Analysis
A Mathematics and Computer Science bachelor's at University of Montana carries an estimated $24,000 in debt against projected first-year earnings near $90,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 that suggests relatively manageable repayment. These figures come from national medians of similar programs since Montana has no other schools offering this hybrid degree and this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish outcomes. The estimated earnings align with what peer institutions nationwide report for this interdisciplinary field, which combines computational thinking with mathematical rigor.
The combination here matters: pure computer science programs often show higher starting salaries, while pure mathematics degrees typically earn less initially. This hybrid appears to track closer to CS outcomes, likely because employers value the programming skills. With Montana's 96% admission rate and relatively accessible profile, the program serves students who might not gain entry to more selective tech pipelines but still want exposure to in-demand technical skills.
The key uncertainty is whether University of Montana's specific program actually produces these national-median outcomes. Small graduate cohorts could mean the program is either newly launched or enrolls few students—both scenarios that deserve investigation. If your child is considering this path, compare it directly to established CS programs in neighboring states where actual outcomes are reported, and verify what recruitment and internship connections the program has built with regional tech employers.
Where The University of Montana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics and computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics and Computer Science bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of MontanaMissoula | $8,152 | $89,651* | — | $24,082* | — |
 Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont | $66,255 | $166,573* | — | $23,000* | 0.14 |
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $126,153* | — | —* | — |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $109,843* | — | $23,350* | 0.21 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $91,851* | — | $21,500* | 0.23 |
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $89,651* | — | $18,887* | 0.21 |
| National Median | — | $89,651* | — | $23,175* | 0.26 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics and computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Software Developers
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Occupations, 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 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.