Montana · Computer Science

Best colleges for Computer Science in Montana

Ranked by graduate earnings

Montana State University, The University of Montana and Montana Technological University award the most Computer Science degrees and certificates in Montana: 128, 22 and 8 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 5 Montana colleges offer Computer Science and award 164 degrees and certificates a year in all.

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

Institutions
5
offering CIP 11.07
States & territories
54
with a program page
Degrees / yr
164
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median starting salary
$66,918
1 yr after graduation, College Scorecard
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Median net price
$21,440
IPEDS 2024–25
Avg graduation rate
56%
IPEDS 2024–25
State pay · Computer and Information Research Scientists
—
BLS OEWS May 2025

Top institution, ranked by graduate earnings

Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.

Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionStarting salary (1 yr)Graduates / yrGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Montana State University
Bozeman Public · Bachelor's degree
$66,91812857%—$22,500

Colleges awarding the most Computer Science degrees in Montana

Top 5 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.

Graduates / yr: degrees and certificates awarded in a year, IPEDS completions. Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionGraduates / yrStarting salary (1 yr)
1Montana State University
Bozeman Public
128$66,918
2The University of Montana
Missoula Public
22Not reported
3Montana Technological University
Butte Public
8Not reported
4Carroll College
Helena Private not-for-profit
4Not reported
5Rocky Mountain College
Billings Private not-for-profit
2Not reported

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+19.7%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~3,200
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$140,910
typically Master's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningMathematics

What Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Montana

Jobs in Montana
—
BLS OEWS May 2025
State average pay
—
annual
Best-paying metro
—

Related careers

Software Developers
$133,550 avg · 2,160 jobs
Computer and Information Systems Managers
$146,100 avg · 1,180 jobs
Computer Network Support Specialists
$65,760 avg · 890 jobs
Web Developers
$65,850 avg · 550 jobs
Computer Occupations, All Other
$83,980 avg · 540 jobs
Information Security Analysts
$97,940 avg · 380 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Computer Science programs in Montana.

Which Montana colleges award the most Computer Science degrees?+

Montana State University (128 graduates a year), The University of Montana (22 graduates a year) and Montana Technological University (8 graduates a year) award the most Computer Science degrees and certificates in Montana, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 5 Montana colleges offer Computer Science.

Which Computer Science program in Montana has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Montana State University tops the list at $66,918. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

What is the focus of the Computer Science program?+

The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists?+

The national job outlook is about +19.7% growth with around 3,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

About the data on this page

Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
PSEO graduate earnings2019–21 graduation cohorts (release V4.13.0)
Earnings and employment outcomes of graduates by institution, degree level, and field of study, measured from state wage records.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.
FVT/GE program performanceProvisional preview, May 18, 2026 release
Program-level debt-to-earnings and earnings-premium measures behind the FVT/GE and STATS accountability frameworks.

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card