Program Analysis
The University of Montana Biology graduates command $43,914/yr out of the gate, well above the $32,219 national median. That 36% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $23,680 represents roughly 6 months of the $43,914 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #43 of 822 nationally, this is a top-5% Biology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $51,573 are relatively flat compared to the $43,914 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.