Highlands College of Montana Tech
#6 Best Online Colleges in Montana- Graduation Rate
- 36% D
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $54,329 B
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $14,962 C+
- Close to the national average
- Enrollment
- 342
Bottom line: A C overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 20.8× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $20.8 over 20 years. Ranked #6 in Best Online Colleges in Montana.
Every $1 spent returns $20.8 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,183,056.
What The Data Says
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A C overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Earnings 33% above the national college median.
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Graduation of 36% — 37% below the national average.
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Every $1 invested returns $20.8 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About Highlands College of Montana Tech
Highlands College of Montana Tech is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public College
- Carnegie Class
- Associate's College
- Enrollment
- 342
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Construction Trades, Health Professions, Precision Production, Computer Science & IT
Why students choose Highlands College of Montana Tech
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
This school does not report a competitive admit rate — most qualified applicants are admitted.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $14,962 a year after grants and scholarships — 13% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $54,329 ten years after enrolling — 33% above the typical college, against $18,750 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
Highlands College of Montana Tech serves a diverse group of students, particularly those interested in hands-on fields. With around 342 students enrolled, this college is a great fit for individuals pursuing careers in Construction Trades, Health Professions, Precision Production, Mechanic & Repair Tech, and Transportation. The focus here is on practical skills that lead directly into the workforce, making it an appealing choice for students who prefer a more straightforward, applied education.
Looking at life after graduation, students earn an average of $54,329 ten years after completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for solid earnings in fields that often have high demand. While the graduation rate sits at 36%, those who do graduate often find themselves in favorable job markets, particularly in trades and health-related professions. The relatively low number of students receiving Pell Grants (13%) suggests that many students may not rely heavily on federal aid, possibly indicating a diverse financial landscape among the student body.
In terms of the financial bottom line, the net price after aid is approximately $14,962, and the median debt for graduates is $18,750. This means that, while students may take on some debt, the cost of education here remains manageable for many. Those who thrive tend to be self-motivated individuals looking for practical skills and direct pathways into stable careers. This college can be a smart choice for those ready to dive into their chosen field without the burden of excessive debt hanging over them.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Highlands College of Montana Tech is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Highlands College of Montana Tech? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Butte, Montana, Highlands College of Montana Tech enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 36%.
- Retention Rate
- 55%
- Full-Time Faculty
- 76%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $9,373
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.43
- First-Gen Students
- 34%
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Highlands College of Montana Tech? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Highlands College of Montana Tech is $10,950, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $14,962. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $11,650 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $18,750 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $4,130
- Out-of-State
- $10,950
- Avg Net Price
- $14,962
- Median Debt
- $18,750
- Pell Grant Rate
- 13%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 21%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $11,650
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $13,183
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $15,314
- Family Income $110K+
- $17,792
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Highlands College of Montana Tech — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Highlands College of Montana Tech Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Highlands College of Montana Tech earn a median of $54,329, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $48,356
- 8 Years
- $52,895
- 10 Years
- $54,329
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.35x
- Earning > $25K
- 66%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (21)
- 16%
- 100% (21)
- 16%
- 100% (21)
- 16%
- 100% (21)
- 16%
How Highlands Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Highlands College of Montana Tech Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Highlands College of Montana Tech delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $14,962/year ($59,848 total). Graduates earn $54,329 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,242,904 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,183,056 (20.8× your investment). The median debt is $18,750, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 36% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $59,848
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,242,904
- Net Return
- $1,183,056
- ROI Multiple
- 20.8×
- Cost Per Year
- $14,962
- Median Debt
- $18,750
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Top Programs
The fields Highlands College of Montana Tech awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Construction Trades 51%
- Health Professions 21% $60,130 early-career
- Precision Production 9% $46,136 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 5%
- Mechanic & Repair Tech 4% $50,183 early-career
- Transportation 2%
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Highlands College of Montana Tech's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
- B-Software Developer$132,270 · 25% growthVulnerable 40
- CPurchasing Manager$131,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CAerospace Engineer$130,720 · 6% growthResilient 72
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Highlands College of Montana Tech? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Butte, Montana, Highlands College of Montana Tech enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 36%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Highlands College of Montana Tech? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Highlands College of Montana Tech is $10,950, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $14,962. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $11,650 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $18,750 in federal student loans.
Is Highlands College of Montana Tech Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Highlands College of Montana Tech earn a median of $54,329, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
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