Montana State University
About Montana State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Montana State University is a public research university in Bozeman, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park. It is known for its programs in engineering, agriculture, architecture, and the sciences, with strong outdoor recreation and research opportunities in the Northern Rockies.
Founded
1893
Location
Bozeman, Montana
Students
16,540
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
82.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
57.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,460
Out-of-state: $33,287
Avg Net Price
$22,499
After financial aid
SAT Average
1183
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,263
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$38
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Montana State University accepts the majority of applicants at 82.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1183/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
57.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.5%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
54%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
57.5%
$/Student
$9.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 78.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,460
In-State
$33,287
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,000
Books & Supplies
$1,450
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,905
After Financial Aid
$22,499
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,797
Receive Grants
16.4%
Take Loans
31.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,905/yr for in-state students, including $14,000 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $22,499. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $33,287.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Montana State University fund their education.
While in School
16.4%
Get Grants
Free money
31.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$56,045
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$239/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Montana State University.
Gender
46.5%
Female
54%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
14,451
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,089
Graduates
23.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.8%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (47% women, 54% men). 23.3% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
14,451
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Montana State University fields 7 varsity teams with 434 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big Sky
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
434
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
245
Men
189
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Montana State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,263
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$48K
291 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
284 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$68K
171 grads
1yr Earnings
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
$32K
145 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
140 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$67K
102 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $53K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Montana State University
What is the acceptance rate at Montana State University?▾
How much does Montana State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Montana State University?▾
How much do Montana State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.