Trade Schools in Montana

Montana has 20 schools with trade and career programs in this directory: 14 public and 6 private. Together they graduated 1,018 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $1,800 to $18,200, with a median of $10,800 across the 16 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $43,629 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at Montana Academy of Salons, Highlands College of Montana Tech and Helena College University of Montana.

20
Schools
1,018
Graduates last year
$10,800
Median program tuition
$43,629
Median earnings, 1 yr after

Trade Schools by city in Montana

All 20 schools in Montana

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

Montana Academy of Salons

Great Falls, MT

Programs
Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetician and Massage Therapy and 1 more
Average net price
$10,878
Completion rate
61%
Type
Private for-profit

Highlands College of Montana Tech

Butte, MT

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Carpentry, CDL Truck Driving and CNA and 3 more
Average net price
$15,888
Completion rate
45%
Type
Public

Helena College University of Montana

Helena, MT

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance, Diesel Mechanic and LPN and 2 more
Average net price
$13,085
Completion rate
42%
Type
Public

Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Carpentry, Diesel Mechanic and EMT and Paramedic and 3 more
Average net price
$15,630
Completion rate
31%
Type
Public

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT

Programs
Electrician, EMT and Paramedic, Heavy Equipment and HVAC and 6 more
Average net price
$9,911
Completion rate
38%
Type
Public

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Programs
Carpentry, HVAC, Machinist and CNC and Medical Assistant and 3 more
Average net price
$23,106
Completion rate
59%
Type
Public

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT

Programs
Carpentry, Diesel Mechanic, EMT and Paramedic and Heavy Equipment and 7 more
Average net price
$21,302
Completion rate
49%
Type
Public

University of Providence

Great Falls, MT

Programs
Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician
Average net price
$21,492
Completion rate
28%
Type
Private nonprofit

Aveda Institute Montana

Billings, MT

Programs
Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetician and Nail Technician
Average net price
$21,319
Completion rate
85%
Type
Private for-profit

Miles Community College

Miles City, MT

Programs
Auto Mechanic, CDL Truck Driving, Heavy Equipment and Pharmacy Technician and 1 more
Average net price
$10,635
Completion rate
50%
Type
Public

Salish Kootenai College

Pablo, MT

Programs
Dental Assistant, Heavy Equipment and Medical Assistant
Average net price
$2,049
Completion rate
50%
Type
Public

Fort Peck Community College

Poplar, MT

Programs
Auto Mechanic, CDL Truck Driving and Welding
Average net price
$1,049
Completion rate
15%
Type
Public

Little Big Horn College

Crow Agency, MT

Programs
CDL Truck Driving
Average net price
$6,556
Completion rate
10%
Type
Public

Common questions

How much does trade school training cost in Montana?

The median published tuition is $10,800 (range $1,800 to $18,200, 16 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at Aveda Institute Montana ($1,800), Crevier's Academy of Cosmetology Arts ($3,500) and Montana Academy of Salons ($5,200). Public community and technical colleges often charge less but report tuition per year rather than per program, so check each school's net price calculator.

How long does trade school school take?

Programs that report a length take a median of 6 months to finish (2 to 13 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do trade school graduates earn?

Across 27 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $43,629 one year after finishing (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard). Earnings vary by program and local labor market.

Are there public trade school programs in Montana?

Yes. 14 public schools offer it, including Highlands College of Montana Tech, Helena College University of Montana, Great Falls College Montana State University, Montana State University Billings and Flathead Valley Community College.

Data: U.S. Department of Education: IPEDS 2024-25 and College Scorecard (October 2026 release). Listings change; confirm details with the school before you go. How this directory is built.