Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $33,311 place Montana State University below the $42,710 national median for Plant Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
The 15.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $20,500 debt-to-$33,311 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #38 out of 50 programs, Montana State University's financial outcomes for Plant Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $33,311 to $46,106 shows 38% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.