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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 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. This small public school is located in Great Falls, Montana, and it awarded 205 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $3,532 in tuition and fees if they attend Great Falls College Montana State University full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,338. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Great Falls College Montana State University 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online 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. Billings, Montana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 202 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend Montana State University - Billings full time pay an average of $6,198 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,924. Associate Degree recipients from Montana State University - Billings accumulate an average of $18,205 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able 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

You’ll be in good company if you attend The University of Montana. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. The University of Montana is a medium-sized public school located in Missoula, Montana that handed out 296 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend UM full time pay an average of $7,719 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.

UM does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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. Located in Kalispell, Montana, the small public school awarded 239 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,798 in tuition and fees if they attend Flathead Valley Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to 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. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Flathead Valley Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 26% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Montana State University - Northern. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. Havre, Montana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 104 students 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. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Montana State University - Northern. During the 2020-2021 year, about 61% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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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. Helena College is located in Helena, Montana and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 138 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $3,590 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Helena College. 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.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Helena College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 41% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#7

Montana State University

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

With a ranking of #7, Montana State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. 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.

Students from Montana who attend MSU Bozeman full time pay an average of $7,727 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $29,604. On average, associate degree students take out $16,147 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

MSU Bozeman 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 19% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Montana State University Report

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.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Highlands College of Montana Tech is $3,667. If you are from out of state, expect to 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. 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.

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#9

Salish Kootenai College

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

Salish Kootenai 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 #9 on the list. Located in Pablo, Montana, the very small public school awarded 68 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $6,399 in tuition and fees if they attend SKC full time. Those students who come from outside the state 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. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

One thing to take note of is that SKC does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Salish Kootenai College Report

#10

Blackfeet Community College

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

Blackfeet 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 #10 on the list. Blackfeet Community College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Browning, Montana that handed out 54 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $3,610 to cover tuition and fees at BCC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at BCC. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Blackfeet Community College Report

#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. Glendive, Montana is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 105 students in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend DCC full time pay an average of $6,075 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,775. On average, associate degree students take out $9,586 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 50% 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 59% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Dawson Community College

#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. Fort Peck Community College is a very small public school situated in Poplar, Montana. It awarded 54 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Fort Peck Community College is $2,250. 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.

Online courses are available at Fort Peck Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 79% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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#13

Stone Child College

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

Stone Child College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. SCC is located in Box Elder, Montana and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 16 associate degrees to qualified students.

SCC does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $2,645. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Read full report on Stone Child College

#14

Miles Community College

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

Miles Community College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. Miles Community College is a very small public school located in Miles City, Montana that handed out 81 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Montana who attend Miles Community College full time pay an average of $6,240 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,110. Associate Degree recipients from Miles Community College accumulate an average of $17,203 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Miles Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. 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 landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Little Big Horn College is a very small public school located in Crow Agency, Montana that handed out 33 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $3,200 to cover tuition and fees at Little Big Horn College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Around 85% of those degree recipients 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 located in Harlem, Montana and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 31 associate degrees to qualified students.

Aaniiih Nakoda College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $2,410. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full Aaniiih Nakoda College Report

#17

University of Providence

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

University of Providence ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana list. University of Providence is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Great Falls, Montana that handed out 1 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend University of Providence, expect to pay an average of $27,606 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

University of Providence is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full University of Providence Report

#18

Chief Dull Knife College

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

Chief Dull Knife College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in Montana ranking. 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.

If you want to attend Chief Dull Knife College, expect to pay an average of $2,260 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Chief Dull Knife College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 4% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Chief Dull Knife College Report

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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