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 gives you a modest financial return that leans weak. The median graduate earns about $43,000 ten years out, and you'll leave with debt near the low end for a four-year school. The debt load is manageable, but the payoff is thin, and that math only works if you actually finish. Half of students don't graduate, which is the single biggest risk here.
Look closely at the program earnings and the picture gets tougher. Business Administration tops the list, yet its graduates report about $39,000 a year. Every other major with data pays less, with Health and Physical Education graduates near $31,000. These are teaching, natural resources, and physical education programs feeding rural Montana job markets where salaries stay low. None of the listed bachelor's programs clear the school's overall median earnings, so no single major here stands out as a clear financial win.
The specific risk is the gap between what you borrow and what you earn. Carrying around $21,000 in debt against a $36,000 teaching salary in Dillon leaves little room. If you drop out with debt and no degree, you get the worst version of this deal.
Net price barely moves across income levels. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $15,000 a year, and if you earn over $110,000, you pay about $19,000. There's little price break at the bottom, so lower-income families should compare this cost carefully against other Montana public schools.
This school fits you if you want to teach or work in natural resources in rural Montana, plan to finish, and keep borrowing low. If you're chasing high earnings or aren't sure you'll graduate, look elsewhere.
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.