Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Montana 2025
The University of Montana
8 information technology graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Great Falls College Montana State University
4 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Aaniiih Nakoda College
2 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Montana offers 6+ accredited information technology programs across public and private universities
- 2.The University of Montana leads with 100% 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)
Information Technology Education in Montana: Overview
Montana offers 6 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 20 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 information technology programs in the state are led by The University of Montana, Great Falls College Montana State University, Aaniiih Nakoda College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Montana Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | Public | $5,736 | 100% | 47.9 |
| 2 | Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls, MT | Public | $2,947 | — | 41.8 |
| 3 | Aaniiih Nakoda College | Harlem, MT | Public | $3,080 | — | 39.8 |
| 4 | Salish Kootenai College | Pablo, MT | Public | $5,076 | — | 38.3 |
| 5 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | Private | $39,152 | — | 36.3 |
| 6 | Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell, MT | Public | $4,768 | — | 27.8 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Montana: Side-by-Side
| School | University of Montana | Great Falls College... | Aaniiih Nakoda College | Salish Kootenai College | Carroll College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,736 | $2,947 | $3,080 | $5,076 | $39,152 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 73% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 47.9/100 | 41.8/100 | 39.8/100 | 38.3/100 | 36.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Montana
Montana offers 2 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Salish Kootenai College, Carroll College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,909 in the Montana market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Salish Kootenai College | $5,076 | N/A% | 1 | 38.3 |
| #2 Carroll College | $39,152 | N/A% | 3 | 36.3 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Montana
Master's-level information technology programs are limited in Montana. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best information technology master's programs for more options beyond Montana.
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Montana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Montana are at Great Falls College Montana State University ($2,947/year), Aaniiih Nakoda College ($3,080/year), Flathead Valley Community College ($4,768/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Montana's competitive tech salaries.
At Great Falls College Montana State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $11,788 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,909, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Montana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Great Falls College... | $2,947 | $11,788 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Aaniiih Nakoda College | $3,080 | $12,320 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Flathead Valley Community... | $4,768 | $19,072 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Montana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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.
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,736 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 47.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 8 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Great Falls College Montana State University
Great Falls, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $2,947 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 41.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Aaniiih Nakoda College
Harlem, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,080 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 39.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 2 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 39.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,076 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 38.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 38.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (N/A% 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 36.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 36.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Montana with strong job growth.
Information Technology 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)
Information Technology in Montana FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.