The University of Montana-Western
The University of Montana-Western — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
The University of Montana-Western at a Glance
The University of Montana Western is a public college in Dillon, Montana, United States. It is affiliated with the University of Montana and part of the Montana University System. It was founded in 1893 as "Montana State Normal School" and was also the "Western Montana College of the University of Montana" before becoming part of the Montana University System in 2000. Enrollment of full-time, degree seeking students as of Fall 2018 was 1,221 students.
1893
133 years old
1,221
Identity
Is The University of Montana-Western Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, The University of Montana-Western is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,229 — 20% below average — while paying $16,558/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 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 100% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at The University of Montana-Western has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How The University of Montana-Western compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #51 of 82 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 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #5 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #6 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #51 | The University of Montana-Western | 33 | $16,558 | $43,229 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of The University of Montana-Western's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MT.
Best Programs at The University of Montana-Western
The highest-earning program at The University of Montana-Western is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $33,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Natural Resources Conservation and Research at $30,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate from The University of Montana-Western earns $33,500, while a Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduate earns $30,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduates carry $26,321 in median debt vs. $22,882 for Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,558/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,500 | $33,500 | $26,321 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $32,700 | $32,700 | $23,360 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,900 | $31,900 | $23,530 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $30,500 | $30,500 | $22,882 |
Similar Colleges in MT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Dillon, MT
- Student Body
- 1,198 students
- Admission Rate
- 100%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,558
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,229
- Median Student Debt
- $21,000