- Helena College - University of Montana is a public community college in Helena, Montana. It was established in 1939 and was previously known as Helena College of Technology of the University of Montana, and the Helena Vocational-Technical Center.
School Highlights
Helena College University of Montana serves 1,554 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 32:1 is higher than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 44%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,554 students
- In-state tuition: $3,061
- Out-state tuition: $8,357
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
- Minority enrollment: 26%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Helena College University of Montana ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Montana for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 49 teachers has declined by 57% over five years.
Helena College University of Montana
(MT) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1939
Total Faculty
49 staff
33 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Helena College University of Montana has declined by 15% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 32:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Helena College University of Montana diversity score of 0.43 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,554 students
694 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
32:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
335 students
245 students
# Part-Time Students
1,219 students
449 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
716 students
305 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
335 students
245 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,219 students
308 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
12%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
5%
3%
% Black
1%
1%
% White
74%
56%
% Two or more races
5%
3%
% Unknown races
12%
24%
Diversity Score
0.43
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
34%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,061 is less than the state average of $4,139. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,357 is less than the state average of $8,788. The out-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,061
$4,139
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,357
$8,788
Tuition Notes
Based on 15 credits
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
72%
80%
Median Debt for Graduates
$16,000
$11,966
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,000
$6,414
Acceptance Rate
60%
90%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Helena College is a vibrant and growing center for higher learning, offering technical proficiency certificates, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science degrees, as well as study toward upper-level and graduate-level programs in cooperation with other Montana University System institutions. Helena College also offer the opportunity to obtain a bachelor degree without leaving Helena through online and onsite courses delivered through articulation agreements with other Montana universities. We are a comprehensive institution of higher education; we are meeting this charge by expanding our educational offerings and services in the technical, professional, pre-professional, general education and transfer areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Helena College University of Montana cost?
Helena College University of Montana's tuition is approximately $3,061 for In-State students and $8,357 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Helena College University of Montana?
The acceptance rate of Helena College University of Montana is 60%, which is lower than the state average of 90%. Helena College University of Montana's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in Montana with low acceptance rates.
What is Helena College University of Montana's ranking?
Helena College University of Montana ranks among the top 20% of community college in Montana for: Least expensive tuition and Lowest acceptance rates.
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