If you appreciate breathtaking vistas and recreating in the great outdoors, Montana should be at the top of your list when deciding where to live, work and study computer science. Beyond the great outdoors, other advantages of Big Sky Country include low taxes, little traffic, an affordable cost of living and a strong economy. With a proliferating high-tech sector, Montana is also a great place to secure an IT job after you graduate. The best computer science schools in Montana include Montana State University in Bozeman, the University of Montana in Missoula, and Montana Technological University in Butte, MT.
This page will explore Montana's best colleges for computer science and engineering, as well as the top online computer schools for Montana residents. We'll also break down potential career outcomes for comp-sci graduates in The Treasure State, including the top paying cities and IT career paths in Montana.
Best CS Schools in Montana
Compare the top-ranked schools for computer science in Montana.
Montana State University
Located in the stunning city of Bozeman - which consistently ranks among the nation's best places to live - MSU is the state's largest university and premier research institute, and our pick for the best computer science school in Montana. Students at MSU's Gianforte School of Computing have access to undergraduate and graduate programs in cutting-edge CS topics like data science and analytics, cybersecurity, software development, artificial intelligence and more. Montana State University also leads the Northwest in recipients of the Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious national award for exceptional STEM students.
- Featured computer science degrees:
- B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science
- Accelerated B.S. + M.S. in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Data Science
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
- Ph.D. in Computer Science
- View all programs at MSU
- Campus Location:
- Gianforte School of Computing | 357 Barnard Hall | Montana State University | Bozeman, MT 59717-3880
University of Montana
Located in majestic western Montana alongside the Clark Fork River at the base of Mount Sentinel, the University of Montana in Missoula is the state's flagship university. UM's computer science department offers a range of accredited programs from minors and undergraduate comp-sci certificates to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in computing and mathematics. UM is also one of the most affordable schools in Montana, with in-state tuition and fees coming in under $7,800 per year for MT residents.
- Featured computer science programs:
- Computer Science Minor
- Certificates in Computer Programming or Bioinformatics
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- PhD in Mathematics with Comp-Sci Emphasis
- View all programs at UM
- Campus Location:
- UM Computer Science Department | 32 Campus Drive | Missoula, MT 59812
Top-Paying CS Jobs in Montana
After completing your computer science education in Montana, here's how much you can earn in the state's highest paying technical roles.
| Comp-Sci Career | Average Salary in MT |
|---|---|
| Technology Manager | $113,340 |
| Network Architect | $99,140 |
| Software Developer | $92,980 |
| Computer Programmer | $82,130 |
| Network Administrator | $81,370 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional Comp-Sci Salaries in Montana
These Montana cities and metro areas pay the highest salaries to computer science professionals.
| Location in MT | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | $35.88 | $74,640 |
| Missoula, MT | $32.99 | $68,610 |
| Great Falls, MT | $29.88 | $62,140 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Tech and education insiders answer common questions from prospective computer science students in Montana.
Is Montana State University good for computer science?
Yes, MSU at Bozeman is the top-ranked computer science college in Montana.
Is Bozeman a good college town?
Yes, Bozeman, Montana is a great place for college students to live, play, work and study. Often ranked among the best cities in America, Bozeman features gorgeous landscapes, abundant access to outdoor activities, a young populous, and a diverse and growing food scene.
Online Computer Schools in Montana
These top-rated online colleges are currently enrolling Montana residents.
