
The Helena College University of Montana located in Helena, Montana, was established in 1939 as the Helena College of Technology. The school provides educational opportunities to the residents of Helena and surrounding areas. The school is a two year institution serving community needs.
HCU maintains a high level of academic quality through constant refinement and self-evaluation. The school also participates in community development, providing services and updating programs as fit the community's needs.
Academics
The Helena College University of Montana provides a variety of technical and vocational programs that prepare students for a career in their chosen field. Students of these programs will earn a certificate or associate degree and will be qualified for entry level positions upon graduation. Additionally, the school provides academic programs that provide associate degrees in a given field and prepare students for transfer to a four year institution.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrolling at the Helena College University of Montana will find that the school utilizes an open enrollment policy, requiring only a high school diploma or GED. Students must complete and submit the admissions application along with any associated fees, show immunization documentation, and provide copies of all pertinent transcripts.
In addition, students must take the COMPASS placement exam. Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of grants, loans, scholarships and work study. Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $10,100. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $30 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $2,400-$2,800
- Out-of-State: $7,600-$9,086
- Charges per unit:
- State Residents: $130-$160 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $350-$420 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 85% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 71% | $4,510 |
Receiving Student Loans | 48% | $5,154 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Helena College University of Montana may offer services including:
- Online classes
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Career path counseling
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Assistance to find work
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Students who attend a community college will be able to choose from a variety of programs that will lead to an associate's degree or transfer to a four year institution. The following list shows graduation and transfer-out rates for this school compared to community colleges in Montana, which can be useful for determining which community college to attend.
Helena College UM. | Lewis and Clark County | Montana | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 30.2% | - | 26.9% |
Transfer-out Rate | 12.2% | - | 14.4% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 2011)
- Find all the other nursing programs in Montana
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Helena College University of Montana by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Accounting (A)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Entrepreneurship (C)
- Administrative Assistant (A)
- Data Entry Technology (C)
- Small Business Management
Computer and Information Sciences
Education
- Teacher Education and Professional Development
Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering Technology (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (A)
- Nursing (A)
- Medical Office Assistant (C)
- Pre-Pharmacy Studies (A)
Legal Professions and Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Diesel Mechanic (A)
- Auto Mechanic (A)
- Aircraft Mechanic (A)
Physical Sciences
Precision Production
- Welding (A, C)
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) (A)
- Metal Fabricator (A)
- Machinist
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Science (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Interior Design (C)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Helena College University of Montana.
- Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls, ID (215 miles away)
- Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer, MT (274 miles away)