Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Montana 2025
Montana State University
102 computer science graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
The University of Montana
20 computer science graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
University of Providence
2 computer science graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.Montana offers 7+ accredited computer science 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 Science Education in Montana: Overview
Montana offers 7 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 138 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 science programs in the state are led by Montana State University, The University of Montana, University of Providence, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Montana Computer Science 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% | 53.5 |
| 3 | University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | Private | $28,618 | 84% | 45.5 |
| 4 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | Public | $6,113 | 82% | 41.7 |
| 5 | Aaniiih Nakoda College | Harlem, MT | Public | $3,080 | — | 39.7 |
| 6 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | Private | $39,152 | — | 38 |
| 7 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings, MT | Private | $32,282 | — | 36.2 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Montana: Side-by-Side
| School | Montana State | University of Montana | U of Providence | Montana Technological | Aaniiih Nakoda College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,056 | $5,736 | $28,618 | $6,113 | $3,080 |
| Graduation Rate | 85% | 100% | 84% | 82% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 102 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 96% | 64% | 90% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 74.8/100 | 53.5/100 | 45.5/100 | 41.7/100 | 39.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Montana
Montana offers 6 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Montana State University, The University of Montana, University of Providence. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,909 in the Montana market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 102 | 74.8 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 20 | 53.5 |
| #3 U of Providence | $28,618 | 84% | 2 | 45.5 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Montana
For graduate study, Montana offers 2 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Montana State University, The University of Montana. 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 science master's programs for more options beyond Montana.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 8 | 46.1 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 3 | 44.1 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Montana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Montana are at Aaniiih Nakoda College ($3,080/year), The University of Montana ($5,736/year), Montana State University ($6,056/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Montana's competitive tech salaries.
At Aaniiih Nakoda College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,320 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,909, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Montana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Aaniiih Nakoda College | $3,080 | $12,320 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | $22,944 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Montana State | $6,056 | $24,224 | 0.9 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Montana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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 Science Graduates: 102 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 74.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 102 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (102 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 University offers computer science students unique opportunities including annual spring break trips to meet with major tech companies like Intel, Microsoft and Google, plus all-expenses-paid trips to professional conferences like oSTEM and Grace Hopper. The program ranks as the #1 public university in Montana with over 96% graduate employment rates.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment within their first year of graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Montana State is the No. 1 Public University in the state based on value, post-graduation salary and student experience according to Forbes list of America's Top Colleges
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,736 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 53.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 20 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.5 / 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 Computer Science - Software Engineering program emphasizes practice over theory with training specifically designed for applications development, particularly web development, providing skills not often met by many computer science programs. Graduates enter a field with 28% growth and significant workforce shortages, positioning UM students advantageously in a high-demand market.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $89,000
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 45.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 2 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 45.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Montana Technological University
Butte, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,113 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 41.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 4 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Aaniiih Nakoda College
Harlem, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,080 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 39.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 2 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 39.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 7)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Computer Science in Montana FAQ
Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.