At $17,118/yr net price, The University of Montana graduates earn $44,511/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,511/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,118 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,511/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,511/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,400 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,521/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,563/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,795/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,911/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,648/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,016 | $50,640 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $62,707 | $95,599 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,673 | $23,411 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $31,111 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $55,286 | $21,500 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $52,433 | $72,126 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $47,260 | $30,638 |
The Risk Factor
45.4% of students at The University of Montana 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 delivers weak overall financial returns, with median earnings of $44,511 barely justifying the investment for most graduates. The 45% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without a degree, making this a high-risk choice financially.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear winner with $113,016 in median earnings, though you'll graduate with $50,640 in debt. Psychology and computer science also show strong returns at $76,460 and $67,660 respectively. Business management offers decent earnings at $58,673 with reasonable debt levels. However, rehabilitation programs saddle you with $95,599 in debt for only $62,707 in earnings, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio.
Montana's rural job market limits career opportunities, particularly outside healthcare and education. You'll likely need to relocate for higher-paying positions, adding moving costs to your financial burden. The low retention rate of 76% signals academic or financial struggles that force students to transfer or drop out.
This school works best if you're pursuing pharmacy or entering with strong academic preparation for psychology or computer science. Montana residents benefit from in-state tuition, but out-of-state students should look elsewhere given the weak earning potential relative to costs. The limited financial aid availability, with only 28% receiving aid, means you'll likely pay close to full price.
Avoid Montana if you're considering rehabilitation programs or any major not listed among the top earners. The combination of low graduation rates, limited regional opportunities, and modest earning potential makes this a poor investment for most students seeking strong financial returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Montana worth the cost for most students?
The University of Montana offers a relatively low net price at $17,118 per year, but graduates earn just $44,511 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average. With a 45% graduation rate, nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at The University of Montana?
Pharmacy leads with graduates earning $113,016 annually, followed by Psychology at $76,460 and Computer Science at $67,660. Most other programs result in significantly lower earnings that may not justify the investment.
How much student debt do University of Montana graduates typically have?
The median debt is $22,400, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $44,511, graduates may still struggle with loan payments depending on their chosen field.
Does The University of Montana have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,118 suggests decent financial aid availability, making it more affordable than many four-year universities. The low cost helps offset the below-average post-graduation earnings for most programs.