Academic Programs & Learning
How does Highlands College of Montana Tech in Butte, MT support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.
What About Academic Quality at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
55%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
43%
Part-time students continuing
How Highlands College of Montana Tech Compares
55% of full-time students return for a second year at Highlands College of Montana Tech, in line with how most trade colleges perform. Part-time retention of 43% provides additional context for working students. Use these numbers as a baseline rather than a differentiator.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 14:1 means there are approximately 14 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 29% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
How Successful Are Students at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Student Retention Rates
Retention Rate Comparison
New full-time students returning for second year
New part-time students returning for second year
Cohort Information
Student Success Analysis
Full-Time Success:55% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
Highlands College of Montana Tech retains 55% of its students annually. Understanding retention helps gauge whether students are finding the academic support they need.
Where Do Online Students at Highlands College of Montana Tech Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
99% of Highlands College of Montana Tech's exclusively online students are located in MT. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:61.6% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
Understanding FTE at Highlands College of Montana Tech helps put enrollment numbers in context — it reflects the combined impact of full-time and part-time student activity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
With an FTE-to-headcount ratio of 0.62, Highlands College of Montana Tech's enrollment intensity reveals how committed students are to full-time study.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Highlands College of Montana Tech directly at 4064963711 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 supports personalized learning
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from MT (99% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Highlands College of Montana Tech?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.