Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Montana Technological University
Bachelor's Degree
mtech.eduAnalysis
Montana Tech's electrical engineering program shows a debt-to-earnings profile that appears manageable based on what peer programs typically produce. With estimated first-year earnings around $77,710 and debt near $24,927, graduates would face monthly loan payments of roughly $287—about 4% of gross income. That's well within the threshold financial advisors recommend for sustainable debt.
What's reassuring is that the four-year earnings figure of $80,579 is actual reported data for this school, suggesting modest but steady income growth. Electrical engineering programs across Montana show similar outcomes, with Montana State reporting $77,060 in early earnings. The field itself offers stability: nationally, three-quarters of electrical engineering bachelor's programs produce first-year earnings above $81,000, placing Montana Tech's estimated figures near the national median rather than at the top.
The caveat here is meaningful. Because Montana Tech's graduate pool in this major is small enough that the Department of Education suppresses the actual figures, we're working from national and institutional averages rather than program-specific outcomes. For parents weighing this investment, the combination of accessible admissions, reasonable estimated debt levels, and a technical field with consistent demand suggests solid fundamentals—but confirming actual placement rates and employer connections with the engineering department would help clarify whether this particular program delivers on what comparable schools achieve.
Where Montana Technological University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana Technological University | — | $80,579 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $137,295 | $202,911 | +48% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $117,345 | $172,897 | +47% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $139,337 | $149,740 | +7% |
| Montana State University | $77,060 | $81,541 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Montana
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Montana (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,050 | $77,710* | $80,579 | $24,927* | — | |
| $8,083 | $77,060* | $81,541 | $20,995* | 0.27 | |
| National Median | — | $77,710* | — | $24,989* | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical, electronics and communications engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Aerospace Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
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 Technological University, approximately 21% 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 262 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.