🥇
Great Falls College Montana State University
Great Falls, MTPublic
$3,065
Tuition/yr
34%
Grad rate
66.1
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: Montana State, U of Montana, U of Providence
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,792 to $39,152/year
Montana State University ... offers the most affordable option at $4,805/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 4 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Montana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online computer programming degree programs in Montana
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Montana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
4 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises, onXmaps
Tech hubs in Bozeman and Missoula
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Programming degree programs near 16+ cities across Montana
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Montana Computer Programming programs
We rank 13 accredited computer programming programs in Montana using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Computer Programming Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?
Answer
$89,870
Yes. The best computer programming degree programs in Montana deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $89,870 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $13,327/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Montana
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Montana
4
Programs ranked
$3,957
Avg tuition/yr
32%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Montana offers 4 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Helena College University..., Montana State University ..., Flathead Valley Community..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Montana offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,828/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $49,429 in Montana.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Montana's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Bozeman, Missoula, Billings areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer programming schools in Montana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Montana.
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $13,327/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $33,318/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,332/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $79,964 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $19,990 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Montana
State Aid Programs
Montana students pursuing computer programming degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, starting with the federal FAFSA process through (Federal Student Aid). All students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Montana's higher education system, governed by the (Montana University System), provides additional support through the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based tuition waiver program available to Montana high school graduates. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement and helps reduce the overall cost burden for eligible students attending Montana's public universities and community colleges.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond federal aid and state merit scholarships, individual institutions offering computer programming degrees provide institutional scholarships and grants. Montana State University and The University of Montana, the state's largest computer programming programs, both offer departmental scholarships and need-based aid packages. Community college students can also benefit from lower tuition costs while completing general education requirements, which can then transfer through Montana's Common Course Numbering system to four-year institutions. For comprehensive information about all available federal aid options, students should visit (Federal Student Aid), and for state-specific opportunities, consult the (Montana University System) directly.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Montana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree in Montana. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Programming Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Montana metro areas
Bozeman$99K
Missoula$94K
Billings$90K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Bozeman | $99K |
| Missoula | $94K |
| Billings | $90K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Programming Graduates in Montana
Find computer programming jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Bozeman
MTOracle
tech
Workiva
tech
Zoot Enterprises
fintech
Computer Programming Jobs in Missoula
MTATG (Advanced Technology Group)
consulting
University of Montana
education
Computer Programming Jobs in Billings
MTBillings Clinic
healthcare
Transfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in Montana
State Transfer System
Montana's 10 two-year institutions serve as vital pathways to four-year computer programming degrees through the state's systematic transfer agreements. The Montana Common Course Numbering system ensures consistent course numbering and content across all Montana universities, streamlining the transfer process for students moving from associate's to bachelor's programs (Montana University System). Community colleges like Flathead Valley Community College, Helena College University of Montana, and Montana State University Billings offer foundational computer programming coursework that transfers directly to bachelor's programs at Montana State University, The University of Montana, and other four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Montana's community colleges and universities guarantee that credits earned in accredited programs transfer without duplication or loss (Montana University System). Students completing an associate's degree in computer programming at a two-year institution can apply 60 transferable credits toward a bachelor's degree, accelerating time to completion and reducing total costs. The Montana University System Honor Scholarship provides merit-based tuition assistance for qualifying Montana high school graduates, benefiting both two- and four-year students (Montana University System). For additional context on national transfer options, review national best bachelor's programs or explore related fields like Computer Science in Montana and Web Development in Montana to compare transfer-friendly institutions.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in Montana?
Industry & Workforce
Montana offers a strong pathway into computer programming with 13 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, from associate's to doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023 alone, Montana schools awarded 136 bachelor's degrees in computer programming, with Montana State University leading the state by a significant margin with 115 completions. The University of Montana follows with 23 completions, demonstrating the state's commitment to producing skilled programmers. Whether you're seeking a two-year credential or a graduate degree, Montana's diverse institutional landscape provides accessible entry points to this high-demand field.
Salary Outlook
Beyond program availability, Montana's affordability stands out. Public four-year institutions average just $4,747 in in-state tuition, making education accessible to Montana residents (College Scorecard). Top-ranked schools like The University of Montana and Montana State University offer exceptional value, each with tuition under $6,100 annually. Montana's tech hubs, including Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman, host major employers like Billings Clinic and Providence Health, creating abundant internship and career opportunities. For those exploring related fields, Software Engineering in Montana, Web Development in Montana, and Computer Science in Montana offer complementary specializations.
Computer Programming Program Availability in Montana
10 Programs
Montana offers 10 accredited computer programming programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Bozeman, Missoula, Billings.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Montana
Employment Outlook
Montana's computer programming job market offers steady opportunities across the state's major metropolitan areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tech sector continues to grow in key regions including Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. These metro areas serve as regional hubs for technology employment, attracting graduates from Montana's 13 institutions offering computer programming degrees. The state's economy increasingly relies on skilled programmers to support both established employers and emerging tech startups across Eastern, Western, and Central Montana.
Salaries by Metro
Recent IPEDS data shows Montana produced 162 computer programming completions across all degree levels in 2023, with bachelor's degrees representing the majority at 136 completions. The state's public four-year institutions maintain affordable average in-state tuition at $4,747, making Montana an accessible pathway for students pursuing programming careers. Students graduating from top programs like Montana State University and The University of Montana join a competitive job market where employers value both technical skills and regional knowledge. For comprehensive labor market data and salary information, the BLS Occupational Outlook provides current insights into Montana's programming sector growth and wage trends.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Montana$58,416$130,312
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Montana
Online Programs
1 available in Montana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$11,994/yr$13,327/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Idaho
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Wyoming
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $5,000
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in South Dakota
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $12,000
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 111
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Montana?
The best computer programming degree programs in Montana based on our methodology are: 1) Montana State University (85% graduation rate), 2) The University of Montana, and 3) University of Providence. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Montana offers 10 total accredited programs across 7 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 6 bachelor's programs.
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Montana?
Computer Programming degree program costs in Montana vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $13,327/year, while private institutions average $29,319/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,332/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $53,308 at public schools to $117,278 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Montana?
Computer Programming professionals in Montana earn a median salary of $89,870, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $58,416, while senior roles exceed $130,312. Salaries vary by metro area: Bozeman ($98,857), Missoula ($94,364) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Montana?
Yes, Montana offers 1 accredited online Computer Programming programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Great Falls College Montana State University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in Montana?
Major Computer Programming employers in Montana include Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises, onXmaps, RightNow Technologies. The Bozeman and Missoula metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Montana universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Montana's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in Montana?
A computer programming degree program in Montana offers strong ROI with a $89,870 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $13,327/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($101,553), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do computer programming degree programs take in Montana?
Standard completion times for computer programming degree programs in Montana are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Montana community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Montana university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for computer programming degree students in Montana?
Montana computer programming degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Montana state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Montana's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Montana salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Thanks for your feedback!
How can we improve this article?
Thank you for helping us improve!
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.