At $20,593/yr net price, Montana State University graduates earn $53,263/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,263/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,593 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,263/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,263/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,713/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,165/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,572/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,456/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,771/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. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $72,325 | $21,750 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,387 | $21,747 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,332 | $27,000 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $25,185 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,090 | $24,980 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,411 | $22,802 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,860 | $16,345 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $28,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,318 | $18,366 |
The Risk Factor
57.3% of students at Montana State University 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 gives you a solid but uneven return, and where you land depends almost entirely on your major. The median debt of $22,500 sits close to the median earnings ten years out, which puts you in reasonable payoff territory if you finish. The 57% graduation rate is the catch: fewer than six in ten students cross the finish line, and dropping out with debt and no degree is the worst outcome here.
Engineering and computer science carry this school financially. Computer science graduates out-earn the campus median by nearly $20,000 a year while carrying slightly less debt than the mechanical and computer engineering programs. Electrical engineering, construction engineering technology, and mechanical engineering all clear $61,000. If you come here for a technical degree and graduate, the math works clearly in your favor.
The risk is picking a non-engineering major and paying the same net price for a much weaker earnings result. The school's top programs are all engineering and computing, so no bachelor-level data supports strong pay outside those fields. If your plan is a humanities or general studies path, expect earnings closer to or below the campus median while the sticker cost stays flat.
Net price barely moves with income at the top. Families over $110k pay about $23,771, only $7,000 more than families under $30k at $16,713. That flat structure means lower-income families get a real discount, but middle-income families earning $75-110k pay nearly the full rate and should weigh that against in-state alternatives.
This school fits you if you want an engineering or CS degree and can commit to finishing. If you are undecided or drawn to lower-earning fields, the return here is thin, and you should look harder at cheaper options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana State University worth the cost?
Montana State University offers solid value for students in high-paying majors like nursing ($78,343) and computer science ($72,325), but the overall 10-year earnings of $53,263 barely justify the $20,593 annual cost. Students should focus on the university's strong STEM programs to maximize ROI.
What are the best paying majors at Montana State University?
Nursing leads Montana State University's earnings with $78,343 median salary, followed by computer science at $72,325 and engineering programs around $65,000. Liberal arts and general studies majors typically earn significantly less than the university average.
How much debt do Montana State University graduates have?
Montana State University graduates leave with a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable for high-earning majors but concerning given the 57% graduation rate. Students who don't finish face debt without the degree's earning potential.
Does Montana State University have good job placement after graduation?
Montana State University's 57% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, though graduates in nursing and engineering fields typically find stable employment. The school's location in Montana may limit job opportunities compared to urban markets.