College Costs in Helena, MT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Helena, Montana. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,523
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,524
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,427
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Helena Overview
Population
32,091
Student Population
2,536 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
126 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
30/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Helena
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,396
Total After Financial Aid
$105,396
Annual Cost
$26,349
Annual After Aid
$26,349
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,396 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,197 |
| Total Interest | $38,214 |
| Total Loan Cost | $143,610 |
Universities in Helena
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carroll College | Private | $38,524 |
| Helena College University of Montana | Community | $3,960 |
Helena has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Helena vs. National Average
| Category | Helena | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,523 | $10,940 | -$1,417 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,427 | $1,050 | +$377 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 100 | +26 |
Helena's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Helena
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,536 students
Helena has a total population of 32,091, with approximately 2,536 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Helena offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Helena
$48,707
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Helena earn a median starting salary of $48,707, which is $13,707 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,396 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,413 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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