Civil Engineering at Montana State University

Montana State's civil engineering graduates start at $67,373—respectable earnings for a first job, but trailing both the state median ($73,850) and national average by a few thousand dollars. More concerning is the slight earnings dip by year four, suggesting graduates may hit a ceiling earlier than peers at other programs. Montana Tech, the state's other major engineering option, shows significantly stronger outcomes at over $80,000.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $21,031, graduates carry manageable obligations with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31. That's lower than many engineering programs and means most students can handle loan payments while building their careers. For context, this sits at the 40th percentile among Montana's limited civil engineering options—middle of the pack locally, though Montana's small number of programs makes direct comparisons tricky.

For families committed to staying in Montana, this program provides solid engineering training without crushing debt. However, the stagnant salary trajectory and earnings gap compared to Montana Tech suggests students should carefully consider all in-state options. The accessible admission standards (87% acceptance rate) may attract a wider range of students, but those with strong academic profiles might find better returns elsewhere in the state or region.