You would borrow a median $22,500 — about $256 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $53,263 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 1.6 years of the salary premium.
It is a fair deal, close to the national middle. What you study and what you borrow will matter more than the badge.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
Every dollar you win is a dollar you never repay — and it moves the 1.6-year payback above. We list 3 scholarships tied to Montana State University.
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The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,146 against $22,500 of debt. Montana State University takes longer than that, and its graduates earn $13,743 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University - Northern Montana | D | $18,500 | $49,505 | 1.9 yrs |
| Carroll College Montana | C | $25,757 | $61,772 | 1.2 yrs |
| Rocky Mountain College Montana | F | $26,000 | $49,036 | 2.7 yrs |
| Montana State University - Billings Montana | F | $18,209 | $44,296 | 3.8 yrs |
| University of Montana Montana | F | $22,400 | $44,511 | 4.5 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.