At $14,164/yr net price, Montana State University-Northern graduates earn $49,505/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,505/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,164 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,505/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,505/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,283/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,704/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,599/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,049/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,363/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. | 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 |
The Risk Factor
42.3% of students at Montana State University-Northern graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Montana State University-Northern offers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $49,505 and a concerning 42% graduation rate, you face significant odds of either not finishing your degree or earning below-average wages after graduation.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $66,461 and relatively manageable debt of $15,421. Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies also deliver solid returns at $55,286, though data on debt levels for this program is limited. However, business administration graduates earn just $39,369 while carrying $20,500 in debt, making this popular major a poor financial choice at this institution.
The 69% retention rate signals that many students struggle to adjust or succeed here, adding to your completion risk. Low graduation rates often correlate with weak career services and limited employer connections, which appears to be the case given the modest earnings across most programs.
The $14,164 annual net price is reasonable for a public institution, but only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Your best strategy would be to minimize borrowing and focus exclusively on high-return programs like nursing.
You should consider Northern only if you plan to study nursing or skilled trades and can commit to completing your degree despite the institutional challenges. If you're interested in business or liberal arts, you'll find better ROI at other Montana universities or community colleges that offer stronger job placement support in the region's limited economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana State University-Northern worth the cost?
Montana State University-Northern offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $14,164 annually and manageable debt loads averaging $18,500. However, the 42% graduation rate raises concerns about completion risk, which significantly impacts ROI.
What programs at Montana State University-Northern have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Montana State University-Northern provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $66,000-$58,000 annually. Vehicle maintenance and repair technology also pays well at $55,286, while business programs lag behind at $39,369.
How much debt do Montana State University-Northern graduates typically have?
Montana State University-Northern graduates carry a median debt of $18,500, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. The low debt load helps offset concerns about the school's below-average graduation rate.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Montana State University-Northern?
Montana State University-Northern graduates earn a median of $49,505 ten years after graduation, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing and technical fields offering better prospects than general business degrees.