Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,579
51st percentile
60th percentile in Montana
Est. Median Debt
$16,704
Est. from national median (311 programs)

Analysis

This Montana Tech program produces solid earnings outcomes right out of the gateβ€”$54,579 puts graduates slightly above the national median for allied health associate degrees. That figure is actual reported data and ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning graduates here earn more than most peers at other Montana programs.

The debt picture looks favorable, though it comes with a caveat: with only 16% of students receiving Pell grants, typical borrowing is estimated at around $16,700 based on what's normal nationally for programs like this. That's notably lower than the $21,000 median for Montana allied health programs and translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31β€”manageable by most standards. Similar programs across the country typically see students carrying $19,000 in debt, so this estimate suggests Highlands College graduates would be in better shape than average.

The practical math works in favor of this investment. Even with estimated debt figures, the combination of strong first-year earnings and relatively modest borrowing suggests graduates can handle their loans comfortably. For parents weighing this program, the actual earnings data demonstrates real market value, though confirming typical debt levels with the financial aid office would help complete the picture before committing.

Where Highlands College of Montana Tech Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Highlands College of Montana Tech graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Montana

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Montana (6 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Highlands College of Montana TechButte$3,980$54,579β€”$16,704*β€”
Montana State University BillingsBillings$6,706$55,736β€”$19,000*0.34
Montana Technological UniversityButte$8,050$54,579β€”β€”*β€”
The University of MontanaMissoula$8,152$52,370$49,013$23,000*0.44
National Medianβ€”$54,327β€”$19,113*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Highlands College of Montana Tech, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 13 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.