Location: Billings, MT•In-State Tuition: $6,706•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,347
Median Earnings (1yr)
$55,736
56th percentile
60th percentile in Montana
Median Debt
$19,000
1% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.34 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Montana State University Billings graduates from this allied health program earn slightly above both national and state medians, placing them in the 60th percentile among Montana programs. That first-year salary of $55,736 isn't dramatically higher than what you'd find elsewhere in the state, but it comes with about $2,000 less debt than the typical Montana program. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 is manageable—graduates owe roughly four months of their first-year salary.

The challenge here is the limited data. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could swing significantly year to year. What looks like a modest edge over competitors today might not hold up with a larger sample. You're essentially making a decision based on a snapshot rather than a trend, which introduces real uncertainty about whether these outcomes are typical.

For an in-state student, this program appears neither risky nor exceptional. The debt load is reasonable, and graduates are finding work that pays slightly better than average for this field. Just recognize you're working with incomplete information—if possible, ask the school for multi-year placement data or connect with recent graduates directly to get a clearer picture of typical outcomes.

Where Montana State University Billings Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Montana State University BillingsOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Montana State University Billings graduates compare to all programs nationally

Montana State University Billings earns $56k — 56th percentile among allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Montana

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Montana (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Montana State University BillingsBillings$6,706$55,736—$19,0000.34
Highlands College of Montana TechButte$3,980$54,579———
Montana Technological UniversityButte$8,050$54,579———
The University of MontanaMissoula$8,152$52,370$49,013$23,0000.44
National Median—$54,327—$19,1130.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Montana State University Billings, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.