🥇
$6,056
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
74.8
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: Montana State, U of Montana, U of Providence
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $5,736 to $39,152/year
Montana State offers the most affordable option at $6,056/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 2 master's, 1 doctoral 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 Science 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 Data Science programs
We rank 9 accredited data science 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 Science Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?
Answer
$89,870
Yes. The best data science degree programs in Montana deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $89,870 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $19,660/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Montana
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Montana
6
Programs ranked
$19,660
Avg tuition/yr
88%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Montana ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Montana State, U of Montana, U of Providence, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Montana data science 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 $5,736 to $39,152 annually, with an average of $19,660/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 science degrees in Montana, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
🥈
$5,736
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad rate
52.9
Hakia Score
#4
$6,113
Tuition/yr
82%
Grad rate
43.0
Hakia Score
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings, MT | Private | $32,282 | — | 36.0 |
Best Master's Data Science 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 science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Montana State, U of Montana, 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 science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$6,056
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
71.7
Hakia Score
🥈
$5,736
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad rate
43.8
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Data Science Programs in Montana
1
Programs ranked
$6,056
Avg tuition/yr
85%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Montana is home to 1 doctoral programs in data science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Montana State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Montana PhD holders earning a median of $112,338, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Bozeman, Missoula, Billings region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Montana programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing data science degrees in Montana, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $19,660/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $49,150/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,915/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $117,960 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $29,490 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Montana
State Aid Programs
Montana students pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, starting with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through Federal Student Aid, eligible students can access federal grants, loans, and work-study programs to finance their education. The FAFSA is the gateway to determining financial need and unlocking federal support regardless of institution type or program focus.
Key Programs & Amounts
Montana-specific merit aid is available through the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, which provides merit-based tuition waivers for qualified Montana high school graduates. This program represents a significant opportunity for in-state students attending public universities within the Montana University System. Additionally, individual institutions like Montana State University and The University of Montana offer institutional scholarships and assistantships that can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. Students should explore both need-based and merit-based options through each school's financial aid office to maximize funding.
Institutional Scholarships
For comprehensive information on federal grants, loans, and state-specific aid programs, students should consult College Scorecard, which provides detailed financial aid data for each Montana institution. The Montana University System website also offers resources on transfer credit policies and financial planning across public institutions. Prospective data science students should compare net price calculators across programs to understand true out-of-pocket costs before enrolling.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Montana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science 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 Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$114,286
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)$2,325,139
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)$120,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.1%
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 Science 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 Science Graduates in Montana
Find data science jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Bozeman
MTOracle
tech
Workiva
tech
Zoot Enterprises
fintech
Data Science Jobs in Missoula
MTATG (Advanced Technology Group)
consulting
University of Montana
education
Data Science Jobs in Billings
MTBillings Clinic
healthcare
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Montana
State Transfer System
Montana provides strong transfer pathways for students pursuing data science degrees through the Montana Common Course Numbering system, which ensures consistent course numbering and transferability across institutions. With 10 two-year institutions and 14 four-year universities in the state, students can begin coursework at community colleges and seamlessly transition to bachelor's degree programs at major universities. The Montana University System (MUS) coordinates these transfer agreements, reducing time-to-degree and lowering overall education costs. Community college students completing general education requirements and foundational data science coursework can transfer as juniors to institutions like Montana State University and The University of Montana, where they complete upper-level specializations.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between Montana's community colleges and four-year institutions specify which courses transfer with full credit, eliminating duplication and maximizing financial efficiency. Students should work with their community college advisors to ensure course selections align with bachelor's degree requirements at their target institution. The Montana University System Honor Scholarship (https://mus.edu/) supports qualifying Montana high school graduates, and transfer students may also access Federal Student Aid resources. For students exploring complementary technical fields, Montana offers transfer pathways in Data Analytics in Montana, Machine Learning in Montana, and Computer Science in Montana, each with distinct transfer agreements and progression requirements within the MUS network.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Montana?
Industry & Workforce
Montana offers a compelling environment for data science education, with 9 institutions offering programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). The state produces over 147 bachelor's degree completions annually, demonstrating strong program capacity and employer demand. Montana State University leads the state with 128 completions, establishing itself as the flagship data science program in the region. The University of Montana and Montana Technological University round out the top three institutions, creating a strong competitive landscape that drives program quality and innovation.
Salary Outlook
Affordability is a major advantage for data science students in Montana. Public in-state tuition averages just $4,747 annually, compared to out-of-state costs of $16,688 (IPEDS). The top-ranked programs offer exceptional value: The University of Montana leads with tuition of $5,736, followed by Montana State University at $6,056. Students can also access the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based program supporting Montana high school graduates (Montana University System). Major employment hubs including Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman provide internship and career opportunities with employers like Billings Clinic and Providence Health, making Montana an attractive destination for affordable, career-focused data science education.
Data Science Program Availability in Montana
6 Programs
Montana offers 6 accredited data science programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Bozeman, Missoula, Billings.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Montana
Employment Outlook
Montana's data science job market is growing steadily, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas and regional hubs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana's labor market shows demand for skilled data professionals across healthcare, education, and technology sectors. The state's largest employers in these fields are actively recruiting data science talent, creating pathways for both entry-level and experienced professionals. Cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls represent the primary metro areas driving job growth in data-intensive roles.
Salaries by Metro
Educational institutions play a dual role in Montana's data science ecosystem, both as employers and talent pipelines. Montana State University and The University of Montana together produced the majority of the state's data science graduates, with 128 and 23 completions respectively according to IPEDS data. This strong local talent supply supports the broader regional economy. Graduates from Montana's 9 institutions offering data science programs contribute to workforce development across Eastern, Western, and Central Montana regions. For detailed salary information and occupation trends specific to Montana, the BLS occupational employment statistics provides comprehensive labor market analysis.
High-Growth Sectors
Students pursuing data science in Montana benefit from proximity to established employers and emerging opportunities. Compare your career prospects by exploring data science programs nationally or related fields like data analytics in Montana. The state's relatively low cost of living compared to national averages makes Montana an attractive destination for building a data science career while maintaining financial flexibility.
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 Science Programs in Montana
Online Programs
0 available in Montana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$17,694/yr$19,660/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 Science Programs in Other States
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Idaho
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in South Dakota
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
Best Data Science Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Data Science Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Montana?
The best data science 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 6 total accredited programs across 3 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 6 bachelor's programs.
How much do data science degree programs cost in Montana?
Data Science degree program costs in Montana vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $19,660/year, while private institutions average $43,252/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $4,915/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $78,640 at public schools to $173,008 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 science degree graduates earn in Montana?
Data Science 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 science degree programs in Montana?
Yes, Montana offers 0 accredited online Data Science 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 science degree graduates in Montana?
Major Data Science 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 science degree program worth it in Montana?
A data science degree program in Montana offers strong ROI with a $89,870 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $19,660/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 science degree programs take in Montana?
Standard completion times for data science 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 science degree students in Montana?
Montana data science 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.