At $15,044/yr net price, Montana State University Billings graduates earn $44,296/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,296/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,044 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,296/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,296/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,209 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,147/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,297/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,803/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,067/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,473/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,402 | $19,937 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $43,993 | $18,143 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,909 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $17,503 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $16,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $16,877 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $37,208 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $20,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,890 |
The Risk Factor
28.2% of students at Montana State University Billings graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Montana State University Billings offers weak financial returns with serious completion risks that undermine its low sticker price advantage. The 28% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
Nursing stands out as the only program delivering strong returns at $58,402 in median earnings, justifying its slightly higher debt load. Liberal arts graduates earn $43,993, which provides decent value given the school's low net price. Business and communications programs generate weaker returns in the $38,000-39,000 range, barely exceeding the overall median despite Billings being Montana's largest city with more job opportunities than rural areas typically offer.
The 56% retention rate signals students struggle academically or financially during their first year. If you transfer or drop out, you face the worst possible outcome: debt without a degree. Only 26% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for struggling families.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing, committed to completing your degree despite low institutional support, and want to minimize education costs. Montana residents benefit most from the in-state pricing structure. You should look elsewhere if you need substantial academic support, want exposure to diverse career networks, or plan to study anything other than nursing or liberal arts. The combination of low graduation rates and limited high-paying programs creates significant financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana State University Billings worth the cost?
Montana State University Billings offers decent value with a net price of $15,044 annually and graduates earning $44,296 after 10 years. However, the 28% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What programs at Montana State University Billings have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Montana State University Billings provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $58,402 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs pay considerably less at $43,993, making career-focused programs the better financial choice.
How much debt do Montana State University Billings graduates have?
Montana State University Billings graduates carry a median debt of $18,209, which is manageable compared to national averages. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Montana State University Billings provide good financial aid?
Montana State University Billings keeps costs relatively affordable with a net price of $15,044 after aid. This makes it accessible for many students, but the poor graduation rate suggests academic support may be lacking despite the financial assistance.