Highlands College of Montana Tech named Opportunity College and University by Carnegie Classifications
Highlands College of Montana Tech was named an Opportunity College and University by The American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching through updates to its Carnegie Classifications.
“At Montana Tech, our vision is to be a leader in opportunity and innovation,” Chancellor Les Cook said. “Highlands College is a vital part of this mission, providing pathways to success through certificates and associate degrees in both science and applied science. Its impact extends beyond access, delivering significant economic benefits to a diverse range of students. Being recognized as an Opportunity College affirms and celebrates Highlands College’s essential role in fulfilling our commitment to opportunity and excellence.”
The Carnegie Classification has served as the gold standard for organizing the landscape of U.S. higher education since it was first released in 1973. In 2025, the system was redesigned to include a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification meant to measure multiple facets of higher education in the 21st century, including the extent to which colleges and universities provide students access and a path to competitive wages. The new Carnegie Classifications identify 479 campuses as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, including Highlands College of Montana Tech.
“The majority of students apply to college with the hope it is a path to opportunity, and the job they’ve dreamt about,” President of the Carnegie Foundation said Timothy F.C. Knowles said. “This work is about ensuring that institutions are recognized when they empower students to reach their goals and succeed.”
“Hundreds of institutions nationwide are providing students an excellent opportunity to use higher education as a springboard to a better life,” President of ACE Ted Mitchell said. “The Student Access and Earnings Classification highlights the depth and breadth of schools where student success is front and center.”
Highlands College is home to career programs, certificates, associate degrees, and transfer pathways that help fill critical workforce needs in Montana. Students are able to choose from programs in associate of science, automotive technology, civil engineering technology, construction technology -carpentry, computer networks and cybersecurity, pre-apprentice line, precision machining technology, radiologic technology, web development and administration, and welding technology.
“Highlands College’s recognition as an Opportunity College supports our commitment to expanding access and delivering economic outcomes by providing students with the skills, credentials, and support needed to enter high-demand careers,” Highlands College Dean Karen VanDaveer said.
Students can also enroll in workforce development programs including an eight-week Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training course and Certified Nursing Assistant Training. Highlands College also partners with Operation Next/LIFT and the nonprofit NFAMI to offer a free four-month rapid training program in welding and CNC machining n a hybrid format for veterans, active members of the National Guard, military reservists, service people preparing to leave the military, and spouses and family members.
"Highlands College being named a Carnegie Opportunity College is a powerful affirmation of our vision—to be the institution of opportunity and innovation,” Director of Admissions Angela Hoffman Cooper said. “The hands-on, career-driven programs in trades and technology at Highlands equip students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in today's workforce. Delivering economic opportunity and outcomes, Highlands graduates meet crucial workforce needs across Montana and beyond and often earn competitive wages that elevate their lives and strengthen our communities."
Highlands College accepts applications on a rolling basis. To learn more and apply visit https://www.mtech.edu/highlands/.