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Montana State University

Degreeli reads this school through school + degree value, not prestige alone. Start with the Value Score, then expand each program to see cost, salary, payback, and risk.

Overview

High upside

Montana State University looks strongest as a selective value play, with its best program landing at $1,397,252 in completion-adjusted ROI.

Families should compare the strongest path against weaker options, especially if recoup times stretch well beyond 16.5 years.

4-year net cost

$89,996

Estimated debt

$46,798

Early salary signal

$98,977

Graduation rate

57%

Why this score?

Strong Value is a Degreeli Value Score v1 directional read based on modeled cost ($89,996), estimated debt ($46,798), early-career salary ($98,977), payback, completion, and review signals. The strongest signal is that cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay. The main caution is that graduate review signal is limited or modeled. Data confidence is medium, so this should support comparison rather than act as a guarantee.

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Estimated debt appears manageable relative to salary.

Earnings outlook is strong for a first-decade career path.

Risks

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

How the score works

Programs

Expand each path before treating the school as one answer.

Browse Program Directory

DOCTORAL

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

82

Strong Value

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$1,397,252

Salary Outlook

$98,977

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

4.7 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Estimated debt appears manageable relative to salary.

Earnings outlook is strong for a first-decade career path.

Risks

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Computer Science

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

79

Fair Value

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$1,224,117

Salary Outlook

$87,148

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

5.4 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Estimated debt appears manageable relative to salary.

Earnings outlook is strong for a first-decade career path.

Risks

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Computer Engineering

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

74

Fair Value

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$1,083,506

Salary Outlook

$77,541

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Earnings outlook is strong for a first-decade career path.

Risks

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

73

Fair Value

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$1,071,177

Salary Outlook

$76,698

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6.1 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Earnings outlook is strong for a first-decade career path.

Risks

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Accounting and Related Services

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

70

Fair Value

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$1,006,768

Salary Outlook

$72,297

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6.5 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Construction Engineering Technology/Technician

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

68

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$964,677

Salary Outlook

$69,422

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6.7 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Mechanical Engineering

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

68

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$960,693

Salary Outlook

$69,149

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6.8 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Industrial Engineering

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

67

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$954,231

Salary Outlook

$68,708

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6.8 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Chemical Engineering

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

67

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$948,558

Salary Outlook

$68,320

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6.8 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Architectural Sciences and Technology

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

67

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$943,672

Salary Outlook

$67,986

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

6.9 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

64

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$899,914

Salary Outlook

$64,997

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

7.2 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Civil Engineering

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

64

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$893,704

Salary Outlook

$64,572

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

7.2 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

62

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$862,926

Salary Outlook

$62,469

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

7.5 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Agricultural Business and Management

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

62

Caution Zone

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$857,584

Salary Outlook

$62,104

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

7.5 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

59

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$817,913

Salary Outlook

$59,394

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

7.9 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

ASSOCIATE

Air Transportation

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

58

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$793,711

Salary Outlook

$57,740

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

8.1 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Architecture

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

55

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$768,116

Salary Outlook

$55,992

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

8.4 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Business/Commerce, General

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

55

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$765,765

Salary Outlook

$55,831

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

8.4 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Educational Administration and Supervision

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

54

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$749,234

Salary Outlook

$54,701

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

8.6 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

51

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$707,771

Salary Outlook

$51,868

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

9 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Mathematics

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

50

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$699,015

Salary Outlook

$51,270

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

9.1 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

49

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$686,732

Salary Outlook

$50,431

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

9.3 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Architectural Sciences and Technology

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

48

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$680,773

Salary Outlook

$50,024

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

9.4 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Curriculum and Instruction

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

47

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$667,564

Salary Outlook

$49,121

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

9.5 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Mathematics

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

46

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$663,854

Salary Outlook

$48,868

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

9.6 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Economics

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

46

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$662,256

Salary Outlook

$48,759

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

9.6 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

44

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$636,113

Salary Outlook

$46,972

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

10 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Environmental Design

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

42

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$606,968

Salary Outlook

$44,981

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

10.4 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

40

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$580,529

Salary Outlook

$43,175

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

10.8 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

CERTIFICATE

Precision Metal Working

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

39

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$575,711

Salary Outlook

$42,845

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

10.9 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Psychology, General

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

38

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$560,790

Salary Outlook

$41,826

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

11.2 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

37

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$550,276

Salary Outlook

$41,108

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

11.4 years

Strengths

Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

History

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

37

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$544,397

Salary Outlook

$40,706

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

11.5 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Political Science and Government

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

36

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$534,100

Salary Outlook

$40,002

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

11.7 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

MASTERS

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

36

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$533,860

Salary Outlook

$39,986

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

11.7 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Biology, General

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

36

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$527,547

Salary Outlook

$39,555

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

11.8 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

34

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$510,766

Salary Outlook

$38,408

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

12.2 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

33

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$503,973

Salary Outlook

$37,944

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

12.3 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Sociology

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

33

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$499,715

Salary Outlook

$37,653

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

12.4 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

English Language and Literature, General

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

33

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$493,824

Salary Outlook

$37,250

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

12.6 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

ASSOCIATE

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

32

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$489,703

Salary Outlook

$36,969

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

12.7 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Fine and Studio Arts

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

32

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$482,226

Salary Outlook

$36,458

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

12.8 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

31

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$481,267

Salary Outlook

$36,392

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

12.9 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Animal Sciences

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

31

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$477,339

Salary Outlook

$36,124

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

13 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

31

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$473,481

Salary Outlook

$35,861

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

13 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

CERTIFICATE

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

30

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$470,102

Salary Outlook

$35,630

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

13.1 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

30

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$468,321

Salary Outlook

$35,508

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

13.2 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Plant Sciences

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

30

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$466,825

Salary Outlook

$35,406

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

13.2 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

30

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$465,775

Salary Outlook

$35,334

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

13.2 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Sustainability Studies

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

27

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$427,863

Salary Outlook

$32,744

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

14.3 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

BACHELORS

Music

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

25

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$404,357

Salary Outlook

$31,138

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

15 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

ASSOCIATE

Design and Applied Arts

Click to inspect salary, debt, payback, strengths, and risks.

23

High Risk

Expand

Data Confidence

Medium

Completion ROI

$363,682

Salary Outlook

$28,358

Estimated Debt

$46,798

Payback

16.5 years

Strengths

Enough directional data exists to compare this option against alternatives.

Risks

Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.

Payback could take longer than many families expect.

Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.

Verified reviews

Verified voices from Montana State University

Student, graduate, and parent perspectives appear here only after email verification, affiliation review, automated screening, and moderator approval.

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ROI Snapshot

Cost, salary, payback, and downside by program.

Personalize ROI

DOCTORAL

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

82

Strong Value

On-time ROI

$2,447,884

Risk-adjusted ROI

$1,397,252

Value at risk

$1,050,632

Payback

4.7 years

BACHELORS

Computer Science

79

Fair Value

On-time ROI

$2,144,564

Risk-adjusted ROI

$1,224,117

Value at risk

$920,447

Payback

5.4 years

BACHELORS

Computer Engineering

74

Fair Value

On-time ROI

$1,898,224

Risk-adjusted ROI

$1,083,506

Value at risk

$814,718

Payback

6 years

BACHELORS

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering

73

Fair Value

On-time ROI

$1,876,624

Risk-adjusted ROI

$1,071,177

Value at risk

$805,447

Payback

6.1 years

MASTERS

Accounting and Related Services

70

Fair Value

On-time ROI

$1,763,784

Risk-adjusted ROI

$1,006,768

Value at risk

$757,016

Payback

6.5 years

BACHELORS

Construction Engineering Technology/Technician

68

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,690,044

Risk-adjusted ROI

$964,677

Value at risk

$725,367

Payback

6.7 years

BACHELORS

Mechanical Engineering

68

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,683,064

Risk-adjusted ROI

$960,693

Value at risk

$722,371

Payback

6.8 years

BACHELORS

Industrial Engineering

67

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,671,744

Risk-adjusted ROI

$954,231

Value at risk

$717,513

Payback

6.8 years

BACHELORS

Chemical Engineering

67

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,661,804

Risk-adjusted ROI

$948,558

Value at risk

$713,246

Payback

6.8 years

MASTERS

Architectural Sciences and Technology

67

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,653,244

Risk-adjusted ROI

$943,672

Value at risk

$709,572

Payback

6.9 years

MASTERS

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

64

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,576,584

Risk-adjusted ROI

$899,914

Value at risk

$676,670

Payback

7.2 years

BACHELORS

Civil Engineering

64

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,565,704

Risk-adjusted ROI

$893,704

Value at risk

$672,000

Payback

7.2 years

BACHELORS

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

62

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,511,784

Risk-adjusted ROI

$862,926

Value at risk

$648,858

Payback

7.5 years

BACHELORS

Agricultural Business and Management

62

Caution Zone

On-time ROI

$1,502,424

Risk-adjusted ROI

$857,584

Value at risk

$644,840

Payback

7.5 years

BACHELORS

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

59

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,432,924

Risk-adjusted ROI

$817,913

Value at risk

$615,011

Payback

7.9 years

ASSOCIATE

Air Transportation

58

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,390,524

Risk-adjusted ROI

$793,711

Value at risk

$596,813

Payback

8.1 years

MASTERS

Architecture

55

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,345,684

Risk-adjusted ROI

$768,116

Value at risk

$577,568

Payback

8.4 years

BACHELORS

Business/Commerce, General

55

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,341,564

Risk-adjusted ROI

$765,765

Value at risk

$575,799

Payback

8.4 years

MASTERS

Educational Administration and Supervision

54

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,312,604

Risk-adjusted ROI

$749,234

Value at risk

$563,370

Payback

8.6 years

BACHELORS

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

51

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,239,964

Risk-adjusted ROI

$707,771

Value at risk

$532,193

Payback

9 years

BACHELORS

Mathematics

50

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,224,624

Risk-adjusted ROI

$699,015

Value at risk

$525,609

Payback

9.1 years

MASTERS

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

49

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,203,104

Risk-adjusted ROI

$686,732

Value at risk

$516,372

Payback

9.3 years

BACHELORS

Architectural Sciences and Technology

48

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,192,664

Risk-adjusted ROI

$680,773

Value at risk

$511,891

Payback

9.4 years

MASTERS

Curriculum and Instruction

47

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,169,524

Risk-adjusted ROI

$667,564

Value at risk

$501,960

Payback

9.5 years

MASTERS

Mathematics

46

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,163,024

Risk-adjusted ROI

$663,854

Value at risk

$499,170

Payback

9.6 years

BACHELORS

Economics

46

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,160,224

Risk-adjusted ROI

$662,256

Value at risk

$497,968

Payback

9.6 years

BACHELORS

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

44

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,114,424

Risk-adjusted ROI

$636,113

Value at risk

$478,311

Payback

10 years

BACHELORS

Environmental Design

42

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,063,364

Risk-adjusted ROI

$606,968

Value at risk

$456,396

Payback

10.4 years

BACHELORS

Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services

40

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,017,044

Risk-adjusted ROI

$580,529

Value at risk

$436,515

Payback

10.8 years

CERTIFICATE

Precision Metal Working

39

High Risk

On-time ROI

$1,008,604

Risk-adjusted ROI

$575,711

Value at risk

$432,893

Payback

10.9 years

BACHELORS

Psychology, General

38

High Risk

On-time ROI

$982,464

Risk-adjusted ROI

$560,790

Value at risk

$421,674

Payback

11.2 years

BACHELORS

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General

37

High Risk

On-time ROI

$964,044

Risk-adjusted ROI

$550,276

Value at risk

$413,768

Payback

11.4 years

BACHELORS

History

37

High Risk

On-time ROI

$953,744

Risk-adjusted ROI

$544,397

Value at risk

$409,347

Payback

11.5 years

BACHELORS

Political Science and Government

36

High Risk

On-time ROI

$935,704

Risk-adjusted ROI

$534,100

Value at risk

$401,604

Payback

11.7 years

MASTERS

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

36

High Risk

On-time ROI

$935,284

Risk-adjusted ROI

$533,860

Value at risk

$401,424

Payback

11.7 years

BACHELORS

Biology, General

36

High Risk

On-time ROI

$924,224

Risk-adjusted ROI

$527,547

Value at risk

$396,677

Payback

11.8 years

BACHELORS

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

34

High Risk

On-time ROI

$894,824

Risk-adjusted ROI

$510,766

Value at risk

$384,058

Payback

12.2 years

BACHELORS

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

33

High Risk

On-time ROI

$882,924

Risk-adjusted ROI

$503,973

Value at risk

$378,951

Payback

12.3 years

BACHELORS

Sociology

33

High Risk

On-time ROI

$875,464

Risk-adjusted ROI

$499,715

Value at risk

$375,749

Payback

12.4 years

BACHELORS

English Language and Literature, General

33

High Risk

On-time ROI

$865,144

Risk-adjusted ROI

$493,824

Value at risk

$371,320

Payback

12.6 years

ASSOCIATE

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

32

High Risk

On-time ROI

$857,924

Risk-adjusted ROI

$489,703

Value at risk

$368,221

Payback

12.7 years

BACHELORS

Fine and Studio Arts

32

High Risk

On-time ROI

$844,824

Risk-adjusted ROI

$482,226

Value at risk

$362,598

Payback

12.8 years

BACHELORS

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

31

High Risk

On-time ROI

$843,144

Risk-adjusted ROI

$481,267

Value at risk

$361,877

Payback

12.9 years

BACHELORS

Animal Sciences

31

High Risk

On-time ROI

$836,264

Risk-adjusted ROI

$477,339

Value at risk

$358,925

Payback

13 years

BACHELORS

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

31

High Risk

On-time ROI

$829,504

Risk-adjusted ROI

$473,481

Value at risk

$356,023

Payback

13 years

CERTIFICATE

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

30

High Risk

On-time ROI

$823,584

Risk-adjusted ROI

$470,102

Value at risk

$353,482

Payback

13.1 years

BACHELORS

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

30

High Risk

On-time ROI

$820,464

Risk-adjusted ROI

$468,321

Value at risk

$352,143

Payback

13.2 years

BACHELORS

Plant Sciences

30

High Risk

On-time ROI

$817,844

Risk-adjusted ROI

$466,825

Value at risk

$351,019

Payback

13.2 years

BACHELORS

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

30

High Risk

On-time ROI

$816,004

Risk-adjusted ROI

$465,775

Value at risk

$350,229

Payback

13.2 years

BACHELORS

Sustainability Studies

27

High Risk

On-time ROI

$749,584

Risk-adjusted ROI

$427,863

Value at risk

$321,721

Payback

14.3 years

BACHELORS

Music

25

High Risk

On-time ROI

$708,404

Risk-adjusted ROI

$404,357

Value at risk

$304,047

Payback

15 years

ASSOCIATE

Design and Applied Arts

23

High Risk

On-time ROI

$637,144

Risk-adjusted ROI

$363,682

Value at risk

$273,462

Payback

16.5 years

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