Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana · Public · 82.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 52/100 · Below Average Value
Montana State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,460/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $33,287/yr |
| Average net price | $22,499/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $89,996 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,263 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $239 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 57.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,451 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,797 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,570 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,977 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,732 |
| $110,001+ | $25,905 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Montana State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $71,578 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $76,146 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,653 | B |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | $52,702 | D |
| Psychology | $53,623 | D |
| Computer Science | $111,728 | B+ |
| Biology | $50,711 | D |
| Teacher Education | $45,523 | C |
| Civil Engineering | $82,785 | B+ |
| Chemical Engineering | $87,590 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Montana State University is $8,460/year ($33,287/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,499/year, or roughly $89,996 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,797/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,905/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $239 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,263 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.59 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 80.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 83.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 82.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 525-640 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-645 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-27 |
| Enrollment | 14,451 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 16.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,762 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University (this school) | 52 | $22,499 | $53,263 |
| Montana Technological University | 69 | $16,481 | $54,329 |
| Ball State University | 54 | $14,940 | $51,833 |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | 52 | $14,265 | $51,151 |
| Western Michigan University | 50 | $15,273 | $53,562 |
| Montana State University Billings | 34 | $16,524 | $44,296 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Montana State University is mixed. At $22,499 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.6 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost.
Median debt of $22,500 against $53,263 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.