Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Montana State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$53,590

Est. from national median (431 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,192

Est. from national median (246 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests manageable financial risk, though both figures here come from national peer programs rather than Montana State's actual graduates. Based on comparable finance programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $53,600 and debt near $22,200 would put this program in the middle of the pack—not exceptional, but reasonably balanced. With only three schools offering finance degrees in Montana, local options are limited, and this program appears positioned as a solid regional choice for students planning to stay in the state or nearby markets.

The real question centers on Montana State's outcomes compared to the national estimates. The school's 87% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest it serves a broad range of students, which could mean actual earnings vary more widely than the estimate implies. Finance careers can lead to strong earnings growth over time, but initial salary often depends heavily on landing positions with banks, investment firms, or corporate finance departments—opportunities that may require relocating from Montana.

For families comfortable with roughly $22,000 in debt and realistic about the need for flexibility in job location, this appears financially viable based on what similar programs produce. However, the lack of reported data means you're making this decision without knowing how Montana State's specific graduates fare. If your child has strong interest in finance and wants to stay in-state for college, this works—but confirm career services support and alumni placement before committing.

Where Montana State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Montana State UniversityBozeman	$8,083	$53,590*	—	$22,192*	—
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia	$66,104	$122,698*	$206,646	$12,865*	0.10
Georgetown UniversityWashington	$65,081	$106,218*	$126,672	$16,877*	0.16
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis	$62,982	$102,814*	$152,625	$19,250*	0.19
University of Notre DameNotre Dame	$62,693	$99,222*	$111,893	$19,000*	0.19
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem	$64,758	$85,944*	$113,398	$19,500*	0.23
National Median	—	$53,590*	—	$23,332*	0.44

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor'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, approximately 17% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 431 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.