Rural and Urban Access
- 17 colleges across Montana offer two-year education. [map]
More than a campus
- Montana's community colleges and colleges of technology offer "distance learning" and off-site training.
- On-line and hybrid classes,compressed coursework, and evening and weekend class times increase access.
Jumpstart Your Earning Power!
- Two-year colleges offer lower tuition costs: at least 25% less than four-year colleges.
- Students can qualify for at least eleven out of the nation's 15 fastest-growing occupations in a two-year program, such as nursing or computer technology.
- Open enrollment for all interested students is simple and fast.
- Students of two-year colleges in Montana can move directly into high-paying, skilled positions.
Increased Chance of a 4-Year Degree
- Instructors at community colleges spend more time in the classroom than those at any other type of education institution, and fewer classes are taught by teaching assistants.
- Faculty are more likely to contribute real-world experience to a student's understanding of their field.
- Smaller class size means a more personalized learning environment that enhances the students' learning success
On the Job
- Two-year colleges are committed to helping regional businesses by providing skilled employees—and students have the security of good job opportunities after training.
- Get quality training in highly-sought skills such as IT computer technology, health care (including radiology and surgical tech), electrical and plumbing tech and drafting.
- Rapid Response Initiative — When times are tough, we’re the first to roll up our sleeves and respond by providing short-term and high-access training.
Now More Than Ever
- The Montana Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 80% of all jobs in Montana can be filled with a two-year Associate's degree or less.
- Studies estimate a shortage of approximately 21 million workers over the next 15 years. Jobs that require two-year degrees are already in high demand and offer great starting salaries.
- Worldwide, the driving force for higher education has shifted to skilled knowledge and its use. This trend strengthens the real-world value of two-year programs.
Lifelong Learning
- The average age for a student at Montana's two-year colleges is 27.
