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 gives you a moderate cost and a weak completion record, which is the real financial risk here. The net price sits in the mid-teens, but only 28% of students finish and just 56% return after their first year. If you leave with debt and no degree, the median earnings figure never applies to you, and that outcome is more likely here than at a school where most students graduate.
The payoff is mixed even if you do finish. Every bachelor's program listed pays under $44,000 ten years out, and they cluster tightly together. Liberal Arts and Business lead, but neither breaks into strong earnings territory. Public Relations and Health Administration land in the high $30,000s with the lowest debt loads on the list, so they carry the best cost-to-earnings ratio. Teacher Education is the one to watch: it pays the least at roughly $32,000 while carrying the highest debt at $20,000. That combination pays back the slowest of any program here.
Net price barely moves across income brackets. A family under $30,000 pays around $12,000, while a family over $110,000 pays about $18,000. The aid does not scale steeply for lower incomes, so if your family earns under $48,000, you still face over $13,000 a year with a one-in-four chance of graduating on time.
This school fits you if you live in the Billings area, plan to study business or a health or communication field, and can commute to keep costs down. Look elsewhere if you want teacher training with manageable debt, or if you need confidence that you will actually finish. The retention and graduation numbers are the deciding factor, and they are not in your favor.
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.