University campus in Montana
Updated June 28, 2026

Best Web Development Degree Programs in Montana, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top web development colleges in Montana. 6 accredited web development schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from Salish Kootenai College to top research universities.

#1 ProgramTop
Avg Salary$89,870
Tuition From$5,076/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

6

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$89,870

Montana median web development salary

BLS OEWS 2024

60/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

17%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best web development degree programs: Top, ,

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $2,792 to $5,076/year

Salish Kootenai College offers the most affordable option at $5,076/yr

IPEDS 2024

Web Development degree programs available: 6 associate's in Montana

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

2 online web development degree programs in Montana

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2024

Montana community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

6 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

Web Development degree programs near 16+ cities across Montana

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2024

Updated June 28, 2026

How we ranked Montana Web Development programs

We rank 6 accredited web development 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.

Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology

Are Web Development Degree Programs in Montana Worth It?

Answer
$89,870
Yes. The best web development degree programs in Montana deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $89,870 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $4,178/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Web Development Degree Rankings in Montana

Compare the top-ranked Web Development programs in Montana by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Associate's Web Development Programs in Montana

6
Programs ranked
$4,178
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Montana offers 6 accredited associate's degree programs in web development, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Salish Kootenai College, Helena College University..., Montana State University ..., 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 $4,178/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 web development schools in Montana, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their web development degrees in Montana.

Show all 6 ranked programs
RankSchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateHakia Score
#6Great Falls College Montana State UniversityGreat Falls, MTPublic$2,94745.9

Web Development Degree Costs & Tuition in Montana

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$4,178/year
Average out-of-state tuition$10,445/year
Community college tuition$1,045/year
4-year savings for residents$25,068
2+2 transfer pathway savings$6,266

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Web Development Students in Montana

State Aid Programs

Montana students pursuing web development degrees have access to several financial aid options designed to make higher education more affordable. The primary federal resource is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Montana residents attending public four-year institutions benefit from in-state tuition rates averaging $4,747 annually, significantly lower than out-of-state rates of $16,688 (IPEDS). Additionally, the Montana University System Honor Scholarship provides merit-based tuition waivers for qualifying Montana high school graduates, offering substantial savings for both associate and bachelor degree programs.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal aid, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and financial packages. The University of Montana and Montana State University, both ranked among the top web development programs in the state, provide competitive financial aid packages tailored to web development students. Community colleges like Helena College University of Montana, with tuition as low as $2,792, offer an affordable pathway for students completing associate degrees before transferring to four-year institutions. Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility. For more information on comparing aid packages across Montana schools, visit the (College Scorecard) to view institution-specific financial aid data and graduation rates.

Web Development Degree ROI Calculator, Montana

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a web development 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.

Web Development Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a web development degree

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+749%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,385,336

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

6 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$119,048

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

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,420,744

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$125,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.3%

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

Web Development Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Montana metro areas

Bozeman$99K
Missoula$94K
Billings$90K
View data table
CategoryValue
Bozeman$99K
Missoula$94K
Billings$90K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Web Development Graduates in Montana

Find web development jobs in Montana. These major employers across Montana metro areas are actively hiring web development degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Web Development Jobs in Bozeman

MT
Oracle
tech
Workiva
tech
Zoot Enterprises
fintech

Web Development Jobs in Missoula

MT
ATG (Advanced Technology Group)
consulting
University of Montana
education

Web Development Jobs in Billings

MT
Billings Clinic
healthcare

Transfer Pathways for Web Development Degrees in Montana

State Transfer System

Montana's transfer system is facilitated by the Montana Common Course Numbering system, which ensures consistent course numbering and articulation across all public colleges and universities (Montana University System). This framework enables students to begin their web development education at one of Montana's 10 two-year institutions, such as Flathead Valley Community College (3 completions), Helena College University of Montana (3 completions), and Miles Community College (2 completions), and seamlessly transition to bachelor's degree programs at one of the state's 14 four-year institutions (IPEDS).

How Transfers Work

Associate degree holders in web development have clear pathways to bachelor's programs at Montana State University, The University of Montana, and Montana Technological University, where they can complete upper-level coursework in advanced web technologies and specializations. Transfer students benefit from lower overall costs, with average in-state tuition at two-year institutions significantly below four-year schools, while earning credits applicable toward bachelor's degrees (College Scorecard). The Montana University System Honor Scholarship provides additional financial support for eligible Montana high school graduates (Montana University System). Students planning to transfer should work with academic advisors at community colleges to ensure coursework aligns with degree requirements at their target four-year institution. This structured pathway maximizes affordability while building foundational skills before pursuing advanced roles in web development, software engineering, or computer programming.

Why Pursue a Web Development Degree in Montana?

Industry & Workforce

Montana offers a growing landscape for web development education with 6 institutions currently offering programs at the associate and bachelor's levels (IPEDS). The state's higher education system is anchored by strong research universities and community colleges strategically located in major tech hubs including Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, and Helena. Top-ranked institutions like Montana State University and The University of Montana provide affordable pathways into the field, with public in-state tuition averaging just $4,747 for four-year programs (IPEDS).

Salary Outlook

Beyond affordability, Montana's web development programs connect students to real-world opportunities with major employers including Billings Clinic, Providence Health, and the state's university systems themselves. The state's tech ecosystem spans multiple regions, from Eastern Montana's growing digital economy to Western Montana's creative industries in Missoula. Graduates benefit from Montana's business-friendly environment and increasing demand for digital services across healthcare, education, and local industries. Whether pursuing an associate degree at community colleges like Flathead Valley Community College or a bachelor's degree at a research university, students gain practical skills in a cost-effective setting while building networks with employers actively hiring in the region.

Web Development Program Availability in Montana

6 Programs
Montana offers 6 accredited web development programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Bozeman, Missoula, Billings.

Source: IPEDS 2024

Web Development Job Market & Salary Data in Montana

Employment Outlook

Montana's web development job market is anchored by strong demand across the state's major metropolitan areas. Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls represent the primary employment hubs for technology professionals, with healthcare, education, and government sectors driving consistent hiring. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Montana, web developers and related technology professionals continue to experience steady demand across these metro regions. The state's growing tech sector reflects broader national trends, with Montana positioning itself as an emerging hub for remote-friendly tech careers.

Salaries by Metro

Career preparation through Montana's educational pathways offers competitive advantages for job seekers. The state hosts 6 institutions offering web development programs at the associate's level, with 17 total completions recorded in recent years (IPEDS Program Data). Programs at Montana State University, The University of Montana, and Montana Technological University provide strong foundations for entering the professional market. Students benefit from Montana's Common Course Numbering system, which ensures consistent academic preparation across institutions and facilitates career transitions throughout the state's university system.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Montana$58,416$130,312
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Web Development Programs in Montana

Online Programs

2 available in Montana

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$3,760/yr$4,178/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Compare Web Development Programs in Other States

Web Development Degree Programs in Montana: FAQ

What are the best web development degree programs in Montana?
The best web development degree programs in Montana based on our methodology are: 1) N/A (highly ranked), 2) N/A, and 3) N/A. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Montana offers 6 total accredited programs across 6 public and 0 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 0 bachelor's programs.
How much do web development degree programs cost in Montana?
Web Development degree program costs in Montana vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $4,178/year, while private institutions average $9,192/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $1,045/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $16,712 at public schools to $36,766 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can web development degree graduates earn in Montana?
Web Development professionals in Montana earn a median salary of $89,870, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $58,416, while senior roles exceed $130,312. Salaries vary by metro area: Bozeman ($98,857), Missoula ($94,364) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online web development degree programs in Montana?
Yes, Montana offers 2 accredited online Web Development programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Miles Community College and Great Falls College Montana State University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire web development degree graduates in Montana?
Major Web Development employers in Montana include Oracle, Workiva, Zoot Enterprises, onXmaps, RightNow Technologies. The Bozeman and Missoula metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Montana universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Montana's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a web development degree program worth it in Montana?
A web development degree program in Montana offers strong ROI with a $89,870 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $4,178/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($101,553), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do web development degree programs take in Montana?
Standard completion times for web development degree programs in Montana are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Montana community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Montana university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for web development degree students in Montana?
Montana web development degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Montana state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Montana's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Montana salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

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.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth Web Development program profiles in Montana

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Associate's Web Development programs

#1Salish Kootenai CollegePablo, MT

Hakia insight. Salish Kootenai's emphasis on projects that serve tribal enterprises creates a rare advantage: you graduate with real-world applications built for actual clients in your community, giving you references and case studies that most associate's graduates lack entirely.

At the associate's level, if you're looking to stay rooted in your community while building real tech skills, Salish Kootenai's web development program emphasizes hands-on project work that gets you portfolio-ready within two years. You'll learn front-end and back-end fundamentals—HTML, CSS, JavaScript, databases—with instructors who understand the tribal education mission and keep class sizes small enough for genuine mentorship. Graduates often land support roles at regional tech companies or launch freelance work while considering transfers to UM or MSU. The program's real strength is its integration of cultural context into tech careers and strong connections to local tribal enterprises and Montana businesses looking for reliable junior developers.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Web Development · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Web Development · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Tribal enterprises, Local Montana businesses, Regional tech support companies

#2Helena College University of MontanaHelena, MT

Hakia insight. Helena College's seamless transfer pathway to University of Montana means you're not just getting an associate's—you're locked into a articulation agreement where your credits don't just transfer, they count toward upper-level CS electives, effectively shortening your bachelor's timeline.

At the associate's level, your web development education at Helena College comes with built-in transfer pathways to University of Montana's Missoula campus—credits transfer seamlessly, and you'll graduate with industry-ready skills before moving into upper-level coursework or straight into the workforce. The program teaches modern web stacks (front-end frameworks, databases, responsive design) with lab work on current technologies. Helena's advantage is its UM affiliation, which opens doors to employer partnerships and internship opportunities connected to the university. Many graduates land jobs with state agencies, healthcare IT departments, or small businesses across central Montana while others leverage their associate degree as a launchpad for a bachelor's in computer science.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Web Development · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Web Development · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: State of Montana IT departments, Helena healthcare systems, UM-affiliated tech roles, Local government web services

#3Montana State University BillingsBillings, MT

Hakia insight. MSU Billings embeds its associate's students in a four-year university where you can audit or enroll in upper-level courses while completing your degree, letting you test advanced topics before committing to a bachelor's rather than discovering new interests after graduation.

At the associate's level, at MSU Billings, your web development path benefits from being embedded in a four-year university ecosystem where community college students can take upper-level electives and network with full bachelor's-degree students in tech. The program grounds you in web fundamentals—HTML, CSS, JavaScript, databases, UI/UX basics—while giving you clear runway into the university's computer science or information technology bachelor's degrees. You'll graduate with a competitive portfolio and the option to finish a bachelor's degree in Billings or transfer elsewhere. Billings' growing tech sector (especially in energy tech and healthcare IT) means local employers actively recruit from the program.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Web Development · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Web Development · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Billings energy sector tech companies, Healthcare IT providers, MSU Billings IT departments, Regional financial services firms

#4Flathead Valley Community CollegeKalispell, MT

Hakia insight. Flathead Valley's instructor-industry connection means your coursework isn't theoretical—local startups and e-commerce firms regularly shape the curriculum, so what you learn in week five is what Kalispell companies are actually hiring for in month eight.

At the associate's level, when you enroll in Flathead Valley's web development coursework, you're tapping into a program that balances classroom theory with real business applications—instructors often pull examples from actual Flathead Valley companies. The curriculum covers responsive design, JavaScript frameworks, and server-side development, preparing you to either transfer to a four-year program or jump directly into entry-level roles at local tech firms and marketing agencies. Many students appreciate the flexibility of evening and hybrid options, which lets you work part-time while learning. The program benefits from proximity to growing tech clusters in the Kalispell area and strong ties to employers actively hiring junior developers.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in Web Development · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Web Development · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Kalispell tech startups, Local marketing agencies, Regional e-commerce businesses, Tourism and hospitality tech companies

#5Miles Community CollegeMiles City, MT

Why it stands out. Miles Community College provides affordable Web Development education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Hakia insight. Miles Community College delivers affordable, flexible web development training in a region where many students can't relocate, with explicit transfer pathways that protect your credits and progression if you later pursue a four-year degree.

Miles Community College offers Web Development programs in Miles City, MT. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

#6Great Falls College Montana State UniversityGreat Falls, MT

Why it stands out. Great Falls College Montana State University offers comprehensive Web Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia insight. Great Falls College Montana State University positions you within the Montana State system, meaning your associate's degree is the first step in a structured pathway toward a bachelor's with recognized academic standing across MSU campuses.

Great Falls College Montana State University offers Web Development programs in Great Falls, MT. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.