Montana State University Billings
Montana State University Billings — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Montana State University Billings at a Glance
Montana State University Billings (MSUB), also known as MSU Billings, is a public university in Billings, Montana, United States. It is the state's third largest university. Its campus is located on 110 acres in downtown Billings. Formerly Eastern Montana Normal School at its founding in 1927, the Normal School changed its name to Eastern Montana College of Education in 1949. It was again renamed in 1965 as Eastern Montana College (EMC). It merged into the Montana University System in 1994 under…
Is Montana State University Billings Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Montana State University Billings is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,296 — 18% below average — while paying $16,524/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 29% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Montana State University Billings has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Montana State University Billings compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #179 of 204 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #179 | Montana State University Billings | 20 | $16,524 | $44,296 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Montana State University Billings's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MT.
Best Programs at Montana State University Billings
The highest-earning program at Montana State University Billings is Business/Commerce, General at $39,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $29,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Montana State University Billings earns $39,600, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $29,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $21,576 in median debt vs. $15,500 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,524/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $39,600 | $39,600 | $21,576 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,100 | $32,100 | $24,480 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,600 | $30,600 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $29,000 | $29,000 | $15,500 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Billings, MT
- Student Body
- 2,626 students
- Graduation Rate
- 29%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,524
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,296
- Median Student Debt
- $18,209