Best Network Administration Degree Programs in Montana — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Montana students pursuing network administration degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways through federal and state resources. The Montana University System offers the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based tuition waiver program designed specifically for Montana high school graduates. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement and provides meaningful tuition relief at participating institutions across the state. Additionally, all Montana students are eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens access to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). These federal programs form the foundation of college financing and don't require repayment for grant recipients.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond merit scholarships, Montana's public universities and community colleges offer institutional financial aid packages tailored to network administration students. The Montana University System coordinates financial aid across its member institutions, ensuring consistent support for eligible applicants (Montana University System). Students should explore scholarship databases through their chosen institution, as schools like The University of Montana and Montana State University often provide discipline-specific awards for technology and computer science programs. For detailed guidance on federal aid eligibility and application processes, visit the College Scorecard to compare aid packages across Montana institutions. Early FAFSA completion maximizes aid eligibility and helps students meet state deadline requirements for merit scholarships.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.

State Transfer System

Montana's transfer pathway system enables seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's degree programs. The Montana Common Course Numbering system (https://mus.edu/) ensures consistent course numbering and credit recognition across all Montana University System institutions, eliminating confusion about course equivalencies. Montana awards 7 associate's degree completions annually in network administration at institutions like Montana State University Billings and Great Falls College Montana State University, with 4 two-year institutions actively offering these programs (IPEDS). Students completing associate's degrees can transfer to bachelor's programs at institutions like The University of Montana, Montana State University, or Montana Technological University with credits recognized and validated.

How Transfers Work

Articulation agreements between Montana's community colleges and four-year universities streamline the transfer process, allowing students to build foundational network administration knowledge at lower tuition costs ($4,805 average at two-year institutions) before pursuing bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions ($4,747–$6,113 average public in-state tuition) (IPEDS). The Montana University System Honor Scholarship provides merit-based tuition waivers to eligible Montana high school graduates, further reducing transfer costs. Students pursuing this pathway gain cost advantages while building career-ready skills. Prospective transfer students should also explore related programs through Cloud Computing in Montana, Cybersecurity in Montana, and Information Security in Montana to identify complementary specializations that enhance career prospects upon transfer and graduation.

Industry & Workforce

Montana offers a strong foundation for pursuing network administration credentials with 6 institutions across the state offering dedicated programs (IPEDS). The state's higher education landscape includes 14 four-year institutions and 10 two-year institutions, providing diverse pathways for students at all academic levels. In 2023, Montana awarded 54 bachelor's degree completions in network administration, with 7 associate's degree completions, demonstrating strong workforce demand in the field (IPEDS). Leading institutions like The University of Montana and Montana State University have established themselves as regional leaders, with The University of Montana alone accounting for 47 of the state's bachelor's completions in this discipline.

Salary Outlook

Montana's tech hubs in cities like Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman provide excellent internship and employment opportunities with major employers including Billings Clinic, Providence Health, and the Montana State University system itself. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at just $4,747, making Montana one of the most affordable regions for higher education (IPEDS). Students can explore related specializations through programs in Cybersecurity in Montana, Cloud Computing in Montana, and Information Technology in Montana. To compare Montana's opportunities with national standards, prospective students should review National Best Bachelor's Programs and National Affordable Programs.

Employment Outlook

Montana's network administration job market is supported by a growing technology sector across the state's major metropolitan areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network administrators in Montana work across diverse industries, from healthcare systems to higher education institutions. The state's largest metro areas. Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, represent key employment hubs where organizations increasingly rely on skilled IT professionals to manage growing network infrastructure. As businesses modernize their operations and expand remote work capabilities, demand for network administration expertise continues to grow across these regions.

Salaries by Metro

Montana's higher education institutions themselves represent significant employers in this field. Both The University of Montana and Montana State University maintain strong IT operations supporting thousands of students and faculty members. These institutions provide stable, long-term career opportunities for network administration graduates, with positions offering competitive compensation and professional development benefits. The state's public university system averages $4,747 in in-state tuition at four-year institutions, making it affordable for students to gain credentials that directly lead to employment at these major employers. Students interested in related fields may also explore Cybersecurity in Montana and Cloud Computing in Montana to understand complementary career pathways in the technology sector.

Core Requirements

Network administration curricula in Montana programs emphasize hands-on technical skills paired with foundational IT theory. Core courses include network fundamentals, TCP/IP protocols, routing and switching, network security, Linux and Windows server administration, and network troubleshooting. Students learn industry-standard tools and platforms essential for managing enterprise networks and infrastructure. Many programs integrate practical certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, and Microsoft certifications into their coursework, allowing students to graduate with credentials valued by employers. Advanced courses often cover virtualization technologies, cloud networking, network performance monitoring, and cybersecurity best practices.

Degree Pathways

Capstone projects and hands-on labs form integral components of Montana network administration programs, allowing students to design, implement, and troubleshoot real-world network scenarios. The University of Montana and Montana Technological University, among the state's leading producers of network administration graduates, emphasize experiential learning through case studies and industry partnerships. Students can pursue specializations in areas such as network security, cloud infrastructure, or data center management. For those interested in complementary fields, Montana offers related programs in Cloud Computing in Montana, Cybersecurity in Montana, and Information Security in Montana. Prospective students should explore National Best Bachelor's Programs to understand how Montana programs compare to top-ranked national offerings.

Montana's three major metropolitan areas. Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, offer the strongest job markets and educational opportunities for network administration professionals. Billings represents the state's largest metro area and serves as a regional healthcare and business hub, hosting Billings Clinic and numerous corporate headquarters. Missoula, home to The University of Montana, combines academic institutions with growing technology and creative sectors, making it attractive for IT professionals seeking diverse employment options. Great Falls rounds out the trio with steady government, healthcare, and industrial employment. Each city presents distinct advantages: Billings offers corporate career pathways, Missoula provides academic and tech-forward opportunities, while Great Falls delivers stable employment in essential sectors.

Educational access varies by location, with The University of Montana in Missoula producing 47 completions in network administration, far exceeding other state institutions. Montana State University in Bozeman, though not technically a metro area, serves Central Montana and produces strong graduate numbers. Montana Technological University in Butte offers another pathway for students in Western Montana. For students seeking affordability combined with opportunity, The University of Montana charges just $5,736 in in-state tuition while maintaining strong graduate outcomes. Consider exploring Cloud Computing in Montana and Cybersecurity in Montana for complementary programs in these same metropolitan regions, as many employers hire across related IT specializations.

Last Updated: February 22, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.