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College Costs in East Helena, MT 2026

Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in East Helena, Montana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.

Avg Public Tuition

$7,700

per year

Avg Private Tuition

$28,000

per year

Avg Rent Near Campus

$825

per month

Colleges & Universities

1

institutions

East Helena Overview

Population

2,188

Student Population

1,892 (86.5%)

Cost of Living Index

96.7 (avg: 100)

Walk Score

36/100

Transit Score

21/100

Unemployment Rate

2.5%

College Cost Calculator for East Helena

Cost Inputs

Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)

$82,164

Total After Financial Aid

$82,164

Annual Cost

$20,541

Annual After Aid

$20,541

Cost Breakdown (4 Years)

Tuition$30,800
Room & Board$51,364

If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)

Loan Amount$82,164
Monthly Payment$933
Total Interest$29,791
Total Loan Cost$111,955

Universities in East Helena

UniversityTypeAnnual Tuition
East Helena State UniversityPublic$7,014
East Helena Community CollegeCommunity$5,331

East Helena has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Cost of Living in East Helena vs. National Average

CategoryEast HelenaNational AvgDifference
Public Tuition (In-State)$7,700$10,940-$3,240
Monthly Rent Near Campus$825$1,050-$225
Cost of Living Index96.7100-3.299999999999997

East Helena's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.

Student Life in East Helena

36

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

21

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

86.5%

Student Population

1,892 students

East Helena has a total population of 2,188, with approximately 1,892 college students (86.5% of the population). As a major college town, East Helena offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.

Post-Graduation Outlook in East Helena

$33,541

Starting Salary

2.5%

Unemployment Rate

50%

Graduation Rate

~0 yrs

ROI Payback Period

Return on Investment Analysis

Graduates from colleges in East Helena earn a median starting salary of $33,541, which is -$1,459 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,164 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,307 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.

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