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Subject-Area Teaching at The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,151/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk High (43% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)

ROI 20.0x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #129 of 348 Teacher Education programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Subject-Area Teaching graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$516K	$514K	$489K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	20.1x	20.0x	19.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.8x	6.8x	6.4x
Probability of Field Employment	78%	70%	55%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	59	67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$25,720

Out-of-state: $76,152 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$66,676

-159% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,711

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,151/yr, roughly in line with the $41,690 national median for Subject-Area Teaching. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 20.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Subject-Area Teaching career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $38,151/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #129 ranking among 348 Subject-Area Teaching programs places The University of Montana-Western in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 30% earnings increase from $38,151 to $49,711 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Montana-Western

The University of Montana-Western accepts 100% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,271 in Dillon, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Montana-Western →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary $101,390/yr

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr

View all 30 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Subject-Area Teaching at Other Schools

Other Majors at The University of Montana-Western

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 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Subject-Area Teaching at The University of Montana-Western?

At 59/100, The University of Montana-Western's Subject-Area Teaching program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Subject-Area Teaching at The University of Montana-Western?

The 43% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →