Biology, General at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,435/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #472 of 822 Biology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $489K $489K $461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 15.1x 14.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,208
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Montana State University's Biology, General program produces graduates earning $29,435/yr — within striking distance of the $32,219 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biology, General's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $29,435 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #472 of 822 Biology, General programs, Montana State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $44,208 show a 50% jump from the $29,435 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Montana State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montana State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology, General at Montana State University?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology, General. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biology, General careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $460,971 in decade earnings vs $489,078 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →