Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Montana 2025
Montana State University
148 computer engineering graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
The University of Montana
20 computer engineering graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Montana Technological University
19 computer engineering graduates annually, 82% graduation rate
- 1.Montana offers 6+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Montana State University leads with 85% graduation rate
- 3.Montana software developers earn median $89,870 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings
- 5.Cost of living index: 105.1% of US average (above average)
Computer Engineering Education in Montana: Overview
Montana offers 6 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 197 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, with major employers including Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises.
With a median software developer salary of $89,870 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 105.1% compared to the US average, Montana offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Montana State University, The University of Montana, Montana Technological University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Montana Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana State University | Bozeman, MT | Public | $6,056 | 85% | 74.8 |
| 2 | The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | Public | $5,736 | 100% | 50.9 |
| 3 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | Public | $6,113 | 82% | 47.4 |
| 4 | University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | Private | $28,618 | 84% | 44.7 |
| 5 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | Private | $39,152 | — | 36.7 |
| 6 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings, MT | Private | $32,282 | — | 35.2 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Montana: Side-by-Side
| School | Montana State | University of Montana | Montana Technological | U of Providence | Carroll College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,056 | $5,736 | $6,113 | $28,618 | $39,152 |
| Graduation Rate | 85% | 100% | 82% | 84% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 148 | 20 | 19 | 2 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 96% | 90% | 64% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 74.8/100 | 50.9/100 | 47.4/100 | 44.7/100 | 36.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Montana
Montana offers 6 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Montana State University, The University of Montana, Montana Technological University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,909 in the Montana market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 148 | 74.8 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 20 | 50.9 |
| #3 Montana Technological | $6,113 | 82% | 19 | 47.4 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Montana
For graduate study, Montana offers 3 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Montana State University, The University of Montana, Montana Technological University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Montana reaching $116,831 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond Montana.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 17 | 50.6 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 3 | 44.1 |
| #3 Montana Technological | $6,113 | 82% | 3 | 40.9 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Montana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Montana are at The University of Montana ($5,736/year), Montana State University ($6,056/year), Montana Technological University ($6,113/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Montana's competitive tech salaries.
At The University of Montana, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,944 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,909, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Montana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Montana | $5,736 | $22,944 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Montana State | $6,056 | $24,224 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Montana Technological | $6,113 | $24,452 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Montana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Montana, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,056 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 148 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 74.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 148 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (148 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Montana State's Computer Engineering program offers hands-on space research opportunities including projects that travel to the International Space Station, with virtually 100% career placement and 80% of students receiving scholarships. The program combines interdisciplinary coursework from both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with mandatory capstone projects.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: virtually 100% for Electrical and Computer Engineering graduates
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,736 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 50.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 20 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The software engineering concentration stresses practice over theory for development, operation and maintenance of software, particularly preparing students for industry positions heavy on applications development and web development with skills not often met by many computer science programs.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $89K
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Montana Technological University
Butte, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,113 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 47.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 19 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Montana State University's Electrical Engineering program is ABET-accredited and offers extensive specialization opportunities in areas like telecommunications, control systems, and power electronics. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving through mandatory capstone design projects where students work in teams on real-world problems.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 44.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 2 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (64% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Carroll College
Helena, MT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $39,152 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 36.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 5 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 36.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Carroll's Computer Science program offers a personalized, hands-on learning experience with real-world projects and exceptional internship opportunities due to its location in Helena, Montana (the state capital), providing access to state and federal government positions as well as private sector opportunities. The program is tightly integrated with Mathematics and Data Sciences, making it easy for students to double-major or add minors, while graduates have achieved success at major tech companies and prestigious universities worldwide.
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: SoFi, Microsoft, Intel Corp, Zoom, Block, Hewlett-Packard, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Northrop Grumman Information Technology, FBI, NASA, Oracle, Siebel, US Army, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Montana Department of Justice
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Ranked #1 Regional Colleges in the West for 11 of the past 12 years by U.S. News & World Report
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($89,870 median)
- You want to work at companies like Oracle or Workiva
- You prefer Montana's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Montana's 6)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Computer Engineering in Montana FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Montana-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Montana salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.