Business/Commerce, General at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,164/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 18.6x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $613K $603K $545K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.9x 18.6x 16.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 69

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 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,735
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,260
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $48,164/yr, Business/Commerce, General graduates from Montana State University land near the $48,211 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 18.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business/Commerce, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,735 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Montana State University ranks #9 among 242 Business/Commerce, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 42% earnings increase from $48,164 to $68,260 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Montana State University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Montana State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business/Commerce, General at Other Schools

Compare Business/Commerce, General

Other Majors at Montana State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business/Commerce, General at Montana State University?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business/Commerce, General at Montana State University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Montana State University one of the best schools for Business/Commerce, General?
Among 242 Business/Commerce, General programs, Montana State University's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →