Social Work at The University of Montana

With only two social work programs in Montana, the University of Montana sits right at the state median—but that still means graduates earn $3,500 less than their peers at other schools nationally. Starting at $33,726, these graduates face a manageable debt load of $25,000, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 that's reasonable for a helping profession. The concerning detail isn't the debt; it's that earnings barely budge over the next four years, climbing just 2% to $34,260.

This stagnation matters because social work typically requires ongoing professional development and sometimes graduate education for advancement. Starting in the 26th percentile nationally means Montana graduates begin behind most of their peers elsewhere, and the flat earnings trajectory suggests limited upward mobility in the local market. For context, social workers nationally earn about $37,300 in their first year—a gap that compounds over time.

If your child is committed to staying in Montana and working in social services, this program offers the credential they need without crushing debt. The high admission rate means access isn't a barrier. However, families should understand they're choosing geographic convenience and lower debt over higher lifetime earnings—a tradeoff that makes sense if Montana is home, but less so if career advancement and income growth are priorities.