Highlands College of Montana Tech
Out-of-state tuition
$10,948
In-state $4,127
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
727
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
29.0%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 33.6%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Highlands College of Montana Tech, located in Butte, Montana, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to providing quality education in the fields of applied sciences and technical studies. One of the college's core values is its focus on hands-on learning, which prepares students for successful careers in various industries. The college offers associate degrees and certificate programs in areas such as nursing, information technology, and business, emphasizing practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to the workforce. This focus on career-readiness is reflected in the strong partnerships Highlands College maintains with local businesses and industries, which often lead to internships and job placements for students.
The college prides itself on a supportive and engaging campus environment, fostering a strong sense of community among students and faculty. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and mentorship from experienced instructors, many of whom have extensive backgrounds in their respective fields. In addition to academic support, Highlands College encourages student involvement in extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and community service initiatives. This vibrant campus culture not only enhances the educational experience but also develops leadership and teamwork skills essential for success in the professional world. Overall, Highlands College of Montana Tech stands out as a nurturing institution that prepares students to excel in their chosen careers while contributing positively to society.
Trends in Tuition and Student Outcomes at Highlands College of Montana Tech
Over the years, tuition rates at Highlands College of Montana Tech have shown a notable upward trend. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition has increased from $3,226 in 2014 to $3,985 in 2024, representing a rise of approximately 23.5%. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition has escalated from $8,193 to $10,368, marking a significant increase of about 26.7%. This persistent rise in tuition costs is concerning, particularly for prospective students who may struggle to afford higher education amidst increasing living costs nationwide.
Alongside the tuition hikes, the college has experienced a steady decline in student enrollment. From a peak of 913 students in 2014, enrollment has dwindled to just 655 by 2023, indicating a concerning trend that could affect the institution’s sustainability and diversity. Increased tuition may be a contributing factor, as financial accessibility remains a critical issue for many students.
Moreover, graduation rates have fluctuated over the years, with only 15.8% of students graduating on time in 2023, slightly down from 17.6% in 2022. This low rate, coupled with a retention rate that has recently improved to approximately 65% in 2023, suggests that while the institution may be retaining more students, many are still not completing their degrees within a reasonable timeframe.
The gender ratio among undergraduate students has also seen a shift, with male representation slightly increasing to approximately 54.5% in 2023. This change could reflect broader societal trends in higher education, where male enrollment has been lagging behind female enrollment in recent years.
In summary, while Highlands College of Montana Tech is making strides in student retention, challenges remain in terms of increasing tuition, declining enrollment, and low graduation rates. These factors warrant attention from both the institution and potential students as they navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Remote town
- Nearest major city
- Boise, about 240 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Spokane International Airport (GEG), about 260 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Tammy Burke (Dean)
- Phone
- 4064963711
- Address
- 25 Basin Creek Rd, Butte, MT 59701
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Highlands College of Montana Tech
The graduation data from Highlands College of Montana Tech for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in the fields of engineering, medical, and business disciplines. Notably, the Civil Engineering Technologies program shows the highest number of graduates with 12 students earning an associate degree, demonstrating a solid interest in the engineering sector, which is critical for infrastructure development and sustainability.
In the medical field, the Radiologic Technology program also stands out with 14 graduates, indicating a growing demand for healthcare professionals in imaging and diagnostics. This aligns with national trends where healthcare careers are projected to grow significantly, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology.
Conversely, the data also highlights areas with no graduation output, particularly in computer science and interdisciplinary studies. The absence of graduates in these fields could reflect a lack of enrollment or perhaps challenges in retaining students in these programs. Given the increasing importance of technology in all sectors, it raises questions about the curriculum or resources available for students in these disciplines.
Interestingly, all international student categories report no graduates in any program, suggesting that the college may face challenges in attracting international students or that existing international students primarily enroll in other institutions. This aspect could be critical for the college's diversity and global engagement efforts.
Overall, the data presents a mixed picture for Highlands College, with strong performances in specific areas while highlighting opportunities for growth and improvement in others. Addressing these gaps could enhance the institution's appeal and align its offerings with workforce demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry/Carpenter. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | - | |
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - | |
| Precision Metal Working, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - | |
| Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | - |
Students
727 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 50:50 · Freshman retention 55.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 163
- First-year undergraduates 142
- Transfers and others 422
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (727)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Highlands College of Montana Tech in 2023
The composition of students at Highlands College of Montana Tech in 2023 reveals some insightful trends regarding diversity and gender representation. Notably, the number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 120, with a significant male representation of approximately 65.8%. This trend of a male majority is also reflected in the undergraduate upperclassmen category, where 58.3% of the 180 students are male.
In contrast, undergraduate transfer students, numbering 22, exhibit a more balanced gender distribution, with 54.5% male and 45.5% female students. This suggests that there could be a shift towards more gender parity among students who are transitioning into their academic programs from other institutions.
Interestingly, the overall student population, totaling 333 individuals in the unspecified category, shows a slight majority of females at 51.7%. This indicates a shift in gender dynamics, as the total count displays a more equitable representation when combining all categories.
The data also highlights the racial and ethnic diversity among students, particularly within the freshmen group, where the majority are White. However, there is a notable proportion of other ethnic groups, reflecting an evolving landscape of student demographics in higher education.
As institutions strive to foster inclusive environments, understanding these trends is crucial for developing programs that support diverse student needs and experiences. The statistics from Highlands College serve as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards equity and representation in academia.
Demographic Insights of Highlands College Students
The age distribution data from Highlands College of Montana Tech reveals intriguing insights into the student population. A significant portion of the students are under 18 years old, with 135 male undergraduates and 153 female undergraduates. This demographic represents approximately 42% of the total student body, highlighting the college's appeal to younger students entering higher education.
In the 18-19 age category, while the number of male undergraduates remains relatively high at 115, the female counterpart is notably lower at 74. This trend continues in the subsequent age groups, where the number of male students steadily declines, and the female population also decreases, with only 6 female students aged 30-34. It’s evident that as students age, fewer individuals continue to pursue undergraduate studies, which may reflect broader social trends such as delayed entry into college due to career commitments or personal circumstances.
Moreover, the absence of graduate male and female students in the data points to a lack of advanced degree seekers at this institution, which could be a potential area for growth. In a time when higher education is increasingly crucial for career advancement, the college might benefit from initiatives aimed at attracting mature students and those interested in graduate programs.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of creating an inclusive environment that caters to a wider range of ages and educational aspirations, ensuring that the college remains a viable option for both traditional and non-traditional students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Highlands College of Montana Tech
The data on international student enrollment at Highlands College of Montana Tech reveals some intriguing trends over the years. From 2007 to 2019, the total number of undergraduate students has increased from 429 to 739. However, the number of international students has remained strikingly low, with only one or two international students enrolled in most years. This results in a percentage of international students ranging from 0.14% to 0.39%, which is significantly lower than the national average for higher education institutions in the United States, often hovering around 5% to 10%.
This minimal representation of international students raises questions about the college's outreach strategies and its appeal to non-domestic scholars. Given the growing competition among colleges and universities to attract international talent, it is crucial for Highlands College to enhance its international recruitment efforts. This could involve greater investment in marketing to potential foreign students, establishing partnerships with international schools, or offering more programs that cater specifically to global students.
Furthermore, the lack of graduate student data complicates a comprehensive understanding of the international presence at the graduate level. Without concrete numbers, it is difficult to ascertain whether the trends observed in undergraduate enrollment are mirrored in advanced studies. Overall, while Highlands College has made strides in increasing overall enrollment, the stagnant figures for international students suggest a need for strategic changes to foster a more diverse academic community.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$23,068
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,948
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $4,127
- Room and board
- $12,120
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 31% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 40%.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of IdahoMoscow · 221.7 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Washington State UniversityPullman · 228.4 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Boise State UniversityBoise · 242.5 mi
U.S. News #299
-
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane · 260.3 mi
U.S. News #90
-
Whitman CollegeWalla Walla · 279.5 mi
Liberal Arts #78
-
Utah State UniversityLogan · 292.1 mi
U.S. News #288
Data insights
Here are some notable schools around Highlands College of Montana Tech:
-
University of Idaho - Ranked 185 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its strong research initiatives.
-
Washington State University - With a rank of 178, this comprehensive university is recognized for its commitment to student success and innovation in education.
-
Gonzaga University - This esteemed comprehensive university is ranked 93 and is well-regarded for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Whitman College - A top liberal arts college ranked 46, Whitman is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its beautiful campus.
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 40, this comprehensive university is a leader in research and provides a dynamic academic environment in one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S.
-
Reed College - With a rank of 67, Reed is a highly respected liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to a rich academic environment in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Highlands College of Montana Tech
The crime data from Highlands College of Montana Tech reveals an encouraging trend regarding campus safety over the years. Between 2013 and 2023, the campus reported a strikingly low number of incidents. Most notably, the years 2013 through 2019, and 2021 through 2023 showed no recorded crimes, indicating a safe environment for students and staff alike.
In 2017 and 2018, the campus experienced minor incidents, with a recorded rate of 2.57 and 2.60 per 1000 students respectively. These figures, though slightly alarming, are quite low compared to national averages for college campuses, which often report higher rates of crimes such as assault, theft, and drug-related offenses.
The absence of serious offenses like robbery, sexual assault, or drug-related arrests is particularly commendable and suggests effective safety measures and community vigilance. Furthermore, the data indicates that there were no incidents of serious crimes such as murder, rape, or arson during the observed years, which is a positive sign of campus security.
This data reflects not just the statistics but also the commitment of the college to ensure a safe learning environment. As campus safety continues to be a concern for students and parents alike, these results can foster confidence in choosing Highlands College as a safe educational institution. However, continuous monitoring and proactive measures remain essential to sustain and improve campus safety standards. For more details on crime rate calculations, you can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.