant. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of a physical therapist, to implement physical therapy treatment care plans, train patients, conduct treatment interventions, use equipment, and observe and record patient progress. Includes instruction in applied anatomy and physiology, behavioral sciences, biomechanics, clinical documentation, clinical pathology, communication, exercise physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, and professional standards and ethics.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
31-2021 Physical Therapist Assistants $67,160 $63,080 -$4,080 (-6.1%)
51.0904 Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $114,060 -$23,840 (-17.3%)
29-2042 Emergency Medical Technicians $44,790 $37,470 -$7,320 (-16.3%)
29-2043 Paramedics $60,610 $52,770 -$7,840 (-12.9%)
51.0908 Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to assist in developing respiratory care plans, administer respiratory care procedures, supervise personnel and equipment operation, maintain records, and consult with other health care team members. Includes instruction in the applied basic biomedical sciences; anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the respiratory system; clinical medicine; therapeutic procedures; clinical expressions; data collection and record-keeping; patient communication; equipment operation and maintenance; personnel supervision; and procedures for special population groups.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $114,060 -$23,840 (-17.3%)
29-1126 Respiratory Therapists $84,260 $78,490 -$5,770 (-6.8%)
29-2099 Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $56,370 $58,310 +$1,940 (+3.4%)
51.0909 Surgical Technology/Technologist. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and surgical nurses, to maintain, monitor, and enforce the sterile field and adherence to aseptic technique by preoperative, surgical team, and postoperative personnel. Includes instruction in instrument and equipment sterilization and handling, surgical supplies management, wound exposure and closure, surgical computer and robot operation and monitoring, maintenance of hemostasis, and patient and team scrubbing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $114,060 -$23,840 (-17.3%)
29-2055 Surgical Technologists $65,810 $60,330 -$5,480 (-8.3%)
29-9093 Surgical Assistants $67,190 $63,600 -$3,590 (-5.3%)
51.1501 Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction. Includes instruction in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable law and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
21-1011 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors N/A N/A N/A
21-1014 Mental Health Counselors N/A N/A N/A
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $114,060 -$23,840 (-17.3%)
51.3801 Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. (Cert<2y)
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
25-1072 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $87,090 $85,630 -$1,460 (-1.7%)
29-1141 Registered Nurses $98,430 $85,960 -$12,470 (-12.7%)
51.3901 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
29-2061 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $64,150 $59,530 -$4,620 (-7.2%)
Liberal Arts (2)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0199 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Any single instructional program in liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
Production (3)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508 Welding Technology/Welder. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
51-4121 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $55,100 $63,450 +$8,350 (+15.2%)
51-4122 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,270 N/A N/A
Business (3)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0204 Office Management and Supervision. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to supervise and manage the operations and personnel of business offices and management-level divisions. Includes instruction in employee supervision, management, and labor relations; budgeting; scheduling and coordination; office systems operation and maintenance; office records management, organization, and security; office facilities design and space management; preparation and evaluation of business management data; and public relations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $103,030 -$23,000 (-18.2%)
43-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $71,560 $66,670 -$4,890 (-6.8%)
52.0301 Accounting. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to practice the profession of accounting and to perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
13-2011 Accountants and Auditors $93,520 $77,750 -$15,770 (-16.9%)
13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property N/A N/A N/A
13-2031 Budget Analysts $93,920 $62,500 -$31,420 (-33.5%)
13-2041 Credit Analysts $98,040 $62,010 -$36,030 (-36.8%)
13-2054 Financial Risk Specialists $119,930 N/A N/A
13-2061 Financial Examiners $103,650 $82,040 -$21,610 (-20.8%)
13-2081 Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $67,570 $67,900 +$330 (+0.5%)
13-2082 Tax Preparers $58,860 $74,560 +$15,700 (+26.7%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $111,350 -$2,490 (-2.2%)
52.0408 General Office Occupations and Clerical Services. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to provide basic administrative support under the supervision of office managers, administrative assistants, secretaries, and other office personnel. Includes instruction in typing, keyboarding, filing, general business correspondence, office equipment operation, and communications skills.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
43-3061 Procurement Clerks $50,430 N/A N/A
43-4021 Correspondence Clerks $46,610 N/A N/A
43-4071 File Clerks $43,700 $39,030 -$4,670 (-10.7%)
43-4151 Order Clerks $46,270 $43,720 -$2,550 (-5.5%)
43-5011 Cargo and Freight Agents $55,420 $56,240 +$820 (+1.5%)
43-9022 Word Processors and Typists $49,730 N/A N/A
43-9041 Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $51,980 $51,710 -$270 (-0.5%)
43-9061 Office Clerks, General $45,470 $45,070 -$400 (-0.9%)
Computer & IT (4)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0201 Computer Programming/Programmer, General. (Cert<2y)
A program that focuses on the general writing and implementation of generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that generally prepares individuals to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. Includes instruction in software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing; program customization and linking; prototype testing; troubleshooting; and related aspects of operating systems and networks.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
15-1231 Computer Network Support Specialists $79,610 $68,170 -$11,440 (-14.4%)
15-1251 Computer Programmers $103,640 $93,580 -$10,060 (-9.7%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $124,450 -$20,120 (-13.9%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $105,690 -$4,570 (-4.1%)
15-1254 Web Developers $98,790 $77,570 -$21,220 (-21.5%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $90,000 -$21,450 (-19.2%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $98,120 -$7,710 (-7.3%)
11.0501 Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst. (Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; process and data flow analysis; user needs analysis and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts $111,960 $127,160 +$15,200 (+13.6%)
15-1231 Computer Network Support Specialists $79,610 $68,170 -$11,440 (-14.4%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $101,190 -$34,700 (-25.5%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $124,500 -$18,120 (-12.7%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $105,690 -$4,570 (-4.1%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $98,120 -$7,710 (-7.3%)
11.0901 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. (Cert<2y)
A program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. Includes instruction in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $142,210 -$45,780 (-24.4%)
15-1211 Computer Systems Analysts $111,960 $127,160 +$15,200 (+13.6%)
15-1212 Information Security Analysts $127,730 $109,370 -$18,360 (-14.4%)
15-1231 Computer Network Support Specialists $79,610 $68,170 -$11,440 (-14.4%)
15-1241 Computer Network Architects $135,890 $101,190 -$34,700 (-25.5%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $98,120 -$7,710 (-7.3%)
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.9999 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Cert<2y)
Any instructional program in multi/interdisciplinary studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$5,304
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$13,629
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$3,904
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,229
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$9,408 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,400
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,818 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,818
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

10%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$5,896
Avg. Loan
$4,842
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,467
Additional
Students with Any Grant
73
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
38
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
62
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$1,778
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

N/A
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$21,548 – $57,765
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$21,548 (25th %) $57,765 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $38,034
Median Salary After 6 Years
$35,625
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$38,034
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
46.0%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
N/A
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 38.2%
Middle 58.9%
High 65.2%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 56.3%
Independent 40.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Great Falls College Montana State University

How much does it cost to attend Great Falls College Montana State University?

The annual tuition at Great Falls College Montana State University is $3,904 for in-state students and $12,229 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $5,304 for in-state students and $13,629 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,408 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,400.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Great Falls College Montana State University offer?

Great Falls College Montana State University offers 27 academic programs across 6 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (11 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (4 programs)
  • Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (3 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Great Falls College Montana State University?

Great Falls College Montana State University provides financial aid to 10% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,896 and average loans of $4,842.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,794
  • State/Local grants: $2,617
  • Institutional grants: $1,778
  • Federal loans: $4,467

The university supports 73 students with grants and 38 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Great Falls College Montana State University graduates?

Great Falls College Montana State University graduates earn a median salary of $35,625 after 6 years and $38,034 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $21,548 (25th percentile) to $57,765 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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