Mathematics at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,475/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 22.9x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #178 of 253 Mathematics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $775K $742K $621K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.0x 22.9x 19.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 5.9x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 56

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 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,536
105% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,475 place Montana State University below the $50,797 national median for Mathematics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mathematics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mathematics's typical career paths, with 65% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 20% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $34,475 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #178 of 253 Mathematics programs, Montana State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $70,536 show a 105% jump from the $34,475 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Montana State University

Montana State University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Montana State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at Montana State University?
This program scores 52/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mathematics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Mathematics careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $620,920 in decade earnings vs $774,758 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Mathematics from Montana State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →