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Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana

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 2023 rankings named Great Falls College Montana State University the most popular school in Montana for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Great Falls, Montana, the small public school handed out 205 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend Great Falls College Montana State University full time pay an average of $3,532 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,338. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Great Falls College Montana State University. During the 2020-2021 year, about 65% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Great Falls College Montana State University Report

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Montana State University - Billings. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. Located in Billings, Montana, the small public school awarded 202 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $6,198 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Montana State University - Billings. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Montana State University - Billings. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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#3

The University of Montana

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

Out of the 18 schools in Montana that were part of this year’s ranking, The University of Montana landed the # 3 spot on the 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. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,416 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UM does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 41% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Flathead Valley Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Flathead Valley Community College is a small public school located in Kalispell, Montana that handed out 239 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $6,798 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Flathead Valley Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,720. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,104 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Flathead Valley Community College. In fact, around 26% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Flathead Valley Community College Report

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. Montana State University - Northern is a small public school located in Havre, Montana that handed out 104 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $5,955 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Montana State University - Northern. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 36% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Montana State University - Northern does offer online classes in some areas. 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.

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

Helena College University of Montana came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. Located in Helena, Montana, the small public school awarded 138 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend Helena College full time pay an average of $3,590 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students 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. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Helena College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 41% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#7

Montana State University

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

Montana State University 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 #7 on the list. MSU Bozeman is a fairly large public school situated in Bozeman, Montana. It awarded 115 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $7,727 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MSU Bozeman. Those students who come from outside the state 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. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at MSU Bozeman. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 19% took at least some of their classes online.

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

Highlands College of Montana Tech 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 #8 on the list. Highlands College of Montana Tech is a very small public school located in Butte, Montana that handed out 53 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $3,667 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Highlands College of Montana Tech. 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.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Highlands College of Montana Tech. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 29% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Highlands College of Montana Tech Report

#9

Salish Kootenai College

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

Salish Kootenai College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. This very small public school is located in Pablo, Montana, and it awarded 68 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,399 in tuition and fees if they attend SKC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,583. Associate Degree recipients from SKC accumulate an average of $11,586 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

SKC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#10

Blackfeet Community College

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

Blackfeet Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. BCC is located in Browning, Montana and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 54 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at BCC is $3,610. 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, 76% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at BCC. In 2020-2021 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#11

Dawson Community College

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

Dawson Community College 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 #11 on the list. Dawson Community College is a very small public school located in Glendive, Montana that handed out 105 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

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. Associate Degree recipients from DCC accumulate an average of $9,586 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at DCC. 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

Fort Peck Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. Located in Poplar, Montana, the very small public school awarded 54 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Fort Peck Community College, expect to pay an average of $2,250 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.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Fort Peck Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#13

Stone Child College

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

Stone Child College 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 #13 on the list. SCC is a very small public school situated in Box Elder, Montana. It awarded 16 associate degrees 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. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Full Stone Child College Report

#14

Miles Community College

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

Miles Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Miles City, Montana is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 81 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend Miles Community College full time pay an average of $6,240 in tuition and fees. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Miles Community College. In 2020-2021 about 75% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Miles Community College

#15

Little Big Horn College

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

Little Big Horn College 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 #15 on the list. Little Big Horn College is located in Crow Agency, Montana and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 33 associate degrees to qualified students.

Little Big Horn College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $3,200. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Little Big Horn College

#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. Located in Harlem, Montana, the very small public school awarded 31 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Aaniiih Nakoda College is $2,410. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Aaniiih Nakoda College

#17

University of Providence

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

University of Providence came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. Located in Great Falls, Montana, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 1 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at University of Providence is $27,606. 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, 100% were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out University of Providence. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

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#18

Chief Dull Knife College

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

Chief Dull Knife College 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 #18 on the list. Chief Dull Knife College is a very small public school located in Lame Deer, Montana that handed out 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. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Chief Dull Knife College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 4% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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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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