The University of Montana-Western ROI Analysis
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 The University of Montana-Western costs about $25,720 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $37,252 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 11.4 years (20-year ROI: 75%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$25,720
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$2,252/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
75%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Montana-Western has a high acceptance rate of 99.5% and a graduation rate of 47.2%. The median debt for graduates is $21,000, and 32.2% of students receive financial aid. The in-state tuition is $6,430.
One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $34,356. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $37,252, and after ten years, the median earnings are $43,229.
Given the median debt of $21,000 and the one-year median earnings of $34,356, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.61.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$6,430
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$37,252
Graduation Rate
47%
Receive Financial Aid
32%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,836 | 198% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,620 | 726% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $47,324 | 858% |
Peer Comparison
75%
20yr ROI
62%
20yr ROI
41%
20yr ROI
48%
20yr ROI
32%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.