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Liberal Arts & Humanities at Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,832/yr (-20% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 22.1x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #96 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$593K	$593K	$568K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.1x	22.1x	21.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.9x	6.9x	6.7x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	39	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$26,824

Out-of-state: $85,388 (6.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,176

-124% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,143

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,448

96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,832/yr fall 20% below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 22.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts & Humanities involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $18,143 against $29,832/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Montana State University Billings ranks #96 among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $29,832-to-$58,448 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montana State University Billings

a smaller institution with 2,710 students in Billings, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University Billings →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Montana State University Billings?

At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Montana State University Billings one of the best schools for Liberal Arts & Humanities?

Among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, Montana State University Billings's #96 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Is Montana State University Billings a good choice for Liberal Arts & Humanities despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Montana State University Billings's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →