Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Montana 2025
Montana State University
116 software engineering graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
The University of Montana
20 software engineering graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
University of Providence
2 software engineering graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
- 1.Montana offers 10+ accredited software engineering 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)
Software Engineering Education in Montana: Overview
Montana offers 10 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 165 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 software engineering 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 Software Engineering 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% | 52.6 |
| 3 | University of Providence | Great Falls, MT | Private | $28,618 | 84% | 45.2 |
| 4 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | Public | $6,113 | 82% | 44.6 |
| 5 | Montana State University Billings | Billings, MT | Public | $4,805 | — | 40.5 |
| 6 | Helena College University of Montana | Helena, MT | Public | $2,792 | — | 40.5 |
| 7 | Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls, MT | Public | $2,947 | — | 38.1 |
| 8 | Carroll College | Helena, MT | Private | $39,152 | — | 37.5 |
| 9 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings, MT | Private | $32,282 | — | 35.9 |
| 10 | Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell, MT | Public | $4,768 | — | 28.3 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Montana: Side-by-Side
| School | Montana State | University of Montana | U of Providence | Montana Technological | Montana State University... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,056 | $5,736 | $28,618 | $6,113 | $4,805 |
| Graduation Rate | 85% | 100% | 84% | 82% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 116 | 20 | 2 | 9 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 96% | 64% | 90% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 74.8/100 | 52.6/100 | 45.2/100 | 44.6/100 | 40.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Montana
Montana offers 6 bachelor's-level software engineering 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Montana
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Montana State | $6,056 | 85% | 116 | 74.8 |
| #2 University of Montana | $5,736 | 100% | 20 | 52.6 |
| #3 U of Providence | $28,618 | 84% | 2 | 45.2 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Montana
For graduate study, Montana offers 2 master's-level software engineering 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Montana.
Top 3 Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Colleges in Montana
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Montana are at Helena College University of Montana ($2,792/year), Great Falls College Montana State University ($2,947/year), Flathead Valley Community College ($4,768/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Montana's competitive tech salaries.
At Helena College University of Montana, a 4-year degree costs approximately $11,168 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,909, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Montana (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Helena College University... | $2,792 | $11,168 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Great Falls College... | $2,947 | $11,788 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Flathead Valley Community... | $4,768 | $19,072 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Montana
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 116 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 74.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 116 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (116 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 52.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 20 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 52.6 / 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 45.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 2 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 45.2 / 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 44.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 9 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,805 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 40.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,870), and selectivity (N/A% 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.
Software Engineering 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 10)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Software Engineering in Montana FAQ
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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.