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Helena College University of Montana : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Helena College University of Montana

Set in Montana's capital with trails and big sky all around, Helena College University of Montana pairs hands-on learning with a supportive vibe. It has a reputation for practical academics across skilled trades, health, business, computing, and transfer-ready studies. Labs and shops back up the coursework, while the library, learning center, advising, and tutoring keep students on track.

Student life leans active and approachable, with clubs, student leadership, and plenty of outdoor options. The culture feels down-to-earth and close-knit, the kind where you see faculty in the hall and get real feedback. Career prep shows up through job-ready projects, resume help, and ties to employers in government, healthcare, and local industries. And as part of the University of Montana family, transfer pathways are clear, while the Helena community offers internships, service, and a welcoming small-city pace.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1115 N Roberts Street, Helena, Montana, 59601, USA
Unit ID: 180276

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
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Associate's - High Career & Technical, Nontraditional
Campus Setting: Located in a small city (population under 100,000)
Tuition: In-state: $3,975 (Tuition $2,792 + Fee $1,183) · Out-of-state: $10,687 (Tuition $9,394 + Fee $1,293)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,485
Undergraduate: 641
Graduate/Other: 844
Male: 602 Female: 883
Applications:
Total Applicants: Not available
Admitted: Not available
Enrolled: Not available
Staff:
Total: 144 Full-time: 79 Part-time: 65

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Helena College University of Montana 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.
Liberal Arts (2)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0102 General Studies. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
An undifferentiated program that includes instruction in the general arts, general science, or unstructured studies.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $92,720 -$1,750 (-1.9%)
Mechanics (8)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0604 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
49-2093 Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $80,980 N/A N/A
49-2096 Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $50,240 N/A N/A
49-3023 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $55,260 $48,860 -$6,400 (-11.6%)
47.0605 Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
49-3031 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $62,480 $46,630 -$15,850 (-25.4%)
47.0607 Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all aircraft components other than engines, propellers, avionics, and instruments. Includes instruction in layout and fabrication of sheet metal, fabric, wood, and other materials into structural members, parts, and fittings, and replacement of damaged or worn parts such as control cables and hydraulic units.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
49-3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $80,780 $66,800 -$13,980 (-17.3%)
51-2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $66,510 N/A N/A
47.0608 Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of aircraft powerplant and related systems. Instruction includes engine inspection and maintenance, lubrication and cooling, electrical and ignition systems, carburetion, fuels and fuel systems, propeller and fan assemblies.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
49-3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $80,780 $66,800 -$13,980 (-17.3%)
51-2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $66,510 N/A N/A
Health (3)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.1103 Pre-Pharmacy Studies. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals for admission to a professional program in pharmacy.

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
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%)
Production (5)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0501 Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
51-4021 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,170 N/A N/A
51-4022 Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,900 N/A N/A
51-4023 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,940 N/A N/A
51-4031 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,060 $48,790 +$1,730 (+3.7%)
51-4032 Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,330 N/A N/A
51-4033 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,600 $41,390 -$5,210 (-11.2%)
51-4034 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,190 N/A N/A
51-4035 Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $52,940 N/A N/A
51-4041 Machinists $57,390 $57,810 +$420 (+0.7%)
51-4081 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,590 N/A N/A
51-4191 Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,030 N/A N/A
51-4192 Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $65,770 N/A N/A
51-4199 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $45,850 $46,390 +$540 (+1.2%)
48.0508 Welding Technology/Welder. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
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
48.0510 Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, such as lathes, mills, precision measuring tools, and related attachments and accessories, to perform machining functions, such as cutting, drilling, shaping, and finishing products and component parts. Includes instruction in CNC terminology, setup, programming, operations, and troubleshooting; blueprint reading; machining; lathe and mill operations; technical mathematics; computer literacy; CAD/CAM systems; shop and safety practices; equipment capabilities; and regulations and laws.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
51-9161 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $52,900 $51,660 -$1,240 (-2.3%)
51-9162 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $69,880 $65,350 -$4,530 (-6.5%)
48.0511 Metal Fabricator. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to further process ferrous and/or non-ferrous metal plates or shapes, and to manufacture and/or install products as interpreted through technical drawings. Includes instruction in trade tools, shop equipment, reading and interpreting blueprints, material handling, welding, thermal cutting, metallurgy, template pattern development, plate and structural fabrication, destructive and non-destructive testing, inspection, shipment preparation and fabrication installation.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
51-2041 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $52,740 N/A N/A
Business (4)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
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%)
52.0302 Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. (Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. Includes instruction in posting transactions to accounts, record-keeping systems, accounting software operation, and general accounting principles and practices.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
13-2082 Tax Preparers $58,860 $74,560 +$15,700 (+26.7%)
43-3031 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $52,020 $45,540 -$6,480 (-12.5%)
43-3051 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $56,870 $52,280 -$4,590 (-8.1%)
43-4011 Brokerage Clerks $67,680 $48,360 -$19,320 (-28.5%)
43-9111 Statistical Assistants $55,470 N/A N/A
52.0701 Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. (Cert<1y)
A program that generally prepares individuals to perform development, marketing and management functions associated with owning and operating a business.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $179,030 -$83,900 (-31.9%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $102,370 -$30,750 (-23.1%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $97,010 -$52,880 (-35.3%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $111,350 -$2,490 (-2.2%)
52.0703 Small Business Administration/Management. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to develop and manage independent small businesses. Includes instruction in business administration; enterprise planning and entrepreneurship; start-up; small business operations and problems; personnel supervision; capitalization and investment; taxation; business law and regulations; e-commerce; home business operations; and applications to specific sectors, products, and services.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 N/A N/A
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $97,010 -$52,880 (-35.3%)
Security & Safety (2)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0203 Fire Science/Fire-fighting. (Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
A program focusing on the theory and practice of fires and fire-fighting. Includes instruction in fire chemistry and physics, combustible materials, computer science, building construction, fire codes and related laws, fire hydraulics, fire command, fire prevention/inspection, fire protection systems, fire suppression systems, fire/arson investigation, occupational safety, equipment operation, emergency medicine and communications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Montana

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Montana Avg MT vs US
33-1021 First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $97,030 $73,880 -$23,150 (-23.9%)
33-2011 Firefighters $63,890 $61,180 -$2,710 (-4.2%)
33-2021 Fire Inspectors and Investigators $87,440 N/A N/A
33-2022 Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists $61,820 N/A N/A
Computer & IT (1)
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%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

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

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$5,491
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$12,203
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$3,975
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$10,687
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$9,319 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,516
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,605 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,605
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

8%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$4,488
Avg. Loan
$4,769
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,769
Additional
Students with Any Grant
70
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
41
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
46
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$2,287
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
$22,556 – $61,217
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$22,556 (25th %) $61,217 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $40,738
Median Salary After 6 Years
$37,317
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$40,738
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
47.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
66.8%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$14,580
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 38.7%
Middle 64.2%
High 62.1%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 59.0%
Independent 41.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Helena College University of Montana

How much does it cost to attend Helena College University of Montana?

The annual tuition at Helena College University of Montana is $3,975 for in-state students and $10,687 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $5,491 for in-state students and $12,203 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,319 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,516.

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 Helena College University of Montana offer?

Helena College University of Montana offers 28 academic programs across 7 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (8 programs)
  • Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (5 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (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 Helena College University of Montana?

Helena College University of Montana provides financial aid to 8% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,488 and average loans of $4,769.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $3,997
  • State/Local grants: $1,322
  • Institutional grants: $2,287
  • Federal loans: $4,769

The university supports 70 students with grants and 41 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 Helena College University of Montana graduates?

Helena College University of Montana graduates earn a median salary of $37,317 after 6 years and $40,738 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,556 (25th percentile) to $61,217 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $64,700 (90th 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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