Billings, MT · Private University
Is Montana State University Billings Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,296
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$6,706
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,347
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$85,388
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.08x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
28.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,209
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,044
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Montana State University Billings graduates earn $704 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Montana State University Billings ranked by graduate earnings
21 graduates
25 graduates
23 graduates
78 graduates
53 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Montana State University Billings
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Montana State University Billings, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $71,449) and the lowest (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication: $39,666) is $31,783/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI(1yr data) | $71,449 | 3.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $55,918 | 2.6x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $52,082 | 2.4x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $51,370 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,835 | 1.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $40,358 | 1.9x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied CommunicationLowest(1yr data) | $39,666 | 1.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Montana State University Billings stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $44,296 10 years after starting, $704 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.2 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.