Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,971
37th percentile (60th in MT)
Median Debt
$26,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.61
Manageable
Sample Size
20
Limited data

Analysis

Rocky Mountain College's business graduates earn more than most other Montana programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—but trail the national average by about $3,000 in their first year. While starting at $42,971 might seem modest, earnings climb to over $53,000 by year four, a 24% increase that shows genuine career momentum. The $26,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.61 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates owe roughly seven months of salary—a reasonable burden that most can handle with standard loan repayment plans.

The key consideration here is Montana's job market: your child will be competing primarily against in-state peers, and this program positions them favorably within that context. They'll graduate ahead of University of Montana and Montana Western grads in earning power, though slightly behind Carroll College. For families prioritizing staying in Montana after graduation, that state-level advantage matters more than the national percentile.

The honest caveat is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so one exceptional or struggling cohort could skew these figures. But the fundamentals look sound: moderate debt, solid earnings trajectory, and competitive positioning within Montana's business landscape. If your child plans to build a career in the region and values a smaller college environment, this program delivers fair value for the investment.

Where Rocky Mountain College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Rocky Mountain CollegeOther business administration, management and operations programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Rocky Mountain College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rocky Mountain College graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Montana

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Montana (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rocky Mountain College$42,971$53,398$26,0000.61
Carroll College$48,337$51,866$19,5000.40
Montana State University-Northern$40,381$41,836$23,5260.58
The University of Montana$37,784$55,000$23,9230.63
The University of Montana-Western$35,880$45,620$21,6270.60
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Montana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Montana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Carroll College
Helena
$40,352$48,337$19,500
Montana State University-Northern
Havre
$6,269$40,381$23,526
The University of Montana
Missoula
$8,152$37,784$23,923
The University of Montana-Western
Dillon
$6,430$35,880$21,627

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 Rocky Mountain College, approximately 32% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.