Analysis
Montana State's statistics program appears positioned in the middle of the national pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $60,000—matching what's typical nationwide for bachelor's-level statistics graduates. Based on comparable programs nationally, students borrow a modest $20,150, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that's manageable by any standard. What the estimates can't tell us is whether Montana State's specific program outperforms or underperforms these national norms, though the university's solid admission standards (1154 average SAT) and relatively affluent student body (just 17% on Pell grants) suggest students arrive well-prepared.
The bigger question is career trajectory. Statistics degrees typically offer strong earning potential as graduates gain experience and technical skills, and Montana State's location in Bozeman—a growing tech hub with proximity to both regional employers and remote work opportunities—could enhance those prospects. The field itself remains in high demand across industries from healthcare to finance to tech.
For families comfortable with uncertainty, the fundamentals here look sound: reasonable debt for a quantitative degree that opens multiple career paths. Just recognize you're betting on national trends rather than verified outcomes from this specific program. If your student is strong in math and genuinely interested in data analysis, the estimated numbers suggest this won't be a financial mistake—though confirming job placement rates and internship opportunities directly with the department would help fill in what the federal data can't.
Where Montana State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Statistics 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 | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | — |
 Harvard UniversityCambridge | $59,076 | $141,116* | — | —* | — |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $129,732* | — | —* | — |
 Duke UniversityDurham | $65,805 | $97,197* | $113,854 | $13,500* | 0.14 |
 Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh | $63,829 | $93,111* | $142,883 | $21,375* | 0.23 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $83,227* | $102,151 | $16,165* | 0.19 |
| National Median | — | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.