🥇
$6,056
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
62.5
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data analytics degree programs: Montana State, Montana Technological,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $5,736 to $6,113/year
Montana State offers the most affordable option at $6,056/yr
Data Analytics degree programs available: 2 master's in Montana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises, onXmaps
Tech hubs in Bozeman and Missoula
Hakia Research 2026
Data Analytics degree programs near 14+ cities across Montana
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Montana Data Analytics programs
We rank 4 accredited data analytics 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 Data Analytics Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?
Answer
$89,870
Yes. The best data analytics degree programs in Montana deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $89,870 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $5,968/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Montana
Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Montana
2
Programs ranked
$6,085
Avg tuition/yr
84%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Montana ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Montana State, Montana Technological, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Montana data analytics programs earn a median salary of $76,390, 22% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Bozeman, Missoula, Billings metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,056 to $6,113 annually, with an average of $6,085/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 84%, with the highest reaching 85%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Montana's leading technology employers. For students seeking data analytics degrees in Montana, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
🥈
$6,113
Tuition/yr
82%
Grad rate
47.2
Hakia Score
Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Montana
2
Programs ranked
$5,896
Avg tuition/yr
92%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Montana offers 2 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Montana, Montana State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Montana earn a median salary of $89,870, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $5,896/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Montana's data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$5,736
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad rate
73.1
Hakia Score
🥈
$6,056
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
56.7
Hakia Score
Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $5,968/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $14,920/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,492/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $35,808 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $8,952 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Montana
State Aid Programs
Montana students pursuing data analytics degrees have access to multiple federal and state financial aid options. The primary avenue for federal aid begins with completing the FAFSA at (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Montana's public universities participating in the Montana University System accept FAFSA information to award institutional aid. Students should explore the (Montana University System Honor Scholarship), a merit-based tuition waiver program available to Montana high school graduates, which can significantly reduce the cost of attending institutions like Montana State University or The University of Montana.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond federal aid, Montana students benefit from the state's commitment to affordable higher education. The average public in-state tuition across four-year institutions is $4,747, making Montana one of the more affordable states for undergraduate education (IPEDS). Students attending community colleges like Great Falls College Montana State University pay even less, with tuition at $2,947. When applying for aid, students should contact their institution's financial aid office to inquire about departmental scholarships, employer sponsorships from major state employers like Billings Clinic and Providence Health, and federal student loan options available through (Federal Student Aid). For more information on national financial aid strategies, explore our guide on (most affordable data analytics programs).
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Montana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics Graduates in Montana
Find data analytics jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Analytics Jobs in Bozeman
MTOracle
tech
Workiva
tech
Zoot Enterprises
fintech
Data Analytics Jobs in Missoula
MTATG (Advanced Technology Group)
consulting
University of Montana
education
Data Analytics Jobs in Billings
MTBillings Clinic
healthcare
Transfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Montana
State Transfer System
Montana's higher education system facilitates smooth transitions between degree levels through the Montana Common Course Numbering system (Montana University System), which standardizes course numbering across all public universities and community colleges. This system ensures that courses completed at 2-year institutions transfer seamlessly with full credit to 14 four-year institutions statewide, eliminating redundancy and accelerating time to degree completion. Students pursuing data analytics can begin foundational coursework, such as statistics, algebra, and introductory programming, at community colleges like Great Falls College Montana State University before advancing to bachelor's programs at Montana State University or The University of Montana. This pathway reduces overall education costs while maintaining academic rigor and program coherence.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Montana's two-year and four-year institutions create clear pathways for data analytics associate degree holders to pursue bachelor's degrees without losing credits. The Montana University System Honor Scholarship (Montana University System) supports merit-based financial aid for qualifying students, easing the transition between institutions. Students completing an associate degree at a community college can transfer up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's program, streamlining the process of advancing to specialized bachelor's or master's curricula. For prospective students weighing transfer options, exploring related programs such as information systems and database management can inform educational planning. Students should consult with academic advisors at their current institution and target universities to ensure all credits transfer and apply toward their intended degree.
Why Pursue a Data Analytics Degree in Montana?
Industry & Workforce
Montana's data analytics education landscape is growing, with 4 institutions across the state offering dedicated programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Montana awarded 11 bachelor's completions and 20 master's completions in data analytics, demonstrating strong momentum in this high-demand field (IPEDS). The University of Montana and Montana State University lead the charge, collectively accounting for 29 of the state's completions, establishing themselves as premier destinations for aspiring data professionals. These flagship institutions benefit from Montana's commitment to affordable public higher education, with average in-state tuition at four-year public universities standing at just $4,747 annually (IPEDS).
Salary Outlook
Montana's major employment hubs. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman, host significant employers including Billings Clinic, Providence Health, and the state's leading universities, all increasingly reliant on data-driven decision-making. Students benefit from proximity to these regional tech ecosystems while enjoying Montana's quality of life. For career-focused learners, Montana's data analytics programs offer pathways aligned with national best practices, while those seeking flexibility can explore online data analytics options. Additionally, Montana's education system supports student success through programs like the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based tuition waiver for qualifying Montana high school graduates (Montana University System).
Data Analytics Program Availability in Montana
3 Programs
Montana offers 3 accredited data analytics programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Bozeman, Missoula, Billings.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Montana
Employment Outlook
Montana's data analytics job market is experiencing steady growth, with employment opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas including Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana has a developing tech sector that increasingly relies on data-driven decision-making across multiple industries. The state's four-year public institutions maintain an average in-state tuition of $4,747, making education in this field accessible for local talent development. With 4 institutions offering data analytics programs across bachelor's, master's, and associate's degree levels, Montana is building a pipeline of qualified professionals to meet regional demand.
Salaries by Metro
The strongest employment clusters exist in healthcare and higher education sectors, particularly in Billings and Missoula. These metro areas serve as regional hubs where data analytics skills command competitive salaries and offer clear advancement pathways. Graduates from Montana's top programs, including Montana State University and The University of Montana, have successfully entered the job market, with recent completions totaling 20 master's degrees and 11 bachelor's degrees annually. For comprehensive salary data and occupational trends specific to Montana, prospective students can consult the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. Students interested in related fields may also explore Data Science in Montana and Database Management in Montana programs to diversify career options.
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 Data Analytics Programs in Montana
Online Programs
0 available in Montana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$5,371/yr$5,968/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 Data Analytics Programs in Other States
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Idaho
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in South Dakota
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 44
- Median Tuition
- $11,700
Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $47,200
Data Analytics Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ
What are the best data analytics degree programs in Montana?
The best data analytics degree programs in Montana based on our methodology are: 1) Montana State University (85% graduation rate), 2) Montana Technological University, and 3) N/A. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Montana offers 3 total accredited programs across 3 public and 0 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 2 bachelor's programs.
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Montana?
Data Analytics degree program costs in Montana vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $5,968/year, while private institutions average $13,130/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $1,492/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $23,872 at public schools to $52,518 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 data analytics degree graduates earn in Montana?
Data Analytics 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 data analytics degree programs in Montana?
Yes, Montana offers 0 accredited online Data Analytics 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 various state universities. 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 data analytics degree graduates in Montana?
Major Data Analytics 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 data analytics degree program worth it in Montana?
A data analytics degree program in Montana offers strong ROI with a $89,870 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $5,968/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 data analytics degree programs take in Montana?
Standard completion times for data analytics 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 data analytics degree students in Montana?
Montana data analytics 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.
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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.