Highlands College of Montana Tech vs. Helena College University of Montana

Comparable Facts

Compare Highlands College of Montana Tech in Butte, MT with Helena College University of Montana in Helena, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Helena College University of Montana is larger than Highlands College of Montana Tech based on total student enrollment (1,554 students vs. 727 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Highlands College of Montana Tech is located in Butte, MT (Rural Fringe setting); Helena College University of Montana is in Helena, MT (Remote Town setting).
• Highlands College of Montana Tech is a public, non-profit 2-year institution. Helena College University of Montana is a public, non-profit 2-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Highlands College of Montana Tech 14:1; Helena College University of Montana 15:1.

Highlands College of Montana Tech vs. Helena College University of Montana Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Highlands College of Montana Tech or Helena College University of Montana? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Helena College University of Montana than Highlands College of Montana Tech ($10,650 vs. $13,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Helena College University of Montana are 23.9% lower than at Highlands College of Montana Tech ($9,225 vs. $12,120).
• Helena College University of Montana is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Highlands College of Montana Tech (about $16 more per year; $4,146.00 vs. $4,130.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at Helena College University of Montana than at Highlands College of Montana Tech (about $368 more per year; $11,318.00 vs. $10,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Helena College University of Montana than at Highlands College of Montana Tech (60% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Helena College University of Montana students is 28.6% larger than aid received by Highlands College of Montana Tech students ($5,862 vs. $4,560).

Highlands College of Montana Tech vs. Helena College University of Montana Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Highlands College of Montana Tech or Helena College University of Montana? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Helena College University of Montana and Highlands College of Montana Tech.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Highlands College of Montana Tech - Open admission; Helena College University of Montana - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Helena College University of Montana Aug 10, 2027.

Highlands College of Montana Tech vs. Helena College University of Montana Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Highlands College of Montana Tech and Helena College University of Montana? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Highlands College of Montana Tech earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Helena College University of Montana graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Helena College University of Montana graduates have a $3,262 lower median loan debt than Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates ($16,738 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Helena College University of Montana graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates ($173 vs. $206).
• More Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Helena College University of Montana students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.