The University of Montana: Is It Worth It?

Graduate earnings, costs, and ROI analysis with federal data

By Appffeine Research Team · Updated February 11, 2026

Overview

The University of Montana is located in Missoula, MT. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from The University of Montana actually earn.

Data last updated: February 11, 2026

| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $44,511 | | In-State Tuition | $8,152 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $31,622 | | Acceptance Rate | 95.6% | | Graduation Rate | 45.4% | | Student Population | 7,079 |

Graduate Earnings

According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for The University of Montana graduates is $44,511 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.

This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.

How This Compares

Compare The University of Montana's graduate earnings to:

  • [Similar schools in MT](/schools/mt)
  • [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
  • [National averages by major](/majors)

Cost Breakdown

Understanding the true cost of attending The University of Montana:

| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $8,152 | $31,622 | | Room & Board | $12,192 | $12,192 | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | $81,376 | $175,256 |

Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

ROI Analysis

To calculate your personal ROI:

  • Estimate your total cost after financial aid
  • Compare to median earnings of $44,511
  • Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
  • Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
[Calculate Your Personal ROI →](/tools/roi-calculator)

Top Majors at The University of Montana

The highest-earning majors at The University of Montana typically include:

  • Engineering and Computer Science programs
  • Business and Finance degrees
  • Healthcare and Nursing programs
[See earnings by major at The University of Montana →](/school/the-university-of-montana/majors)

Similar Schools to Consider

Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:

  • Schools in MT with similar outcomes
  • Institutions with comparable admission rates
  • Universities with strong programs in your intended major
[Compare with similar schools →](/compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The University of Montana worth the tuition?

With median graduate earnings of $44,511 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $175,256, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.

What percentage of The University of Montana students graduate?

The graduation rate at The University of Montana is 45.4%, which is below the national average.

How competitive is admission to The University of Montana?

The University of Montana has an acceptance rate of 95.6% with an average SAT score of 1190.

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This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.