Analysis
Montana State's mathematics program shows a troubling pattern: graduates earn just $34,475 in their first year—barely half the national median for math majors and landing in the 5th percentile nationally. While that places them at the 60th percentile within Montana, that's largely because math programs across the state are underperforming. The $24,000 debt load is reasonable, but when paired with these depressed starting salaries, graduates face a 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio that's higher than ideal for a STEM field.
The 51% earnings jump to $52,167 by year four offers some hope, suggesting these graduates eventually find their footing in the job market. However, this catch-up game puts them years behind peers from stronger programs who start at $48,000+ nationally. For a math degree—typically a reliable ticket to solid employment—these outcomes are disappointing.
The very small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, so consider them directional rather than definitive. If your child is set on MSU, they should plan to leave Montana for better job prospects or pursue graduate school to access higher-paying positions. A math degree from Montana State requires patience and geographic flexibility to pay off.
Where Montana State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Montana State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University | $34,475 | $52,167 | +51% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| Vanderbilt University | $103,812 | $125,955 | +21% |
| Dartmouth College | $108,255 | $124,017 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics 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 | $34,475 | $52,167 | $24,000 | 0.70 |
 Duke UniversityDurham | $65,805 | $121,088 | $99,927 | $13,000 | 0.11 |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $110,512 | — | $17,750 | 0.16 |
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $109,288 | $180,882 | $10,003 | 0.09 |
 Dartmouth CollegeHanover | $65,739 | $108,255 | $124,017 | $11,617 | 0.11 |
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $103,812 | $125,955 | $10,000 | 0.10 |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.