Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Montana 2025
Montana State University
102 machine learning graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
The University of Montana
20 machine learning graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
University of Providence
2 machine learning graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.Montana offers 6+ accredited machine learning 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)
Machine Learning Education in Montana: Overview
Montana offers 6 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 136 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 machine learning 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 Machine Learning 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% | 53.5 |
| 3 | University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | Private | $28,618 | 84% | 45.5 |
| 4 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | Public | $6,113 | 82% | 41.7 |
| 5 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | Private | $39,152 | — | 38 |
| 6 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings, MT | Private | $32,282 | — | 36.2 |
Top 5 Machine Learning 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 | 102 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 96% | 64% | 90% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 74.8/100 | 53.5/100 | 45.5/100 | 41.7/100 | 38.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Montana
Montana offers 6 bachelor's-level machine learning 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 machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 102 | 74.8 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 20 | 53.5 |
| #3 U of Providence | $28,618 | 84% | 2 | 45.5 |
Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Montana
For graduate study, Montana offers 2 master's-level machine learning 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 machine learning master's programs for more options beyond Montana.
Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 8 | 46.1 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 3 | 44.1 |
Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Montana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning 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 Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Schools in Montana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 102 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 74.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 102 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (102 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 53.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 20 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.5 / 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 45.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 2 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 45.5 / 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 41.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 4 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (4 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 38.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 5 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 38.0 / 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
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.
Machine Learning 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)
Machine Learning in Montana FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Machine Learning 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.