Computer Scienceat Montana State University
Graduates earn $66,918/yr in their first year — about 9.0% below the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,235K; scenarios range from $872K to $1,310K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Montana State University
First-year earnings of $66,918 track close to the $73,713 national median for Computer Science programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 38.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.
The 33% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.
At $21,750 in median debt against $66,918 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #47 of 345 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $126,082 show a 88% jump from the $66,918 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Montana State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Science
How Montana State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Montana State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Montana State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Science at Montana State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Montana State University?
This program scores 87/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $871,694 in decade earnings vs $1,309,974 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Montana State University's Computer Science program stand out?
Ranked #47 of 345 programs nationally, Montana State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.