Liberal Arts and Sciences at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Associate Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Montana State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 14,472 in Bozeman, MT.

Program Analysis

At $33,040 per year, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Montana State University earn slightly above the $27,616 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 21.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #550 out of 830 programs, Montana State University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
43
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $33,040/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (100% shielded)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$346K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
21.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
1 of 1
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$16,166
Out-of-state: $62,674
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$37,780
14% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof

About Liberal Arts and Sciences Careers

Your studies in humanities and sciences can lead to a career shaping minds in higher education. As a community college instructor, your days are focused on the classroom. You’ll craft engaging lectures, lead discussions on foundational texts, and spend afternoons in office hours, helping students one-on-one with their essays and research projects. At a four-year university, your role often expands to include original research, meaning you might spend your mornings teaching a seminar and your afternoons in the library archives, contributing new knowledge to your field by writing articles and books.

Read the full Liberal Arts and Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences Overview

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Montana State University

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Montana State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI replace Liberal Arts and Sciences jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Liberal Arts and Sciences work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →