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Key Takeaways
Best network administration 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
Montana State University ... offers the most affordable option at $4,805/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 3 associate's in Montana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online network administration 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration programs
We rank 5 accredited network administration 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 Network Administration Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Montana
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Montana State University ..., Highlands College of Mont..., 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 $3,521/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 network administration schools in Montana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Montana.
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration 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 network administration 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 network administration degrees in Montana, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $4,482/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $11,205/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,121/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $26,892 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $6,722 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Montana
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.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Montana
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.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Graduates in Montana
Find network administration jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Bozeman
MTNetwork Administration Jobs in Missoula
MTNetwork Administration Jobs in Billings
MTTransfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Montana
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.
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Montana?
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.
Network Administration Program Availability in Montana
Source: IPEDS 2024
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Montana
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.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Montana
Online Programs
1 available in Montana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $5,300
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $3,200
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $8,200
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
Network Administration Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Montana?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Montana?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Montana?
Are there online network administration degree programs in Montana?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Montana?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Montana?
How long do network administration degree programs take in Montana?
What financial aid is available for network administration 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.