Helena College University of Montana vs University of Providence: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Providence comes closer — median earnings $48,296 against a $70,596 total, vs $40,738 at Helena College University of Montana. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Helena College University of Montana | University of Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,593 | $17,649 |
| Total net cost | $23,186 | $70,596 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,738 | $48,296 |
| Median debt | $14,580 | $18,750 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$175,626 | -$71,876 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Helena College University of Montana or University of Providence?
Helena College University of Montana, at $11,593 a year after aid versus $17,649 — a gap of $6,056 a year, or $47,410 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Helena College University of Montana or University of Providence graduates earn more?
University of Providence graduates report a median $48,296 ten years after entry, $7,558 more than the $40,738 at Helena College University of Montana. 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 leaves students with less debt, Helena College University of Montana or University of Providence?
Helena College University of Montana: its completers carry a median $14,580 in federal loans versus $18,750 at University of Providence, a difference of $4,170. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
33% of students finish at Helena College University of Montana, against 28% at University of Providence. 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.