Return on Investment Analysis

Montana State University-Northern ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Montana State University-Northern degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Montana State University-Northern is 2.5 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Montana State University-Northern?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Montana State University-Northern is $25,076 ($6,269 per year). 28% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Montana State University-Northern graduates earn?

The median earnings for Montana State University-Northern graduates 5 years after enrollment is $45,045. This is $10,045 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Montana State University-Northern costs about $25,076 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $45,045 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.5 years (20-year ROI: 701%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$25,076

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$10,045/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

2.5 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

701%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

One year after graduation, Montana State University-Northern graduates earn a median of $46,222. The median debt for graduates is $18,500. With in-state tuition at $6,269, the aid percentage is 28%.

Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $45,045. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $49,505.

The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$6,269

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$45,045

Graduation Rate

36%

Receive Financial Aid

28%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$25,076	$41,836	445%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$25,076	$65,623	2342%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$25,076	$0	N/A
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians	$25,076	$54,727	1473%

Peer Comparison

Montana State University-Northern Current

701%

20yr ROI

Augusta University

518%

20yr ROI

CUNY Brooklyn College

573%

20yr ROI

Florida Gulf Coast University

720%

20yr ROI

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

270%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$25,076

Median Debt$18,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$25,076

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montana State University-Northern worth the cost?

Based on government data, Montana State University-Northern has an estimated 20-year ROI of 701%. The total 4-year cost is $25,076 and graduates earn a median of $45,045 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a Montana State University-Northern degree?

What is the total cost of attending Montana State University-Northern?

What do Montana State University-Northern graduates earn?

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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