Political Science and Government at Montana State University Billings

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64—where first-year income covers the debt load in about eight months—puts this program in reasonable territory, though the figures here come from national and institutional patterns rather than tracked outcomes for MSUB political science graduates specifically. Similar programs across Montana suggest starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s, with the state median slightly higher at $36,785. The estimated $22,954 debt load sits just below the national median for this degree, suggesting MSUB's lower tuition may offer some cost advantage even if exact graduate outcomes remain unmeasured.

The challenge is that political science graduates typically need additional credentials or strategic career positioning to see meaningful salary growth, and Montana's smaller government and nonprofit sectors may limit local opportunities. The University of Montana's reported median of $38,094 shows what's achievable within the state, but whether MSUB graduates hit similar marks is unclear given the data gaps. For a quarter of students receiving Pell grants, managing even moderate debt while potentially pursuing graduate school or relocating for career advancement deserves serious consideration.

If your child is passionate about political science and plans to stay in Montana, this program appears financially manageable in the near term. But given the estimation uncertainty and the field's typical requirement for further education or geographic flexibility, have concrete conversations about career paths and whether law school, public administration, or specific government roles are part of the plan before committing.