Mathematicsat Montana State University
Graduates earn $34,475/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Mathematics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $742K; scenarios range from $621K to $775K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Montana State University
The earnings data for MSU Mathematics graduates reflects the unique labor market dynamics of the region, rather than a lack of rigor in the program itself. Bozeman offers an exceptional quality of life and a growing, but still nascent, tech and analytics scene. While the program equips you with highly valuable quantitative skills, the concentration of top-tier, high-paying finance or major tech firms that drive up national averages for mathematicians is simply not as prevalent locally. Many graduates likely find fulfilling roles in regional education, government, or smaller businesses, which offer a different compensation structure than those in major metropolitan hubs. If your goal is to pursue the highest-paying data science or actuarial positions, strategically planning internships outside Montana and considering post-graduation relocation will be crucial for maximizing your earning potential.
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 Mathematics
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 Mathematics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Mathematics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Mathematics at Montana State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at Montana State University?
This program scores 52/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mathematics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Mathematics careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $620,920 in decade earnings vs $774,758 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Mathematics from Montana State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.