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Biological and Physical Sciences at The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,950/yr (-29% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)

Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #22 of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological and Physical Sciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$389K	$396K	$383K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	12.2x	11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.1x	3.1x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,608

Out-of-state: $126,488 (3.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,472

-110% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $25,950 per year, Biological and Physical Sciences graduates from The University of Montana earn below the $36,628 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biological and Physical Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #22 ranking among 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs places The University of Montana in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About The University of Montana

With 96% of applicants admitted, The University of Montana prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,079 in Missoula, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Montana →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biological and Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at The University of Montana

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 does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biological and Physical Sciences at The University of Montana?

At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biological and Physical Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is The University of Montana a good choice for Biological and Physical Sciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Montana's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →