Management Information Systems and Services at Montana Technological University

Montana Tech's MIS program produces first-year earnings nearly $17,000 below the national median—landing in just the 5th percentile nationally. While the program sits at the 40th percentile within Montana (where only two schools offer this degree), that's cold comfort when The University of Montana's MIS graduates earn $12,000 more right out of the gate. The debt load of $28,125 isn't excessive on its own, but paired with $42,543 in starting salary, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests a longer financial recovery than most MIS programs deliver.

The earnings do climb to $47,390 by year four—an 11% gain—but still fall short of Montana's state median. For a technical field like information systems, where national salaries typically start near $60,000, these numbers are disappointing. The very small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly, but it also raises questions about program scale and employer connections.

If your child is set on studying MIS in Montana, The University of Montana appears to offer better return on investment. If they're committed to Montana Tech specifically, they should investigate why this program's outcomes lag so far behind both national standards and its in-state competitor before making a four-year commitment.