Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Montana Technological University

Montana Tech's networking and telecommunications program operates in a state where it's the only bachelor's-level option, making direct comparisons impossible. The estimated $60,540 first-year salary derives from national peer programs—a reasonable benchmark given that IT networking roles tend to pay similarly across regions, though Montana's tech job market remains smaller than coastal hubs.

The estimated $20,500 debt load, based on typical borrowing patterns at similar institutions, looks manageable against those projected earnings. A 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary—well below the threshold where loan payments typically become burdensome. Networking specialists can find work in healthcare IT, government systems, or supporting Montana's mining and energy sectors, where Montana Tech has established industry connections.

The school's 90% admission rate and modest test scores suggest accessibility rather than extreme selectivity, which matters for students who may not have standout academic credentials but can thrive in hands-on technical programs. The real uncertainty here isn't the program structure but whether these national salary estimates hold in Montana's market. If your student plans to stay in-state, investigating actual job postings and talking to Montana Tech's career services about networking graduate placement would clarify whether those earnings materialize locally or require relocation to achieve.