Great Falls College Montana State University vs Helena College University of Montana: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Helena College University of Montana comes closer — median earnings $40,738 against a $23,186 total, vs $38,034 at Great Falls College Montana State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Great Falls College Montana State University | Helena College University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,468 | $11,593 |
| Total net cost | $24,936 | $23,186 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $38,034 | $40,738 |
| Median debt | — | $14,580 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$231,456 | -$175,626 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Great Falls College Montana State University or Helena College University of Montana?
Helena College University of Montana, at $11,593 a year after aid versus $12,468 — a gap of $875 a year, or $1,750 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Great Falls College Montana State University or Helena College University of Montana graduates earn more?
Helena College University of Montana graduates report a median $40,738 ten years after entry, $2,704 more than the $38,034 at Great Falls College Montana State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which graduates more of its students?
34% of students finish at Great Falls College Montana State University, against 33% at Helena College University of Montana. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.