Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.3%
- Retention Rate
- 69.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,505
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $196/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,461 | $15,421 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,860 | $20,981 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Bachelor | $55,286 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $51,607 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $20,500 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,134 | $20,950 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
Outcomes Overview
Montana State University-Northern graduates earn a median of $49,505 ten years after graduation, which creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio since typical graduates leave with $18,500 in loans. Monthly payments of $196 eat up about 5% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The school's strong ties to Montana's agricultural and energy sectors help explain the solid 98.4% employment rate. Many graduates stay in-state to work in farming, ranching, mining, or small business management. With low tuition costs and decent earning potential in rural Montana's economy, Northern delivers a strong return on investment for students who want to build careers in small-town America.