Business Administration, Management and Operations at Rocky Mountain College
Bachelor's Degree
rocky.eduAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Rocky Mountain College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain College | $42,971 | $53,398 | +24% |
| The University of Montana | $37,784 | $55,000 | +46% |
| Carroll College | $48,337 | $51,866 | +7% |
| The University of Montana-Western | $35,880 | $45,620 | +27% |
| Montana State University-Northern | $40,381 | $41,836 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Montana
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Montana (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,252 | $42,971 | $53,398 | $26,000 | 0.61 | |
| $40,352 | $48,337 | $51,866 | $19,500 | 0.40 | |
| $6,269 | $40,381 | $41,836 | $23,526 | 0.58 | |
| $8,152 | $37,784 | $55,000 | $23,923 | 0.63 | |
| $6,430 | $35,880 | $45,620 | $21,627 | 0.60 | |
| National Median | — | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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.