Business, Management, Marketing, at The University of Montana

A business degree from the University of Montana faces an unusual challenge: the school is the only one in the state offering this four-year credential, which means there's no local comparison point. Based on peer programs nationally, graduates can expect to earn around $50,740 in their first year, with typical debt loads near $24,621. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.49—meaning you'd owe roughly half of what you'd earn in year one, which is manageable by most standards.

The real question is whether Montana's job market can support these earnings estimates. Business graduates in other states reach the national median, but Montana's smaller economy and lower cost of living might shift these figures in either direction. The estimated debt sits slightly below the national median of $26,000 for business programs, which is a point in Montana's favor. With a 96% admission rate, this program is accessible, though the modest SAT average of 1190 suggests it may not compete for the same students as more selective business schools.

If your child plans to stay in Montana after graduation, understand that you're working with projections from programs elsewhere. The math looks reasonable on paper, but without actual outcome data from Montana graduates, you're banking on the state's business landscape offering opportunities similar to the national average. If they're willing to relocate to larger markets post-graduation, the degree becomes a safer bet.