The University of Montana
About The University of Montana
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of Montana is a public research university in Missoula, Montana, in the northern Rocky Mountains. It offers programs in forestry, wildlife biology, journalism, and the sciences, with unmatched access to outdoor research and recreation.
Founded
1893
Location
Missoula, Montana
Students
10,408
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
95.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
48%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,552
Out-of-state: $33,671
Avg Net Price
$16,784
After financial aid
SAT Average
1190
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$44,511
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$30
Early
Mar 1
Regular
Aug 1
The University of Montana accepts the majority of applicants at 95.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1190/ 1600
Average: 1190 out of 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48% complete their degree within six years
Retention
74.8%
4-Year Grad
33%
6-Year Grad
49%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
68.7%
$/Student
$10.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 33% graduation rate is below average, but 74.8% 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
$8,552
In-State
$33,671
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,804
Books & Supplies
$2,650
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,570
After Financial Aid
$16,784
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,960
Receive Grants
28%
Take Loans
41.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $23,570/yr for in-state students, including $12,804 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,784. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $33,671.
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 The University of Montana fund their education.
While in School
28%
Get Grants
Free money
41.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$36,050
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,400
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$237/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,400 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends The University of Montana.
Gender
57.4%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,488
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,920
Graduates
30.2%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
19.6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 30.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
7,488
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
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
The University of Montana fields 8 varsity teams with 500 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big Sky
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
500
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
274
Men
226
Women
4
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of The University of Montanaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,511
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$25K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$28K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
$28K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$36K
60 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$38K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$39K
55 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $36K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The University of Montana
What is the acceptance rate at The University of Montana?▾
How much does The University of Montana cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at The University of Montana?▾
How much do The University of Montana 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.