Montana State University Billings vs Helena College University of Montana: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Montana State University Billings comes closer — median earnings $44,296 against a $66,096 total, vs $40,738 at Helena College University of Montana. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Montana State University Billings | Helena College University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,524 | $11,593 |
| Total net cost | $66,096 | $23,186 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,296 | $40,738 |
| Median debt | $18,209 | $14,580 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$147,376 | -$175,626 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Montana State University Billings or Helena College University of Montana?
Helena College University of Montana, at $11,593 a year after aid versus $16,524 — a gap of $4,931 a year, or $42,910 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Montana State University Billings or Helena College University of Montana graduates earn more?
Montana State University Billings graduates report a median $44,296 ten years after entry, $3,558 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, Montana State University Billings or Helena College University of Montana?
Helena College University of Montana: its completers carry a median $14,580 in federal loans versus $18,209 at Montana State University Billings, a difference of $3,629. 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 30% at Montana State University Billings. 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.