Business/Commerce at Montana Technological University

Montana Tech's business program produces earnings that fall slightly below the national median but rank at the 60th percentile within Montana—a meaningful distinction in a state where only three schools offer this degree. Graduates earn $46,181 their first year, just under the $47,506 national average, yet only about $2,000 less than Montana State University's business program despite Tech's much smaller scale. With debt of $21,271 (below both state and national medians), the financial picture is manageable, translating to a 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The major caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Still, the debt load advantage is real—graduates here borrow about $5,000 less than the national median for business programs. For a family choosing between Montana schools primarily for in-state tuition, this program delivers comparable outcomes to larger competitors while keeping debt in check.

If your child is considering business at a Montana school and prefers a smaller campus environment, Tech offers reasonable value. The earnings may not lead the state, but the combination of competitive pay and lower-than-average debt makes this a financially sensible option, especially if they're drawn to Butte's STEM-focused culture or prefer avoiding the larger university settings in Bozeman or Billings.