The University of Montana vs Helena College University of Montana: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but The University of Montana comes closer — median earnings $44,511 against a $67,136 total, vs $40,738 at Helena College University of Montana. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Montana | Helena College University of Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,784 | $11,593 |
| Total net cost | $67,136 | $23,186 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,511 | $40,738 |
| Median debt | $22,400 | $14,580 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$144,116 | -$175,626 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Montana or Helena College University of Montana?
Helena College University of Montana, at $11,593 a year after aid versus $16,784 — a gap of $5,191 a year, or $43,950 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do The University of Montana or Helena College University of Montana graduates earn more?
The University of Montana graduates report a median $44,511 ten years after entry, $3,773 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, The University of Montana or Helena College University of Montana?
Helena College University of Montana: its completers carry a median $14,580 in federal loans versus $22,400 at The University of Montana, a difference of $7,820. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
48% of students finish at The University of Montana, 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.