Biological & Physical Sciencesat The University of Montana
Graduates earn $25,950/yr in their first year — about 29.0% below the national Biological & Physical Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $396K; scenarios range from $383K to $389K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Montana
The financial outcomes for this broad Biological and Physical Sciences degree at the University of Montana suggest a challenging path for many graduates. The regional labor market around Missoula, while rich in natural resources and outdoor opportunities, lacks the robust, high-paying private sector jobs in biotech or pharmaceuticals found in major urban centers. Many graduates find initial roles with state agencies like the Forest Service or Fish & Wildlife, environmental consultancies, or in K-12 education, which typically offer more modest starting salaries. This foundational degree often requires further specialization or an advanced degree to unlock higher-earning scientific careers. If you're drawn to this program, actively seek internships with local employers from day one and plan for potential graduate studies or geographic flexibility to access more lucrative positions.
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 University of Montana'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 Biological & Physical Sciences
How University of Montana stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Montana
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Montana, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biological & Physical Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biological & Physical Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biological & Physical Sciences at University of Montana
What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biological & Physical Sciences at The University of Montana?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biological & Physical Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is The University of Montana a good choice for Biological & Physical Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Montana's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.