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Teacher Education 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 Teacher Education 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 Teacher Education. 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 Teacher Education 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 Teacher Education 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

Teacher Education 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 Teacher Education at The University of Montana-Western?

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

Should I worry about AI if I study Teacher Education 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 →