Top 3 Data Science Programs in Montana 2025
Montana State University
111 data science graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
The University of Montana
20 data science graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
University of Providence
2 data science graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.Montana offers 6+ accredited data 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)
Data Science Education in Montana: Overview
Montana offers 6 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 147 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 data 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 Data 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% | 52.9 |
| 3 | University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | Private | $28,618 | 84% | 45.3 |
| 4 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | Public | $6,113 | 82% | 43 |
| 5 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | Private | $39,152 | — | 37.7 |
| 6 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings, MT | Private | $32,282 | — | 36 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Montana: Side-by-Side
| School | Montana State | University of Montana | U of Providence | Montana Technological | Carroll College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,056 | $5,736 | $28,618 | $6,113 | $39,152 |
| Graduation Rate | 85% | 100% | 84% | 82% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 111 | 20 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 96% | 64% | 90% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 74.8/100 | 52.9/100 | 45.3/100 | 43.0/100 | 37.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Montana
Montana offers 6 bachelor's-level data 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 data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 111 | 74.8 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 20 | 52.9 |
| #3 U of Providence | $28,618 | 84% | 2 | 45.3 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Montana
For graduate study, Montana offers 2 master's-level data 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 data science master's programs for more options beyond Montana.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 12 | 48.3 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 3 | 44.1 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Montana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science 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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science 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 Data Science Schools in Montana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 111 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 74.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 111 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (111 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,736 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 52.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 20 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 52.9 / 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.
University of Providence
Great Falls, MT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 45.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 2 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 45.3 / 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.
Montana Technological University
Butte, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,113 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 43.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 6 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 43.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (90% 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 37.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 5 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 37.7 / 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.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
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Machine Learning Engineer
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Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2051Quantitative Analyst opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Data 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 6)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Data Science in Montana FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data 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.