Helena College University of Montana
Out-of-state tuition
$11,278
In-state $4,106
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,554
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
41.5%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 56.4%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Helena College University of Montana, located in the vibrant city of Helena, is an integral part of the University of Montana system. Known for its commitment to providing quality education, Helena College offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and certificates in various fields such as health sciences, business, and applied technology. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, which prepares students for the workforce. With small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and support from dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.
The college fosters a strong sense of community and encourages student engagement through various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. This vibrant campus culture allows students to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships while enjoying a balanced lifestyle. Additionally, Helena College has invested in modern facilities and technology to enhance the learning experience, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need for academic success. The college's strategic location in Helena, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and recreational opportunities, provides students with a unique backdrop for both study and leisure, making it an ideal place for personal and professional growth.
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention
Over the years, Helena College University of Montana has experienced significant changes in its tuition rates, graduation rates, and student retention that reflect broader trends in higher education.
Tuition for in-state undergraduate students has risen from $3,061 in 2014 to $3,975 in 2024, representing a notable increase of approximately 30%. For out-of-state students, the tuition has surged from $8,357 to $10,687 during the same period, a rise of nearly 28%. This escalation in tuition fees raises concerns about the accessibility of higher education, particularly for students from low- and middle-income families. As tuition continues to climb, it is essential for institutions to consider financial aid and scholarship opportunities to mitigate the burden on students.
In parallel, the graduation rates have shown a fluctuating trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from 20.39% in 2014 to 29.10% in 2023, indicating a positive trajectory. This improvement suggests that the college's efforts to enhance academic support and resources are yielding results. However, the retention rates also play a crucial role in graduation outcomes. Retention for undergraduates has generally increased, reaching 59.09% in 2023 from a low of 52.50% in 2014. This increase reflects a growing commitment to student success and engagement, which is vital for keeping students enrolled and facilitating their graduation.
Overall, while rising tuition costs present challenges, the improvements in graduation and retention rates are encouraging indicators of Helena College's commitment to enhancing the educational experience. The balance between affordability and quality of education remains crucial as the institution navigates these evolving dynamics in higher education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Small city
- Nearest major city
- Spokane, about 270 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Spokane International Airport (GEG), about 270 mi
- Also known as
- Helena College
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Sandra Bauman (Dean/DEO)
- Phone
- 4064476900
- Address
- 1115 N Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Helena College University of Montana
The graduation data from Helena College University of Montana for 2023 reveals notable trends, particularly in the realm of associate degrees. The program with the highest number of graduates is General Studies, with 42 students earning their associate degrees. This is indicative of the program's broad appeal and flexibility, providing students with foundational knowledge applicable across various fields.
In contrast, specialized programs such as Registered Nursing and Fire Science have produced 29 and 6 graduates, respectively. The demand for skilled professionals in health and safety sectors remains high, reflecting national trends where healthcare and emergency services are critical areas of workforce need, especially in light of ongoing public health challenges.
Interestingly, there are no international students graduating from any of the programs, suggesting either a lack of international enrollment or challenges faced by these students in completing their studies. This absence raises questions about the college's outreach and support for international students, a critical demographic for many institutions aiming to create a diverse learning environment.
Moreover, technical programs such as Diesel Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance have modest graduation numbers, with 7 and 11 graduates, respectively. These fields are essential for maintaining the infrastructure of transportation and logistics, and their relatively low enrollment could point to a skills gap in these critical industries.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet workforce demands while considering the enrollment dynamics of domestic versus international students. The college may need to evaluate its strategies to attract a more diverse student body and ensure that its programs align with emerging job market trends.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | $41,071 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Pharmacy Studies. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $63,955 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - | |
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist. | - | |
| Metal Fabricator. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $49,572 | |
| Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. | $49,572 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting. | $48,943 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Science/Fire-fighting. | - |
Students
1,554 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 42:58 · Freshman retention 54.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 370
- First-year undergraduates 125
- Transfers and others 1,059
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,554)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Composition at Helena College University of Montana in 2023
The student demographic data from Helena College University of Montana for the year 2023 reveals some interesting trends in gender representation and ethnic diversity. The total number of students enrolled across various categories is 1,423, with undergraduate new students accounting for 170, undergraduate continuing students at 364, undergraduate transfer students at 74, and graduate students forming the largest group at 815.
Gender distribution shows a marked difference among the groups. For undergraduate new students, females represent 58.2% while males make up 41.8%. This trend continues with undergraduate continuing students, where females constitute 62.9% and males 37.1%. In contrast, undergraduate transfer students have achieved gender parity with a balanced ratio of 50% for both genders. This suggests that as students transition into their academic journeys, there may be factors encouraging a more equal representation among transfer students.
The ethnic breakdown, although partially available, indicates a significant majority of white students across all categories, with 131 new students, 293 continuing students, and 62 transfer students identified as white. The data highlights a need for Helena College to continue fostering an inclusive environment to attract and retain students from diverse backgrounds, especially in a time when higher education institutions are increasingly pressured to address issues of diversity and inclusion.
Overall, these statistics underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance gender balance and ethnic diversity within the student body, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for all students.
Age Distribution of Students at Helena College University of Montana
The age composition of students at Helena College University of Montana reveals some interesting trends. A significant proportion of the student body is under 18, with 275 male undergraduates and 382 female undergraduates, highlighting the college's appeal to younger students. This age group accounts for approximately 41% of the total student population, indicating a strong focus on high school graduates transitioning into college.
As we progress through the age groups, the number of students decreases markedly. For instance, only 43 male undergraduates and 53 female undergraduates fall within the 20-21 age range, representing about 7% of the total. This trend continues with even fewer students in the older age brackets, particularly for those aged 50-64 and above 65, where the numbers drop to just 2 males and 11 females, and 0 males with 2 females, respectively.
The absence of graduate male students in every age category suggests a notable gap in graduate-level enrollment for males at this institution. This could reflect broader trends in higher education where female students increasingly outnumber male students, particularly in undergraduate programs.
Overall, the data illustrates a predominantly young student body, with a significant gender disparity at the graduate level. As institutions continue to adapt, understanding these demographics is crucial for developing targeted programs and support systems to enhance student success across all ages and genders.
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
Commentary on International Student Trends at Helena College University of Montana
Despite the absence of specific data for recent years, it is crucial to recognize the significant role that international students play in the academic and cultural landscape of universities like Helena College University of Montana. International students not only contribute to the diversity of the campus but also enhance the learning experience for domestic students by bringing varied perspectives and experiences.
In recent years, many educational institutions in the United States have observed fluctuations in international student enrollment due to factors such as changing immigration policies, global health crises, and geopolitical tensions. Generally, universities that prioritize international outreach and support services tend to have more stable or increasing enrollment numbers.
Moreover, the presence of international students is often linked to the financial health of universities, as they typically pay higher tuition fees. This financial aspect is particularly crucial for smaller institutions that rely on these funds for operational sustainability.
As universities navigate the challenges posed by a dynamic global environment, it will be essential to develop strategies that attract and retain international students. This includes enhancing support systems, fostering community engagement, and addressing concerns regarding safety and inclusivity.
In conclusion, while specific enrollment data for Helena College might be missing, the importance of international students remains evident. Their contributions extend beyond mere numbers, enriching the academic community and fostering a global perspective that is vital in today's interconnected world.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$20,503
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $11,278
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $4,106
- Room and board
- $9,225
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 34% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 40%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$11.7M
Expenses$13.1M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
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 · 237.1 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Washington State UniversityPullman · 244.0 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane · 263.6 mi
U.S. News #90
-
Boise State UniversityBoise · 290.5 mi
U.S. News #299
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Helena College University of Montana:
-
University of Idaho - Ranked 185 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Washington State University - With a ranking of 178, this comprehensive university is known for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
Gonzaga University - A highly regarded comprehensive university, Gonzaga ranks 93rd in the nation and is recognized for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education.
-
Whitman College - A top liberal arts college ranked 46th, Whitman focuses on providing a rigorous academic environment with a strong sense of community.
-
University of Utah - Ranked 115, this comprehensive university is known for its vibrant campus life and comprehensive academic programs.
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - A leading comprehensive university, ranked 40th, known for its cutting-edge research and innovation.
These institutions represent a range of academic offerings and are distinguished by their commitment to education and research.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Helena College University of Montana
The crime statistics at Helena College University of Montana over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in the reported incidents. Notably, the years 2015 to 2019 saw a gradual increase in crime rates per 1,000 students, peaking at 6.58 incidents in 2019. This escalation raises concerns regarding campus safety and the effectiveness of crime prevention measures during that period.
Interestingly, the year 2014 exhibited a rare zero crime rate, which could indicate either effective safety protocols or underreporting. In contrast, 2020 and 2021 experienced a decline in crime rates, suggesting an improvement in campus safety, potentially influenced by the pandemic and related restrictions that limited student gatherings and activities.
The predominant type of crime reported appears to be related to armed arrests, which might reflect broader societal issues, including gun violence and its impact on educational environments. The trends observed could be linked to national discussions surrounding gun control and campus safety.
Overall, while the recent years show a slight stabilization of crime rates, the historical data indicates a need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety. Continuous evaluation of crime prevention strategies and fostering a secure campus environment will be crucial as students return to more normal campus life. For further insights on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
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.