English Language and Literature, General at The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,447/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #333 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English Language and Literature, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $497K $497K $463K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.2x 15.2x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 24

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 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,472
-110% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,692
12.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,456
93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,447 place The University of Montana below the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 15.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English Language and Literature, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #333 ranking among 493 English Language and Literature, General programs places The University of Montana in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,447-to-$41,456 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Montana

The University of Montana accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,079 students in Missoula, MT.

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

Top Career Paths

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers $49,210/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at The University of Montana

Consider the Trade Route?

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 does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English Language and Literature, General at The University of Montana?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English Language and Literature, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a English Language and Literature, General degree from The University of Montana?
At $22,692 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study English Language and Literature, General at The University of Montana?
The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is The University of Montana a good choice for English Language and Literature, General 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 →