At $16,669/yr net price, The University of Montana-Western graduates earn $43,229/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,229/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,669 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,676 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,229/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,229/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,093/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,286/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,516/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,511/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,898/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
49.5% of students at The University of Montana-Western 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
The University of Montana-Western delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its costs. With median earnings of $43,229 ten years after graduation, you're looking at modest income potential that barely exceeds what many two-year programs produce.
The school's program outcomes paint a concerning picture. Business Administration graduates earn just $39,009 annually while carrying over $20,000 in debt. Education majors fare worse, with specific subject area teachers earning $36,437 and general education graduates making only $32,925. Even the top-earning programs fall well below national averages for four-year degrees.
Your biggest risk here is the 49.5% graduation rate. One in two students never finish their degree, meaning you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The $21,000 median debt load becomes particularly burdensome when paired with these low earning outcomes.
This school works financially if you plan to teach in rural Montana and value the small-town college experience over income potential. The low net price of $16,669 helps somewhat, but the poor graduation rate and weak earnings make this a risky investment for most students.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong earning potential to justify college costs. Students considering business, education, or natural resources programs can find better ROI at Montana's other public universities or regional competitors that offer similar programs with stronger job placement and higher graduate earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Montana-Western worth the cost?
With graduates earning $43,229 after 10 years and median debt of $21,000, Montana Western offers reasonable value for a regional public university. However, the 49% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their degrees, which significantly impacts ROI for those who leave with debt but no credential.
What programs at The University of Montana-Western have the best return on investment?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $39,009 annually, followed by education programs around $33,000-$36,000. Natural Resources Conservation also shows solid earnings at $36,221, while Health and Physical Education has the lowest returns at $30,771.
How much debt do The University of Montana-Western graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $21,000, which is manageable compared to many four-year institutions. With starting salaries in the $30,000-$39,000 range depending on major, most graduates can handle this debt level if they complete their degree.
Does The University of Montana-Western offer good financial aid?
The net price of $16,669 per year is affordable for a four-year degree. This relatively low cost helps keep debt manageable, though students should factor in the risk that nearly half don't graduate.