Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Montana Technological University

Montana Tech's nursing graduates face an unusual earnings pattern that deserves careful scrutiny. Starting at $74,338—roughly on par with state and national medians—their income drops nearly 20% by year four, falling to $60,355. This decline is particularly concerning when compared to other Montana nursing programs, where this program ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide despite Butte's relatively accessible cost of living.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $35,839, graduates borrow significantly less than the national norm ($27,000 less, in fact, placing this in the 13th percentile for debt). That lower borrowing helps offset the earnings concerns, resulting in a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.48 in the first year. However, as earnings decline in subsequent years, monthly loan payments will consume an increasingly uncomfortable share of take-home pay.

The earnings trajectory raises questions about whether graduates are finding stable nursing positions or potentially leaving the field. Montana's nursing market isn't the issue—other state programs like University of Providence ($101,187) and MSU-Northern ($77,121) show strong, sustained earnings. If your child is drawn to Montana Tech for other reasons, the moderate debt load won't be crushing. But purely from an ROI standpoint, several Montana alternatives offer substantially better financial outcomes without the mysterious mid-career dip.