Precision Metal Working at Montana State University Billings

This program lands squarely in the middle of national precision metal working programs with first-year earnings of $41,875, though it trails the Montana median by about $1,000. The estimated debt load of $11,562—based on typical borrowing patterns at Montana State Billings—creates a comfortable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates would need less than four months of gross income to cover their total borrowing. That's a manageable burden for a skilled trade that typically offers steady employment.

The earnings gap with Flathead Valley Community College, the top Montana program at $43,711, suggests location or employer connections may play a role in outcomes. Precision metal workers are in demand across manufacturing and fabrication shops, and Billings' industrial base provides decent opportunities, even if not quite matching what graduates elsewhere in the state achieve. The program's middle-of-the-pack performance both nationally and statewide points to a solid but unremarkable pathway into the trade.

For families weighing this investment, the low estimated debt makes this a relatively low-risk credential. The bigger question is whether Billings offers the right job market for your graduate's career goals, or if programs in other Montana cities might provide stronger employer networks and slightly better early earnings.