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Key Takeaways
Best information systems degree programs: U of Montana, Carroll College, Salish Kootenai College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,947 to $39,152/year
U of Montana offers the most affordable option at $5,736/yr
Information Systems degree programs available: 3 associate's, 1 master's in Montana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online information systems degree programs in Montana
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Montana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 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 Systems degree programs near 9+ cities across Montana
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Montana Information Systems programs
We rank 7 accredited information systems 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 Systems Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Systems Degree Rankings in Montana
Compare the top-ranked Information Systems programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Systems Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in information systems, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include U of Montana, Flathead Valley Community..., Great Falls College Monta..., 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 $4,484/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 systems schools in Montana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information systems degrees in Montana.
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana ranks among the nation's top destinations for information systems education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Montana, Carroll College, Salish Kootenai College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Montana information systems 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 $5,076 to $39,152 annually, with an average of $16,655/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 100%, 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 systems degrees in Montana, these top-ranked information systems schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Information Systems Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana offers 1 master's degree programs in information systems, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, 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 $5,736/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 information systems schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Information Systems Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $11,536/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $28,840/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,884/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $69,216 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $17,304 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Systems Students in Montana
State Aid Programs
Montana students pursuing Information Systems degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways at both the federal and state levels. All eligible students should begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The Montana University System administers the (Montana University System Honor Scholarship), a merit-based tuition waiver program specifically designed for Montana high school graduates. This scholarship provides significant support for students enrolling at public four-year institutions across the state, including those pursuing Information Systems degrees at institutions like The University of Montana.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond merit-based scholarships, Montana Information Systems students can explore federal loan options, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, through the Federal Student Aid portal. Students attending community colleges such as Flathead Valley Community College may find that lower overall costs reduce borrowing needs. Institutional financial aid offices at each school provide additional scholarship opportunities specific to Information Systems programs and other STEM disciplines. For comprehensive financial planning, prospective students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office and review resources on (College Scorecard), which provides detailed cost and aid data for Montana schools offering Information Systems programs.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator, Montana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information systems 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 Systems Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information systems 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 Systems 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 Systems Graduates in Montana
Find information systems jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring information systems degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Systems Jobs in Bozeman
MTInformation Systems Jobs in Missoula
MTInformation Systems Jobs in Billings
MTTransfer Pathways for Information Systems Degrees in Montana
State Transfer System
Montana's transfer system provides seamless pathways for students beginning their IS education at community colleges and advancing to bachelor's or master's degree programs. The Montana Common Course Numbering system ensures that courses completed at 6 associate degree institutions transfer with full credit toward bachelor's programs at the 3 bachelor's-granting institutions, eliminating duplication and accelerating time to degree completion. This articulation framework is particularly valuable for students attending Flathead Valley Community College (5 IS completions) or Great Falls College Montana State University (4 completions), which maintain formal transfer agreements with four-year universities. The Montana University System coordinates these pathways, making it accessible for students to complete foundational coursework affordably at community colleges, where average tuition is competitive, before transferring to universities like the University of Montana.
How Transfers Work
Students following the associate-to-bachelor's pathway benefit from Montana's low in-state public tuition of $4,747 for the first two years, then continue at similarly affordable rates at four-year institutions. The transfer process is simplified by the Montana Common Course Numbering system, which standardizes course codes and content across the entire Montana University System, ensuring advisors and registrars can quickly verify credit applicability. Prospective master's degree students should note that 1 institution in Montana offers graduate IS degrees, requiring a bachelor's degree as prerequisite. Students interested in specialized pathways can explore related transfer-friendly programs through Information Technology in Montana and Data Analytics in Montana, which operate under the same transfer infrastructure. The Federal Student Aid system provides consistent FAFSA processing across institutions, ensuring uninterrupted financial aid eligibility throughout transfer.
Why Pursue an Information Systems Degree in Montana?
Industry & Workforce
Montana offers a compelling environment for Information Systems students, with 10 institutions across the state providing dedicated IS programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). The state's higher education landscape includes 3 bachelor's-granting institutions and 6 associate-degree programs in Information Systems, creating accessible pathways for students at any academic level. The University of Montana leads the field with 29 completions, significantly outpacing other state programs and demonstrating strong institutional commitment to IS education. For prospective students, Montana's public four-year institutions offer an average in-state tuition of just $4,747, making it one of the most affordable regions for quality higher education (College Scorecard).
Salary Outlook
Beyond affordability, Montana's major cities and metropolitan areas serve as growing technology hubs with substantial employer demand. Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, along with emerging tech centers in Bozeman and Kalispell, host major employers including Billings Clinic, Providence Health, and both Montana State University and the University of Montana. These institutions drive consistent demand for IS professionals in healthcare IT, enterprise systems, and educational technology. Students can explore related specializations through programs in Information Technology in Montana, Data Analytics in Montana, and Cloud Computing in Montana, positioning themselves for diverse career pathways. The state's Montana University System Honor Scholarship further supports merit-based funding for Montana high school graduates, reducing barriers to entry for qualified students.
Information Systems Program Availability in Montana
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Systems Job Market & Salary Data in Montana
Employment Outlook
Montana's information systems job market reflects strong growth across the state's major metropolitan areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana continues to develop strong opportunities for IT professionals in cities including Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena, Butte, and Kalispell. The state's Eastern Montana, Western Montana, Central Montana, and Flathead Valley regions all contribute to a diversified employment landscape. Students graduating from Montana's 10 institutions offering information systems programs find opportunities across healthcare, education, and technology sectors that are actively recruiting skilled professionals.
Salaries by Metro
The state's educational pipeline produces information systems graduates ready for immediate workforce entry. With 29 completions led by the University of Montana and 22 combined completions from associate's programs across 6 institutions, Montana maintains a steady supply of qualified talent. For comparative context and broader career insights, prospective students should review national information systems rankings and explore related fields like Information Technology in Montana and Data Analytics in Montana to understand the full scope of technology career opportunities available in the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Systems Programs in Montana
Online Programs
1 available in Montana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Systems Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $5,900
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $3,200
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $7,300
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 133
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 110
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Information Systems Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ
What are the best information systems degree programs in Montana?
How much do information systems degree programs cost in Montana?
What salary can information systems degree graduates earn in Montana?
Are there online information systems degree programs in Montana?
What companies hire information systems degree graduates in Montana?
Is an information systems degree program worth it in Montana?
How long do information systems degree programs take in Montana?
What financial aid is available for information systems 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.