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Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana

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2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana

18 Schools Ranked
$5,993 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$16,681 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country.

The Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 18 schools in Montana to see which ones were the most popular associate degree programs for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

205 Total Awards
$3,532 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Great Falls College Montana State University to be the most popular school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in Montana. Great Falls College Montana State University is a public institution located in Great Falls, Montana. The school has a small population, and it awarded 205 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $3,532 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Great Falls College Montana State University. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,338. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Great Falls College Montana State University does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Great Falls College Montana State University

202 Total Awards
$6,198 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,205 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Montana State University - Billings helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Montana. This small public school is located in Billings, Montana, and it awarded 202 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Montana State University - Billings is $6,198. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,924. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,205 in student loans. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Montana State University - Billings. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Montana State University - Billings Report

#3

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana
296 Total Awards
$7,719 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,416 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The University of Montana. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. Located in Missoula, Montana, the medium-sized public school handed out 296 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend UM full time pay an average of $7,719 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $29,634. Associate Degree recipients from UM accumulate an average of $19,416 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UM. During the 2020-2021 year, about 41% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full The University of Montana Report

#4

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, Montana
239 Total Awards
$6,798 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,104 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Flathead Valley Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. Located in Kalispell, Montana, the small public school awarded 239 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Flathead Valley Community College is $6,798. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,720. Associate Degree recipients from Flathead Valley Community College accumulate an average of $15,104 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Flathead Valley Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 26% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Flathead Valley Community College

104 Total Awards
$5,955 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,483 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Montana State University - Northern. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. This small public school is located in Havre, Montana, and it awarded 104 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend Montana State University - Northern full time pay an average of $5,955 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $18,665. On average, associate degree students take out $21,483 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 36% of those degree recipients were women.

Montana State University - Northern does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Montana State University - Northern Report

138 Total Awards
$3,590 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,556 Avg Student Debt

Helena College University of Montana did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #6 on the list. This small public school is located in Helena, Montana, and it awarded 138 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,590 in tuition and fees if they attend Helena College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,863. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,556 in student loans. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Helena College. In fact, around 41% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Helena College University of Montana

#7

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
115 Total Awards
$7,727 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,147 Avg Student Debt

Montana State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. MSU Bozeman is located in Bozeman, Montana and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 115 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MSU Bozeman is $7,727. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $29,604. Associate Degree recipients from MSU Bozeman accumulate an average of $16,147 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that MSU Bozeman does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 19% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Montana State University

53 Total Awards
$3,667 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,254 Avg Student Debt

Highlands College of Montana Tech ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. Highlands College of Montana Tech is located in Butte, Montana and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 53 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Highlands College of Montana Tech is $3,667. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,642. Associate Degree recipients from Highlands College of Montana Tech accumulate an average of $13,254 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 34% of those degree recipients were women.

Highlands College of Montana Tech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 29% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Highlands College of Montana Tech

#9

Salish Kootenai College

Pablo, Montana
68 Total Awards
$6,399 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,586 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Salish Kootenai College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Pablo, Montana is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 68 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend SKC full time pay an average of $6,399 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,583. On average, associate degree students take out $11,586 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SKC. In 2020-2021 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#10

Blackfeet Community College

Browning, Montana
54 Total Awards
$3,610 Average Tuition & Fees

Blackfeet Community College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. BCC is a private not-for-profit institution located in Browning, Montana. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 54 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend BCC, expect to pay an average of $3,610 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since BCC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Dawson Community College

Glendive, Montana
105 Total Awards
$6,075 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,586 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Dawson Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. DCC is located in Glendive, Montana and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 105 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $6,075 in tuition and fees if they attend DCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,775. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,586 in student loans. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since DCC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 59% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Dawson Community College Report

#11

Fort Peck Community College

Poplar, Montana
54 Total Awards
$2,250 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, Fort Peck Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Poplar, Montana, the very small public school handed out 54 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $2,250 to cover tuition and fees at Fort Peck Community College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Fort Peck Community College. In fact, around 79% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#13

Stone Child College

Box Elder, Montana
16 Total Awards
$2,645 Average Tuition & Fees

Stone Child College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. Located in Box Elder, Montana, the very small public school handed out 16 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at SCC is $2,645. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#14

Miles Community College

Miles City, Montana
81 Total Awards
$6,240 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,203 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Miles Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Miles Community College is located in Miles City, Montana and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 81 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $6,240 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Miles Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,110. On average, associate degree students take out $17,203 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Miles Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

Little Big Horn College

Crow Agency, Montana
33 Total Awards
$3,200 Average Tuition & Fees

Little Big Horn College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. Little Big Horn College is a public institution located in Crow Agency, Montana. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 33 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Little Big Horn College, expect to pay an average of $3,200 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Full Little Big Horn College Report

#15

Aaniiih Nakoda College

Harlem, Montana
31 Total Awards
$2,410 Average Tuition & Fees

Aaniiih Nakoda College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. Aaniiih Nakoda College is a public institution located in Harlem, Montana. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 31 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Aaniiih Nakoda College, expect to pay an average of $2,410 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Read full report on Aaniiih Nakoda College

#17

University of Providence

Great Falls, Montana
1 Total Awards
$27,606 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, University of Providence did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. University of Providence is a private not-for-profit institution located in Great Falls, Montana. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 1 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $27,606 to cover tuition and fees at University of Providence. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Since University of Providence is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#18

Chief Dull Knife College

Lame Deer, Montana
9 Total Awards
$2,260 Average Tuition & Fees

Chief Dull Knife College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Chief Dull Knife College is a public institution located in Lame Deer, Montana. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 9 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Chief Dull Knife College is $2,260. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Chief Dull Knife College. In 2020-2021 about 4% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Chief Dull Knife College

Most Popular Trade School Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 18 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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