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 gives you a middling financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit at $44,511, which clears typical debt of $22,400 but leaves little margin. A 45% graduation rate is the bigger problem: if you take on debt and leave without a degree, you carry the cost without the payoff. The 76% first-year retention rate means one in four freshmen don't come back, so finishing is not a safe assumption here.
Your major decides everything. Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn $67,660, roughly $27,000 more than Accounting graduates at $39,729 and nearly double what Forestry pays at $35,823. Management Information Systems at $55,286 is the second-strongest bet. The forestry and natural-resource programs fit Montana's regional economy, but they pay poorly, and Accounting graduates leave with more debt ($23,181) than they'll comfortably service on that salary. If you pick a low-earning major here, the math turns against you fast.
The specific risk at Montana is the combination of a sub-50% graduation rate with programs that don't pay much. Business Administration at $40,934 and the resource majors barely beat the median, so there's no cushion if you stumble or switch fields.
This school works for you if you commit to computing or information systems and plan to finish in four years. If you're drawn to forestry or general business, know you're choosing modest pay, and keep your borrowing tight.
Net price climbs with income: you'll pay about $14,521 if your family earns under $30,000 and $20,648 if it earns over $110,000. Lower-income families get a meaningful discount, but even the reduced price demands you graduate and land a job in a higher-paying track to make it worthwhile.
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.