Montana State University Overview

Montana State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Bozeman, MT. It has an enrollment of 14,329 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 73.00%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $19,413. Tuition is $7,528.00 without financial aid.

Montana State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Montana State University, 75.52% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Montana State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1.

Montana State University Website

Montana State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 73.00%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1176.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 24.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Montana State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $19,413. The in-state tuition is $7,528.00. Out-of-state tuition is $28,264.00

The average tuition is:

• $16,012, when family income is less than $30,000

• $16,729, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $19,466, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $21,963, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $22,308, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 33.93% of students received a federal student loan and 20.27% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $28,264.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Montana State University Net Price Calculator

Montana State University Majors/Salaries

Montana State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Montana State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Plant Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Natural Resources Management and Policy. (Master’s Degree) – $48,432
• Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $45,305
• Environmental Design. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $72,325
• Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $40,089
• Education, General. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $53,629
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $53,671
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,823
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $57,318
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,234
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,332
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,387
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,090
• Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Construction Engineering Technologies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,997
• Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Associate’s Degree) – $42,123
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,822
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,616
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Associate’s Degree) – $26,121
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,525
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,387
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,891
• Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,565
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
• Mathematics. (Master’s Degree) – $40,467
• Sustainability Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $17,470
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Master’s Degree) – $52,107
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,882
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,669
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,594
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,772
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,103
• Precision Metal Working. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $33,459
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,572
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $44,572
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,250
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,192
• Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $29,685
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $39,523
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,411
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $78,343
• Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,697
• Accounting and Related Services. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $25,967
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $57,860
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,585

Montana State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Montana State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 1.49%
• Asian: 1.03%
• Black: 0.45%
• Hispanic: 5.20%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.09%
• Non-resident alien: 1.31%
• Two or more races: 5.32%
• Unknown: 0.82%
• White: 84.28%

At Montana State University, 9.92% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Montana State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Montana State University?

Montana State University (MSU) is known for its vibrant school spirit and active student life. The university’s athletic teams, the Bobcats, compete in the NCAA Division I within the Big Sky Conference and offer a range of sports such as football, basketball, cross country, track and field, volleyball, and more. The university also has a student-run pep band, the Spirit of the West Marching Band, which plays at sporting events and other campus celebrations. In addition to athletics, students can get involved in more than 250 campus clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities, music and arts groups, service organizations, and academic groups. All of these activities contribute to a strong sense of school pride and community at Montana State University.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Montana State University?

Montana State University offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students. Some popular options include joining a student organization or club, volunteering in the community, intramural sports, outdoor recreation, and attending cultural events. There are over 200 registered student organizations at MSU, including academic clubs, cultural organizations, service groups, and recreational clubs. Students can also volunteer through the MSU Office of Activities and Engagement or participate in service projects through the MSU Service Saturday program. MSU’s Outdoor Recreation Program offers opportunities for students to explore the surrounding natural areas through activities like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and kayaking. Intramural sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and dodgeball, are also popular choices for students looking to stay active and meet new people. Finally, MSU hosts a range of cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and performances. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, so students are encouraged to attend these events and engage with different cultures and perspectives.

How are the food choices at Montana State University?

Montana State University offers a variety of dining options for students. With 12 dining locations on campus, there are a range of choices including cafes, convenience stores, and restaurants. The dining options also cater to various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. In addition to this, Montana State University also has a campus farm which provides fresh, locally grown produce and hosts educational events for students. Overall, students at Montana State University have ample food choices to enjoy during their time at the university.

Is there Greek life at Montana State University?

Yes, Montana State University has Greek Life on campus. There are currently 13 fraternities and 8 sororities recognized by the school’s Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council respectively. Greek life plays an active role in the campus community and contributes to various philanthropic and social events throughout the year. While participation in Greek life is voluntary, it provides an opportunity for students to connect with a community and develop leadership skills.

What is Montana State University known for?

Montana State University (MSU) is known for its excellence in research, particularly in the areas of agricultural sciences, environmental science, engineering, and ecology. It is a leading research institution in the Rocky Mountain region, and has been designated as a “Very High Research Activity” university by the Carnegie Foundation. Additionally, MSU is known for its strong programs in the arts and humanities, business, nursing, and education. The university is located in Bozeman, Montana, which is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation.

What are the most popular school clubs at Montana State University?

At Montana State University, some of the most popular student clubs include the Outdoor Recreation Club, the Bobcat Spirit Club, the MSU Film Club, the MSU Gaming Club, the MSU Snowboard and Ski Club, and the Rock Climbing Club. Montana State University also has several academic clubs for students, including the Engineering Club, the Chemistry Club, the Accounting Club, and the Finance and Investment Club. There are over 200 student organizations at Montana State University, so there are many different options for students to get involved both socially and academically.

Is the campus at Montana State University safe?

Montana State University is generally considered a safe campus. The campus has around-the-clock campus security personnel, emergency phones, and an emergency alert system. The University Police Department also has a highly trained staff of officers that provide a range of services to try to maintain a safe and secure campus environment. However, as with any campus, it’s still essential to take appropriate safety precautions, and students should also be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately. Overall, Montana State University has a low crime rate, and the campus is generally considered to be a safe and welcoming place.