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Liberal Arts and Sciences at Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,832/yr (-20% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 22.1x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #96 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$593K	$593K	$568K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.1x	22.1x	21.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.9x	6.9x	6.7x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	39	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$26,824

Out-of-state: $85,388 (6.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,176

-124% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,143

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,448

96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,832/yr fall 20% below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 22.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $18,143 against $29,832/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Montana State University Billings ranks #96 among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $29,832-to-$58,448 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montana State University Billings

a smaller institution with 2,710 students in Billings, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University Billings →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Montana State University Billings?

At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Montana State University Billings one of the best schools for Liberal Arts and Sciences?

Among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Montana State University Billings's #96 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Is Montana State University Billings a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Montana State University Billings'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 →