Montana State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Montana State University?

Montana State University reports an overall graduation rate of 57%, positioning the institution around the median nationally. This indicates that just over half of the students eventually complete their degrees, reflecting an average performance compared to peer schools. When disaggregated by gender, the graduation rates show a modest variation: 54% of men graduate, while the rate for women is slightly higher at 62%.

The four-year graduation rate is notably lower at 36%, suggesting that just over one-third of students complete their programs within the traditional four-year timeframe. However, the six-year graduation rate aligns with the overall figure at 57%, indicating many students take longer than four years to finish their degrees but eventually succeed.

Retention, a key indicator of student persistence, stands at 78%, which is in the upper half among similar institutions. This rate suggests that a solid majority of students who begin their studies continue beyond their first year.

These figures reveal that while Montana State University maintains reasonable retention that may support eventual graduation, timely completion within four years is less common. The distribution of these outcomes across different majors and degree types has not been specified, but the gender gap in graduation rates reflects a slightly better outcome for female students.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Montana State University?

Graduates from Montana State University experience varied earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in Engineering and Computer Science. For instance, graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering can expect an average annual salary of $70,974. Computer Science degree holders also see strong income prospects, earning approximately $69,934. Industrial Engineering graduates earn around $64,779, while those with Construction Engineering Technologies and Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies degrees earn about $63,082 and $58,139 respectively. Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering graduates are similarly well-compensated with average earnings of $56,740 and $56,660.

In the broader engineering spectrum, Chemical Engineering graduates earn about $53,200, and Computer Engineering graduates receive approximately $52,780. These figures indicate robust opportunities for students pursuing technical and engineering disciplines at the university.

Other fields offering comparatively strong earning potential include Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing, where alumni earn an average of $62,767. Agricultural Business and Management graduates also fare well with earnings near $45,845. Business-related degrees such as Business/Commerce, General tend to yield earnings around $41,486.

Graduates in mathematics and physical sciences earn moderate incomes, with Mathematics at $35,211 and Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences around $35,575. Economics degree holders earn about $35,805, reflecting reasonable returns in social science disciplines.

Education-related degrees demonstrate modest earning potential, with Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates earning between $31,434 and $33,071 based on specialty. Degrees in Political Science and Government bring in average salaries of $31,168, while Sociology graduates earn approximately $29,344.

In the biological sciences, fields such as Microbiological Sciences and Immunology offer earnings near $28,481, slightly above those in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at $28,081. Chemistry graduates can expect roughly $28,736. Graduates in Psychology earn an average of $28,468, while Fine and Studio Arts degrees result in incomes near $27,245.

Lower salary averages tend to be seen among graduates in Environmental Design ($20,010), Biology, General ($22,546), and Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($21,505). Degrees in English Language and Literature and related sustainability studies deliver earnings in the mid-$20,000 range, with English Language and Literature at $25,455 and Sustainability Studies approximately $25,358. Film/Video and Photographic Arts alumni earn about $24,319.