Montana Western is known for a block-style schedule where you take a single course at a time, letting labs, fieldwork, and studio work run deep. The university has a reputation for strong teaching in the sciences, education, business, the arts, and outdoor-oriented fields. Students lean on a well-used library, advising and tutoring, tech-equipped classrooms, residence halls and dining, a busy fitness center, and folks in student services who actually pick up the phone.
Life here is active and unpretentious. Clubs, performances, and volunteer projects mix with trail runs, river days, and coffee-fueled study sessions downtown. The culture is tight-knit and hands-on, with faculty mentoring, internships across the region, and projects that plug into local schools, nonprofits, and land-focused employers. Career services help connect the dots. And the block plan becomes a shared tradition that shapes how students learn and live.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Location:
710 S Atlantic, Dillon, Montana, 59725, USA
Explore degree programs offered at The University of Montana (UMW), Western with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Montana. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Montana vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Education (22)
Most Graduates (53.5%)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0101
Education, General.
(Cert<2y)
A program that focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching, the basic principles of educational psychology, the art of teaching, the planning and administration of educational activities, school safety and health issues, and the social foundations of education.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-9042
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
N/A
N/A
N/A
25-9043
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.1001
Special Education and Teaching, General.
(AltPostMSc)
A general program that focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children or adults with special learning needs or disabilities, and that may prepare individuals to function as special education teachers in a collaborative or team environment. Includes instruction in diagnosing learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising special education students, special education counseling, and applicable laws and policies.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-2051
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
$72,610
N/A
N/A
25-2055
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
N/A
N/A
N/A
25-2056
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
N/A
N/A
N/A
25-2057
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
$72,310
$62,040
-$10,270 (-14.2%)
25-2058
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
$74,610
$54,920
-$19,690 (-26.4%)
25-2059
Special Education Teachers, All Other
$74,180
N/A
N/A
25-9043
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.1202
Elementary Education and Teaching.
(Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through grade eight, depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all elementary education subject matter.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-2021
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
$69,790
$55,690
-$14,100 (-20.2%)
13.1205
Secondary Education and Teaching.
(BSc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system or state regulations. May include preparation to teach a comprehensive curriculum or specific subject matter.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
13.1210
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y, Cert2y+, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to teach students ranging in age from infancy through eight years (grade three), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-2011
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
$41,450
$37,320
-$4,130 (-10%)
25-2012
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
$67,020
$55,660
-$11,360 (-17%)
25-2021
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
$69,790
$55,690
-$14,100 (-20.2%)
25-9042
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
N/A
N/A
N/A
25-9043
Teaching Assistants, Special Education
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.1302
Art Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-1121
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$102,240
$78,140
-$24,100 (-23.6%)
25-2022
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$70,040
$59,910
-$10,130 (-14.5%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
13.1303
Business and Innovation/Entrepreneurship Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to teach vocational business, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs at various educational levels. Includes instruction in business administration, business development, finance, idea generation, investing, logistics, management, and marketing.
A program that prepares individuals to teach general science programs, or a combination of the biological and physical science subject matter areas, at various educational levels.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1041
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$97,790
$112,740
+$14,950 (+15.3%)
25-1042
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$101,340
$106,850
+$5,510 (+5.4%)
25-1043
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$103,780
$91,730
-$12,050 (-11.6%)
25-1051
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$112,950
$121,610
+$8,660 (+7.7%)
25-1052
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
$103,030
$99,350
-$3,680 (-3.6%)
25-1053
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$100,360
$110,060
+$9,700 (+9.7%)
25-1054
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$105,460
$101,420
-$4,040 (-3.8%)
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-2022
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$70,040
$59,910
-$10,130 (-14.5%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
13.1317
Social Science Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach specific social science subjects and programs at various educational levels.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-2022
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$70,040
$59,910
-$10,130 (-14.5%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
13.1322
Biology Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach biology programs at various educational levels.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1042
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$101,340
$106,850
+$5,510 (+5.4%)
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-2022
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$70,040
$59,910
-$10,130 (-14.5%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
13.1328
History Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to teach history programs at various educational levels.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-1125
History Teachers, Postsecondary
$93,710
$100,600
+$6,890 (+7.4%)
25-2022
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$70,040
$59,910
-$10,130 (-14.5%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach earth science programs at various educational levels.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1051
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$112,950
$121,610
+$8,660 (+7.7%)
25-1081
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,500
$76,200
-$2,300 (-2.9%)
25-2022
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$70,040
$59,910
-$10,130 (-14.5%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
Business (2)
Most Graduates (9.8%)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-1011
Chief Executives
$262,930
$179,030
-$83,900 (-31.9%)
11-1021
General and Operations Managers
$133,120
$102,370
-$30,750 (-23.1%)
11-2022
Sales Managers
$160,930
$150,210
-$10,720 (-6.7%)
11-3012
Administrative Services Managers
$126,030
$103,030
-$23,000 (-18.2%)
11-3013
Facilities Managers
$114,520
$94,050
-$20,470 (-17.9%)
11-3051
Industrial Production Managers
$129,180
$112,250
-$16,930 (-13.1%)
11-3071
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
$116,010
$85,360
-$30,650 (-26.4%)
11-3111
Compensation and Benefits Managers
$156,230
N/A
N/A
11-3121
Human Resources Managers
$160,480
$117,470
-$43,010 (-26.8%)
11-3131
Training and Development Managers
$140,590
$109,860
-$30,730 (-21.9%)
11-9021
Construction Managers
$119,660
$146,440
+$26,780 (+22.4%)
11-9072
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
$87,060
$78,070
-$8,990 (-10.3%)
11-9151
Social and Community Service Managers
$86,100
$70,420
-$15,680 (-18.2%)
11-9179
Personal Service Managers, All Other
$70,620
N/A
N/A
11-9199
Managers, All Other
$149,890
$97,010
-$52,880 (-35.3%)
13-1051
Cost Estimators
$83,160
$72,290
-$10,870 (-13.1%)
13-1071
Human Resources Specialists
$79,730
$60,890
-$18,840 (-23.6%)
13-1081
Logisticians
$87,600
$71,040
-$16,560 (-18.9%)
13-1082
Project Management Specialists
$108,100
$82,230
-$25,870 (-23.9%)
13-1111
Management Analysts
$114,710
$89,940
-$24,770 (-21.6%)
13-1141
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
$82,920
$67,990
-$14,930 (-18%)
13-1199
Business Operations Specialists, All Other
$92,380
$72,690
-$19,690 (-21.3%)
25-1011
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
$113,840
$111,350
-$2,490 (-2.2%)
Interdisciplinary (2)
Most Graduates (6.1%)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.1701
Behavioral Sciences.
(Cert2y+)
A program with a combined or undifferentiated focus on the social sciences, psychology, and biomedical sciences to study complex problems of human individual and social growth and behavior.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9151
Social and Community Service Managers
$86,100
$70,420
-$15,680 (-18.2%)
19-1099
Life Scientists, All Other
$101,940
$67,370
-$34,570 (-33.9%)
19-3039
Psychologists, All Other
$111,340
N/A
N/A
19-3099
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
$106,440
$76,590
-$29,850 (-28%)
19-4061
Social Science Research Assistants
$63,560
$47,550
-$16,010 (-25.2%)
21-1099
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
Any instructional program in multi/interdisciplinary studies not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
99-9999
NO MATCH
N/A
N/A
N/A
Liberal Arts (4)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1199
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
$94,470
$92,720
-$1,750 (-1.9%)
24.0102
General Studies.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
An undifferentiated program that includes instruction in the general arts, general science, or unstructured studies.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1199
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
$94,470
$92,720
-$1,750 (-1.9%)
Agriculture (3)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
A program that focuses on the horse, horsemanship, and related subjects and prepares individuals to care for horses and horse equipment; ride and drive horses for leisure, sport, show, and professional purposes; and manage the training of horses and riders. Includes instruction in horse breeding, nutrition, health, and safety; history of the horse and horsemanship; horse development and training; riding and equestrian technique; stable, paddock, and track management; and equipment maintenance and repair.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1041
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$97,790
$112,740
+$14,950 (+15.3%)
39-2011
Animal Trainers
$45,780
$43,900
-$1,880 (-4.1%)
Biological Sciences (2)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9121
Natural Sciences Managers
$173,500
$127,050
-$46,450 (-26.8%)
19-1029
Biological Scientists, All Other
$100,440
N/A
N/A
19-1099
Life Scientists, All Other
$101,940
$67,370
-$34,570 (-33.9%)
19-4012
Agricultural Technicians
$49,680
$51,150
+$1,470 (+3%)
19-4013
Food Science Technicians
$54,400
N/A
N/A
19-4021
Biological Technicians
$58,020
$45,390
-$12,630 (-21.8%)
19-4092
Forensic Science Technicians
$75,260
$79,280
+$4,020 (+5.3%)
25-1042
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$101,340
$106,850
+$5,510 (+5.4%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
26.1301
Ecology.
(Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the relationships and interactions of small-scale biological systems, such as organisms, to each other, to complex and whole systems, and to the physical and other non-biological aspects of their environments. Includes instruction in biogeochemistry; landscape and/or marine/aquatic dynamics; decomposition; global and regional elemental budgets; biotic and abiotic regulation of nutrient cycles; ecophysiology; ecosystem resilience, disturbance, and succession; community and habitat dynamics; organismal interactions (co-evolution, competition, predation); paleoecology; and evolutionary ecology.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9121
Natural Sciences Managers
$173,500
$127,050
-$46,450 (-26.8%)
19-1023
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
$77,920
$65,870
-$12,050 (-15.5%)
19-1029
Biological Scientists, All Other
$100,440
N/A
N/A
19-1031
Conservation Scientists
$74,310
$77,670
+$3,360 (+4.5%)
19-1099
Life Scientists, All Other
$101,940
$67,370
-$34,570 (-33.9%)
25-1042
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$101,340
$106,850
+$5,510 (+5.4%)
25-1043
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$103,780
$91,730
-$12,050 (-11.6%)
Military Tech (1)
Defense Technologies and Advanced Military Systems
29.0399
Military Applied Sciences, Other.
(AltPostMSc)
Any instructional program in military applied sciences not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
99-9999
NO MATCH
N/A
N/A
N/A
Kinesiology (2)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
31.0501
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
(Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1193
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
$87,980
N/A
N/A
27-2021
Athletes and Sports Competitors
$259,750
N/A
N/A
27-2022
Coaches and Scouts
$58,910
$47,070
-$11,840 (-20.1%)
39-9031
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
$51,360
$46,780
-$4,580 (-8.9%)
31.0505
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.
(Cert2y+)
A scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. Includes instruction in biomechanics, motor behavior, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
29-1128
Exercise Physiologists
$59,620
N/A
N/A
Natural Resources (2)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
03.0104
Environmental Science.
(Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of the physical environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects such as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation; the interaction between human society and the natural environment; and natural resources management. Includes instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, climatology, statistics, and mathematical modeling.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
13-1041
Compliance Officers
$84,980
$78,170
-$6,810 (-8%)
19-2041
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
$88,640
$87,290
-$1,350 (-1.5%)
19-4042
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
$56,770
$47,730
-$9,040 (-15.9%)
19-4071
Forest and Conservation Technicians
$56,660
$47,660
-$9,000 (-15.9%)
25-1053
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$100,360
$110,060
+$9,700 (+9.7%)
03.0199
Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other.
(Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in natural resources conservation and research not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
99-9999
NO MATCH
N/A
N/A
N/A
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101
Psychology, General.
(Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9199
Managers, All Other
$149,890
$97,010
-$52,880 (-35.3%)
19-3032
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
$134,400
N/A
N/A
19-3033
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
$106,850
N/A
N/A
19-3039
Psychologists, All Other
$111,340
N/A
N/A
19-4061
Social Science Research Assistants
$63,560
$47,550
-$16,010 (-25.2%)
25-1066
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
$93,530
$85,550
-$7,980 (-8.5%)
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101
English Language and Literature, General.
(Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1123
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
$90,400
$75,380
-$15,020 (-16.6%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
43-9081
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
$52,730
N/A
N/A
History (1)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
54.0101
History, General.
(Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9199
Managers, All Other
$149,890
$97,010
-$52,880 (-35.3%)
19-3093
Historians
$78,470
N/A
N/A
25-1125
History Teachers, Postsecondary
$93,710
$100,600
+$6,890 (+7.4%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
39-7011
Tour Guides and Escorts
N/A
N/A
N/A
Arts (5)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0101
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
(Cert2y+)
A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the visual and performing arts and that may prepare individuals in any of the visual artistic media or performing disciplines.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1121
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$102,240
$78,140
-$24,100 (-23.6%)
27-1012
Craft Artists
$45,340
N/A
N/A
27-1013
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
$76,450
N/A
N/A
27-1019
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
$79,490
N/A
N/A
27-4021
Photographers
$55,650
$63,750
+$8,100 (+14.6%)
50.0701
Art/Art Studies, General.
(Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. Includes instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1121
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$102,240
$78,140
-$24,100 (-23.6%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
27-1012
Craft Artists
$45,340
N/A
N/A
27-1013
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
25-1121
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$102,240
$78,140
-$24,100 (-23.6%)
27-1013
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
$76,450
N/A
N/A
27-1019
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
$79,490
N/A
N/A
Social Sciences (2)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0101
Social Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study of human social behavior and social institutions using any of the methodologies common to the social sciences and/or history, or an undifferentiated program of study in the social sciences.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9199
Managers, All Other
$149,890
$97,010
-$52,880 (-35.3%)
19-3099
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
$106,440
$76,590
-$29,850 (-28%)
19-4061
Social Science Research Assistants
$63,560
$47,550
-$16,010 (-25.2%)
25-1069
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
$92,950
N/A
N/A
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
45.1301
Sociology and Anthropology.
(Cert2y+)
A program that combines sociology and anthropology to study how society is organized, the origins and development of social institutions, social change, social organizations, race, class, gender and culture.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9199
Managers, All Other
$149,890
$97,010
-$52,880 (-35.3%)
19-3041
Sociologists
$111,670
N/A
N/A
19-3091
Anthropologists and Archeologists
$71,070
$75,020
+$3,950 (+5.6%)
25-1061
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
$102,530
N/A
N/A
25-1067
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
$97,270
$82,830
-$14,440 (-14.8%)
Mathematics (1)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
27.0101
Mathematics, General.
(Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Montana
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code
Occupation
US National
Montana Avg
MT vs US
11-9121
Natural Sciences Managers
$173,500
$127,050
-$46,450 (-26.8%)
15-2021
Mathematicians
$122,520
N/A
N/A
15-2041
Statisticians
$112,330
$86,570
-$25,760 (-22.9%)
15-2051
Data Scientists
$124,590
$117,530
-$7,060 (-5.7%)
15-2099
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
$84,700
N/A
N/A
25-1022
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$92,880
$85,690
-$7,190 (-7.7%)
25-2031
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$73,700
$54,640
-$19,060 (-25.9%)
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate
and graduate students
Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$21,713
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$34,321
In-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
$6,431
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
$19,039
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$9,104
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,978
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,978
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
$1,930
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition
(incl. fees)
$1,930
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for
undergraduate students
18%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$8,091
Avg. Loan
$14,879
Avg. Federal Loan
$15,646
Additional
Students with Any Grant
162
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
108
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
85
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$4,873
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Avg. Pell Grant
$2,495
Average amount of Pell Grant awarded to recipients
Avg. State/Local Grant
$4,487
Average amount of state or local grant awarded to recipients
Pell Grant Recipients
31%
Percentage of students who received Pell Grant
State/Local Grant Recipients
46%
Percentage of students who received state or local grant
Institutional Grant Recipients
44%
Percentage of students awarded institutional grants
Federal Grant Recipients
32%
Percentage of students who received federal grant
Any Grant Recipients
62%
Percentage of students who received any type of grant
Any Loan Recipients
41%
Percentage of students who received any kind of student loan
Federal Loan Recipients
37%
Percentage of students who received a federal loan
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and
long-term value of education.
49%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
79%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$27,972 – $61,326
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$27,972 (25th %)$61,326 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years:
$43,229
Median Salary After 6 Years
$37,252
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$43,229
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency
status.
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
59.5%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
70.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$21,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low51.4%
Middle62.8%
High68.9%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent64.5%
Independent46.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about The University of Montana (UMW), Western
How much does it cost to attend The University of Montana (UMW), Western?
The annual tuition at The University of Montana (UMW), Western is $6,431 for in-state students and $19,039 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $21,713 for in-state students and $34,321 for out-of-state students.
Additional costs include
room and board $9,104 and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does The University of Montana, Western offer?
The University of Montana (UMW), Western offers 56 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (22 programs)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (5 programs)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (4 programs)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (3 programs)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for The University of Montana, Western?
The University of Montana (UMW), Western has an 99.5% acceptance rate and a 38% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
Total applicants: 793
Students admitted: 789
Students enrolled: 300
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at The University of Montana, Western?
The University of Montana (UMW), Western provides financial aid to 18% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,091 and average loans of $14,879.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
Pell grants: $2,495
State/Local grants: $4,487
Institutional grants: $4,873
Federal loans: $15,646
The university supports 162 students with grants and 108 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for The University of Montana, Western graduates?
The University of Montana (UMW), Western graduates earn a median salary of $37,252 after 6 years and $43,229 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $27,972 (25th percentile) to $61,326 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $63,800 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.