English at The University of Montana
Missoula, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,447/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
15.2x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $497K | $497K | $463K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.2x | 15.2x | 14.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.9x | 3.9x | 3.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 27 | 26 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,608
Out-of-state: $126,488 (3.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,692
12.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,456
93% growth from Year 1
About The University of Montana
The University of Montana accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,079 students in Missoula, MT.
See all programs and financial aid at The University of Montana →Top Career Paths
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers
$49,210/yr
Compare & Explore
English at Other Schools
Other Majors at The University of Montana
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at The University of Montana?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a English degree from The University of Montana?
At $22,692 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at The University of Montana?
The 61% 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.
Is The University of Montana a good choice for English 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →