Miles Community College: A History of Growth and Community Impact
Miles Community College (MCC) has a rich history deeply intertwined with the development of Miles City, Montana, and the surrounding region. From its humble beginnings in the local high school to its current status as a vital educational and economic hub, MCC has consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of its students and community. The college has been designated as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications, recognizing MCC as an institution that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success.
Early Years and Establishment
Miles Community College was founded in 1939 and for almost 20 years, the College, then titled Custer County Junior College, operated out of a few rooms in the local public high school. This modest start reflected the community's commitment to providing access to higher education despite limited resources.
Transition to a Dedicated Campus
In June 1967, the College moved into a new building that was constructed after passage of a bond issued by county voters. This marked a significant step in the college's development, providing a dedicated space for learning and growth. On April 4, 1970, voters of the district elected the first independent board of trustees for the College. This transition to local control further solidified the college's connection to the community it served.
Expansion and Program Development
The 1970s and 1980s saw significant expansion of the college's facilities and academic offerings. During academic year 1971-72, a new student center was constructed. A grant of $1.5 million from the Montana Coal Board in 1977 enabled the College to construct a new vocational building and a library learning resource center classroom addition. Construction of a physical education complex was completed in November 1980.
Several key academic programs were also established during this period, including Electronics Technology (AAS) and Nursing (ADRN). These programs reflected the evolving needs of the local workforce and provided students with valuable skills for career advancement.
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Continued Growth and Modernization
The college continued to expand and modernize its facilities throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Significant milestones include:
- Completion of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation.
- Completion of the (asphalt) Track and Field Complex.
- Purchase of campus expansion land by the MCC Endowment.
- Completion of Classrooms and Vocational Education buildings.
- Completion of the Recreation building (CENTRA).
- Opening of "Dormitories" (48 residents).
- Establishment of the MCC Education Center at Colstrip, MT.
- Establishment of the Power Plant Technology Program (AAS).
- Installation of the "Learning Telecommunications Network".
- Completion of Library Automation in 1990.
- Opening of "Dormitories" (48 residents).
Economic Impact and Community Value
Miles Community College plays a vital role in the economic well-being of southeastern Montana. A newly released economic impact survey, Demonstrating the Value of Miles Community College, documents the vital role Miles Community College (MCC) plays in the economic future of the students and the MCC service area, which includes 22 counties in southeastern Montana. The report concludes that Montana taxpayers see a 2.2 benefit-cost ratio, i.e., every $1 in costs returns $2.20 in benefits. The average annual return on investment for taxpayers is 5.4%. The overall effect of MCC on the service area’s economy during the analysis year amounted to $21.8 million. The study finds meaningful economic impacts for students at Miles Community College. For every dollar a student invests in their education, they receive a cumulative $5.50 over their working careers. That equates to an average annual return for students of 22.2%. Compared to someone with a high school diploma, associate’s degree graduates earn $11,100 more per year, on average, over the course of a working lifetime. (EMSI) applied a comprehensive model designed to quantify the economic benefits of community and technical colleges and translate these into common sense benefit/cost and investment terms. “MCC creates a significant positive impact on the local business community and generates a return on investment to its major stakeholder groups - students, society, and taxpayers,” indicated EMSI.
Athletics and School Identity
Miles Community College is known as the Pioneers and the school colors are blue and white. The college's athletic program offers students opportunities to compete in a variety of sports.
Recent Achievements
This news comes as Miles Community College wraps up a successful year marked by record enrollment and state and national recognition for its signature initiatives. MCC experienced its highest annual enrollment in 20 years, posting total full-time equivalent (FTE) numbers not seen since 2005. In terms of Montana resident FTE enrollment, MCC saw its highest enrollment since 2006. The methodology for the new Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings of the 2025 Institutional Classification to evaluate student access and earnings between similar colleges and universities.
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