Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.5%
- Retention Rate
- 79.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,229
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $20,918 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,437 | $21,500 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $36,221 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $20,829 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
Outcomes Overview
Montana Western graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $21,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of roughly 0.48 based on their $43,229 median salary after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $223 consume about 6% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The school's 97.1% employment rate reflects strong job placement, though earnings start modestly at $34,356 in the first year after graduation. Many graduates find work in education, natural resources, and business throughout Montana and the rural West. The combination of relatively low debt loads, strong employment outcomes, and reasonable monthly payments makes this a solid return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation in a rural setting.