Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,971
37th percentile
60th percentile in Montana
Median Debt
$26,000
At national median

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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rocky Mountain CollegeBillings$33,252$42,971$53,398$26,0000.61
Carroll CollegeHelena$40,352$48,337$51,866$19,5000.40
Montana State University-NorthernHavre$6,269$40,381$41,836$23,5260.58
The University of MontanaMissoula$8,152$37,784$55,000$23,9230.63
The University of Montana-WesternDillon$6,430$35,880$45,620$21,6270.60
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.