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Computer Science at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
87 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
88
Optimistic
87
Base Case
80
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,918/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 38.2x earnings multiple (9.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #47 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,310K $1,235K $872K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 40.5x 38.2x 27.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.5x 9.9x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 88 87 80

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 (9.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,750
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$126,082
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $66,918 track close to the $73,713 national median for Computer Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 38.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 33% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

At $21,750 in median debt against $66,918 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #47 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $126,082 show a 88% jump from the $66,918 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Montana State University

Montana State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 14,472 in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at Montana State University

Construction Engineering Technologies ($77,139) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,060) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,915) Mechanical Engineering ($68,469) Civil Engineering ($67,373) Computer Engineering ($67,015) Industrial Engineering ($64,082) Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($62,605)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Montana State University?
This program scores 87/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $871,694 in decade earnings vs $1,309,974 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Montana State University's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #47 of 345 programs nationally, Montana State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →