Analysis
Montana's allied health programs typically produce first-year earnings around $38,335, slightly above the national median for this field. Based on comparable programs nationwide, University of Montana students might expect starting earnings near $36,862βin line with what most allied health associates earn, though slightly below what other Montana programs report.
The estimated debt load of $17,606 would be manageable at those earnings levels, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5. This sits comfortably below the national median debt for allied health programs ($19,825), suggesting UM keeps costs reasonable for associate's degree students. With monthly loan payments around $200, this debt level shouldn't overwhelm a typical allied health salary, though it does mean dedicating roughly 6-7% of gross income to repayment.
The challenge here is that these figures come from peer programs rather than UM's actual graduate outcomes, making it harder to assess this specific program's track record. Flathead Valley Community College, the only Montana program with reported data, shows graduates earning that $38,335 figureβif UM's outcomes match that state benchmark rather than the lower national estimate, the financial picture improves noticeably. The open admission and modest debt suggest accessible training for healthcare support roles, but confirming UM's actual placement success and starting salaries with the program directly would give you firmer ground for decision-making.
Where The University of Montana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Montana
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Montana (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,152 | $36,862* | β | $17,606* | β | |
| $4,748 | $38,335* | $36,801 | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $36,862* | β | $19,825* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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 The University of Montana, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 443 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.