At $16,240/yr net price, Montana Technological University graduates earn $54,329/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,329/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,240 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,329/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,329/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,327/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,539/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,138/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,361/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,093/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $84,653 | |
| Public Health. | Master | $84,653 | $21,023 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $64,344 | $26,500 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $58,334 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $26,036 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,157 | |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Master | $52,733 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,606 |
The Risk Factor
58.1% of students at Montana Technological 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 Technological University delivers strong ROI if you pick the right major, but becomes financially risky with the wrong choice. The school's engineering and mining programs capitalize on Montana's natural resource economy, with mining engineering graduates earning over $84,000 annually.
Your major selection matters more at Montana Tech than at most schools. Mining, petroleum, and electrical engineering graduates earn well above the national average and justify the investment. Public health also shows surprising strength with median earnings exceeding $64,000. However, the 58% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without degrees, creating significant financial risk for borderline students.
Montana Tech works best financially if you're academically prepared for STEM coursework and committed to working in resource-heavy regions after graduation. The relatively low net price of $16,240 helps, but only 21% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based support. The median debt load of $18,750 remains manageable for engineering graduates but becomes problematic if you switch to lower-paying fields.
You should look elsewhere if you're unsure about your academic readiness or want flexibility to change majors. The 76% retention rate indicates many students struggle with the coursework intensity. Montana Tech also limits your geographic options since many top-paying opportunities cluster around mining and energy extraction sites.
The school offers the best value proposition for Montana residents pursuing engineering careers who can handle technical coursework. Out-of-state students face higher costs that may not justify attendance unless they're specifically drawn to the specialized mining and petroleum programs unavailable elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana Technological University worth the cost?
Montana Tech offers solid ROI if you study engineering, with mining and petroleum engineering graduates earning $78,000-$84,000 annually. However, the 58% graduation rate and $16,240 net price make it risky for students who might not finish or choose lower-paying programs.
What are the best paying majors at Montana Technological University?
Mining engineering and petroleum engineering lead with starting salaries around $78,000-$84,000, well above the school's overall graduate average of $54,329. Most other programs at Montana Tech pay significantly less than these specialized engineering fields.
How much debt do Montana Technological University graduates have?
The median debt is $18,750, which is manageable for engineering graduates but problematic for those earning the school average of $54,329. Students in lower-paying programs may struggle with loan payments relative to their post-graduation income.
What is the graduation rate at Montana Technological University?
Only 58% of students graduate, meaning 4 in 10 students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. This low completion rate makes Montana Tech a risky choice unless you're highly committed to finishing an engineering program.