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Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: U of Montana, Montana Technological,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,811 to $6,113/year
Highlands College of Mont... offers the most affordable option at $2,811/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 1 associate's in Montana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Montana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 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
Information Security 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 Information Security programs
We rank 3 accredited information security 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.
Are Information Security Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Montana
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Highlands College of Mont..., 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 $2,811/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 information security schools in Montana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Montana.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Montana, Montana Technological, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Montana information security 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 $6,113 annually, with an average of $5,925/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, 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 information security degrees in Montana, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $4,887/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $12,218/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,222/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $29,324 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $7,330 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Montana
State Aid Programs
Montana students pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways through federal and state sources. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) remains the primary gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available to eligible students at Montana institutions (Federal Student Aid). Montana's university system also administers the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based tuition waiver program specifically designed for Montana high school graduates, providing substantial financial relief for qualifying applicants (Montana University System).
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions within the Montana University System offer additional institutional aid packages to attract qualified information security majors. The University of Montana and Montana State University, the state's largest producers of information security graduates, maintain strong financial aid offices that coordinate federal, state, and institutional funding sources. Prospective students should explore both need-based and merit-based scholarships through each school's financial aid office, as well as investigate specialized cybersecurity scholarships offered through industry partnerships. For comprehensive guidance on federal aid eligibility and application procedures, students can reference the College Scorecard, which provides institution-specific aid data and student outcomes. Learn more about related field opportunities in Network Administration in Montana and Information Technology in Montana.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Montana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security 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.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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
Information Security Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Montana metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Bozeman | $99K |
| Missoula | $94K |
| Billings | $90K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Montana
Find information security jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Bozeman
MTInformation Security Jobs in Missoula
MTInformation Security Jobs in Billings
MTTransfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Montana
State Transfer System
Montana's coordinated transfer system simplifies pathways for students beginning their Information Security education at community colleges and advancing to four-year institutions. The Montana Common Course Numbering system ensures consistent course numbering and quality standards across all institutions within the Montana University System, allowing credits to transfer seamlessly between institutions. With 2 associate degree programs in Information Security (IPEDS), students have accessible entry points at institutions like Miles Community College and Highlands College of Montana Tech. These two-year programs provide foundational coursework in networking, systems administration, and introductory security concepts, preparing students for bachelor's degree completion at 2 four-year institutions offering upper-level specializations.
How Transfers Work
Students completing associate degrees in Information Security can articulate directly into bachelor's programs at The University of Montana or Montana State University, both ranked among Montana's top Information Security schools. The Montana University System coordinates formal articulation agreements that guarantee course equivalency and streamlined admission for transfer students. Additionally, students may qualify for the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based tuition waiver available to Montana high school graduates, which can reduce costs at receiving institutions. For career flexibility, explore related transfer options through Cybersecurity in Montana, Network Administration in Montana, and Information Technology in Montana programs that accept transfer credits. The structured transfer framework ensures no loss of academic progress while advancing toward bachelor's and master's degrees in information security.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Montana?
Industry & Workforce
Montana offers a growing landscape for Information Security education with 4 institutions delivering programs across associate and bachelor degree levels (IPEDS). The University of Montana leads the state with 47 completions, while Montana Technological University contributes 7 completions annually, demonstrating strong regional interest in cybersecurity careers. Students pursuing information security in Montana benefit from affordable public tuition, with average in-state costs at four-year institutions reaching only $4,747 per year, substantially below the national average. This financial accessibility makes Montana an attractive choice for students seeking quality education without excessive debt burden.
Salary Outlook
Montana's major metropolitan areas. Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, host significant employers in healthcare and higher education sectors where information security expertise is increasingly critical. Institutions like Billings Clinic and Providence Health represent growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the state. Top-ranked programs such as Montana State University's bachelor's degree and The University of Montana's affordable option prepare graduates for these regional opportunities. For broader career context, students can explore national best programs and national affordable rankings to understand how Montana institutions compare nationally. Additionally, related fields like Cybersecurity in Montana and Network Administration in Montana offer complementary career pathways within the state's technology ecosystem.
Information Security Program Availability in Montana
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Montana
Employment Outlook
Montana's information security job market is growing steadily, with opportunities concentrated in the state's major metropolitan areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, security-focused IT roles continue to expand across sectors including healthcare, education, and government. The state's largest metro areas. Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, represent the strongest hiring markets for information security professionals. Recent graduates from Montana's 4 institutions offering information security programs have found positions in these regions, with the University of Montana alone producing 47 completions in recent years, establishing a strong pipeline of qualified talent.
Salaries by Metro
Montana's public universities offer competitive in-state tuition rates, with four-year institutions averaging $4,747 for in-state students compared to $16,688 out-of-state. This affordability attracts both local and regional talent to Montana programs. The state's transfer system, supported by Montana Common Course Numbering, ensures seamless credit movement across institutions, allowing students to build credentials efficiently. Students exploring information security careers should also consider related fields. Learn more about cybersecurity in Montana, network administration, and information technology programs to understand the broader career landscape.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in Montana
Online Programs
0 available in Montana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
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- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
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- Median Tuition
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Information Security Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Montana?
How much do information security degree programs cost in Montana?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in Montana?
Are there online information security degree programs in Montana?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in Montana?
Is an information security degree program worth it in Montana?
How long do information security degree programs take in Montana?
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in Montana?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Montana salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.