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Key Takeaways
Best software engineering degree programs: Montana State, U of Montana, U of Providence
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,792 to $39,152/year
Montana State University ... offers the most affordable option at $4,805/yr
Software Engineering degree programs available: 4 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Montana
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online software engineering degree programs in Montana
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Montana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
4 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering programs
We rank 13 accredited software engineering 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 Software Engineering Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in Montana
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Software Engineering Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana offers 4 accredited associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Helena College University..., Montana State University ..., Flathead Valley Community..., 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 $3,828/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 software engineering schools in Montana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in Montana.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Montana State, U of Montana, U of Providence, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Montana software engineering 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 $39,152 annually, with an average of $19,660/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, 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 software engineering degrees in Montana, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Rocky Mountain College | Billings, MT | Private | $32,282 | — | 35.9 |
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana offers 2 master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Montana State, U of Montana, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Montana earn a median salary of $89,870, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Bozeman, Missoula, Billings creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $5,896/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Montana's software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Programs in Montana
Program Landscape
Montana is home to 1 doctoral programs in software engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Montana State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Montana PhD holders earning a median of $112,338, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Bozeman, Missoula, Billings region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Montana programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing software engineering degrees in Montana, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Software Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $13,327/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $33,318/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,332/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $79,964 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $19,990 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Software Engineering Students in Montana
State Aid Programs
Montana software engineering students have access to multiple financial aid pathways, starting with the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid. This application opens the door to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities regardless of your chosen institution. The Montana University System, which oversees most public institutions offering software engineering programs, administers the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based tuition waiver program available to qualifying Montana high school graduates. This scholarship significantly reduces the financial burden for in-state students attending institutions like Montana State University, The University of Montana, or Montana Technological University.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond federal and state aid, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and financial packages tailored to software engineering majors. Montana's public four-year institutions average just $4,747 in annual in-state tuition, making them among the most affordable options for engineering education. Students should explore scholarships through their specific school, whether pursuing a degree at The University of Montana or attending community college programs through institutions like Helena College University of Montana. For comprehensive aid planning, the College Scorecard provides institution-specific financial aid data, and the Montana University System website offers additional state-specific resources. Prospective students should file FAFSA by the institution's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Montana
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Graduates in Montana
Find software engineering jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in Bozeman
MTSoftware Engineering Jobs in Missoula
MTSoftware Engineering Jobs in Billings
MTTransfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in Montana
State Transfer System
Montana provides structured transfer pathways for software engineering students progressing from two-year to four-year institutions. The state's 10 two-year institutions offer 4 software engineering associate's degree programs, designed explicitly as stepping stones to bachelor's degrees (IPEDS). Top-ranked community college options include Flathead Valley Community College, Helena College University of Montana, and Montana State University Billings, offering affordable foundational coursework in mathematics, programming, and computer science. The Montana Common Course Numbering System is instrumental in helping transfers, ensuring that courses completed at community colleges transfer seamlessly to bachelor's programs at Montana State University, The University of Montana, and other four-year institutions. This system eliminates credit loss and reduces time-to-degree, making pathways predictable and efficient for transfer students.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between specific two-year and four-year institutions guarantee smooth transitions and course equivalencies for software engineering students. Students completing an associate's degree in software engineering at Flathead Valley Community College or Helena College can transition directly into bachelor's programs at partner universities, maintaining momentum in their academic progression. The Montana University System coordinates these agreements through MUS, streamlining the transfer process. Transfer students benefit from lower tuition costs at community colleges. Helena College's $2,792 annual tuition versus four-year institution averages of $4,747 to $6,056, creating significant savings. Prospective transfer students should explore Computer Science in Montana and Computer Programming in Montana for alternative entry routes. For detailed information on transfer eligibility, financial aid portability, and specific articulation agreements, consult individual institution websites and the Montana University System.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in Montana?
Industry & Workforce
Montana offers a compelling environment for software engineering students, with 13 institutions currently offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state's software engineering pipeline is strong, producing 155 bachelor's degree completions annually, along with 11 master's degrees and 5 doctoral degrees (IPEDS). Montana State University leads the charge with 129 completions, followed by The University of Montana with 23 completions, establishing the state as a genuine hub for software engineering education. The affordability advantage is particularly notable. Montana's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at just $4,747 annually, significantly lower than the national average.
Salary Outlook
Beyond academics, Montana's strategic location and emerging tech economy make it an attractive destination. Major employers including Billings Clinic, Providence Health, and the universities themselves create strong internship and job placement opportunities across regions like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. Students benefit from the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, a merit-based tuition waiver program for qualified Montana high school graduates. The state's lower cost of living combined with quality education creates exceptional value. Whether you're exploring Computer Science in Montana, Web Development in Montana, or other technology fields, Montana provides accessible pathways to launch a software engineering career without excessive debt.
Software Engineering Program Availability in Montana
Source: IPEDS 2024
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Montana
Employment Outlook
Montana's software engineering job market is growing steadily, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas including Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana's tech sector continues to expand as companies increasingly invest in digital transformation and software solutions. The state's 13 institutions offering software engineering programs produce 155 bachelor's degree completions annually, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to enter the workforce. Recent graduates find positions across healthcare, education, and technology sectors, with competitive entry-level and mid-career opportunities.
Salaries by Metro
The software engineering landscape in Montana differs from national trends, with smaller companies and regional employers playing significant roles alongside larger institutions. Eastern Montana, Western Montana, Central Montana, and the Flathead Valley regions each host distinct tech ecosystems. Professional development is supported through the Montana University System, which operates transfer agreements via Montana Common Course Numbering to ensure consistent educational standards. Students interested in broader career paths may explore related fields like Computer Science in Montana, Web Development in Montana, and Computer Programming in Montana to understand the full spectrum of technology careers available in the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in Montana
Online Programs
1 available in Montana
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $5,000
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $9,300
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
- Total Programs
- 90
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Software Engineering Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in Montana?
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in Montana?
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in Montana?
Are there online software engineering degree programs in Montana?
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in Montana?
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in Montana?
How long do software engineering degree programs take in Montana?
What financial aid is available for software engineering 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.