Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Montana State University Billings #774 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $2,855 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Montana State University Billings in the 69.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Montana State University Billings #1362 for mobility among nonprofit four-year institutions. --- Montana State University Billings's composite ranking reflects broad strengths in access and mobility, supported by meaningful earnings beyond expectations for graduates. The institution serves a diverse student population with a focus on upward mobility, delivering strong outcomes for students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks Montana State University Billings #774 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A public university in Billings, Montana, Montana State University Billings enrolls roughly 2,626 undergraduates. Retention is 55.6% and the six-year graduation rate is 30.0%, reflecting solid completion outcomes for a regional public institution. Montana State University Billings delivers strong return on investment for its student body. Azimuth ranks Montana State University Billings #728 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $55,549, and Montana State University Billings earn about $2,855 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 69.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution's program portfolio is anchored in Business, which aligns with regional labor-market demand and supports graduates into stable career pathways. Access and affordability round out the composite profile. Montana State University Billings serves 25.4% Pell-eligible undergraduates and 38.5% first-generation students, positioning it as a broad-access institution. The university sits in the 41.9 percentile for access and the 82.1 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Mobility outcomes place the institution in the 8.0 percentile, reflecting how well graduates transition into sustainable careers relative to peer institutions. For students seeking solid long-term earnings with manageable upfront costs in a regional setting, Montana State University Billings offers a reliable value proposition.
Montana State University Billings's published cost of attendance is $20,054. Net price by income band shows how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $13,927, middle-income families pay around $16,749, and higher-income families pay approximately $20,035. Azimuth ranks Montana State University Billings #256 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. As a public regional university, Montana State University Billings benefits from lower tuition than private institutions, and the income-band net prices reflect the institution's need-based aid structure. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $18,209, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $10,259; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at Montana State University Billings's median four-year earnings of $55,549, median federal debt of $18,209 projects to a monthly payment of about $206 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Montana State University Billings is a strong fit for students seeking a regional public university in MT with a practical, career-oriented program mix anchored in Business and related fields. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $55,549, placing Montana State University Billings in the 30.5 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They earn about $2,855 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 69.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The university serves a meaningful share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 25.4% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 38.5% are first-generation. Published cost of attendance is $20,035, with median federal debt at graduation of $18,209. Students drawn to Business programs — representing 28% of graduates — will find the strongest alignment with the institution's economic signature and regional employer network.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Montana State University Billings hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Montana State University Billings's published cost of attendance is $20,054. Net price by income band shows how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $13,927, middle-income families pay around $16,749, and higher-income families pay approximately $20,035.
Azimuth ranks Montana State University Billings #256 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. As a public regional university, Montana State University Billings benefits from lower tuition than private institutions, and the income-band net prices reflect the institution's need-based aid structure.
Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $18,209, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $10,259; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at Montana State University Billings's median four-year earnings of $55,549, median federal debt of $18,209 projects to a monthly payment of about $206 under standard ten-year repayment.
For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Montana State University Billings earn median 4-year earnings of $55,549, placing Montana State University Billings in the 30.5 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $2,855 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 69.5 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks Montana State University Billings #728 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major.
Business/Commerce, General reports 123 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $58,827. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities reports 38 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $67,304.
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods reports 30 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $37,846. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other reports 11 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $65,875.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
20 graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
38 graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
11 graduates
Business/Commerce, General
123 graduates
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
17 graduates
Montana State University Billings's program mix is anchored in business and applied professional fields, reflecting the institution's regional comprehensive university identity. Business/Commerce, General is the largest program with 123 graduates, followed by General Studies, Teacher Education, Psychology, General, and Health Administration.
Across 20 programs serving roughly 417 students annually, 0 meet Azimuth's ranking threshold, with strength concentrated in business, health professions, and applied technical fields. The earnings pattern reflects practical, workforce-aligned programming.
General Studies graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $67,304 with 38 graduates, while Business/Commerce, General delivers median earnings of $58,827 and Teacher Education reaches $37,846. These outcomes align with Montana State University Billings's positioning as a regional institution serving students who prioritize direct entry into Montana's labor market and stable career pathways over extended academic specialization.
The program portfolio emphasizes applied credentials and professional outcomes. Business represents 28% of graduates, with Education at 13% and Social Sciences at 3%, creating a mix oriented toward immediate workforce entry in healthcare, business administration, and technical trades.
The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how these program families align with regional and national labor-market demand.
