Public Institution

Montana State University — Bozeman, Montana

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Annual Tuition $8,083

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 86.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 14,472

Active Students

Avg. Salary $53,263

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Bozeman, Montana
Institution type Public
Accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Montana State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Bozeman, providing a robust academic foundation for 14,472 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Montana State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Montana State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Engineering
15.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
12.4%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
11.2%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
8%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science
6%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Montana State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Family & Consumer Science College

The Family & Consumer Science program at Montana State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Montana State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Montana State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 86.8%
Difficulty Low

Montana State University maintains an acceptance rate of 86.8%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 54%
Women Enrollment 46%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 530 - 640
SAT Mathematics 530 - 630
ACT English 19 - 26
ACT Mathematics 19 - 26
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Montana State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $8,083
Out-of-State Tuition $31,337

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 16.7%
Median Student Debt $22,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $8,083, graduates see a median starting salary of $53,263, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Montana.

What salary can Montana State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $53,263

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 57.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $20,593
Median Salary (6yr) $44,757
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Montana State University in Bozeman?

14,472 Students

Gender Comparison

54% Men
46% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

77.9%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
1.4%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1%
Black
0.4%
White
84.3%
Unknown
0.7%
Hispanic
5.8%
Two or More Races
5.5%
International
0.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 23.3%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 49.7%
🎖️
Veterans 0.5%
💍
Married Students 4.4%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 59.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $53,207
Average Family Income $73,865
Median Family Income $56,045

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52%
48%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Bozeman Campus Environment

Located at Montana State University, Montana State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Montana. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Montana State University compare?

Direct Comparison Montana State University vs Academy of Cosmetology Inc →

Common Questions about Montana State University

Is Montana State University a good college in Bozeman, Montana?
Montana State University is a recognized institution in Bozeman with an enrollment of 14,472 students. It is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers a robust ROI for students in Montana based on Department of Education data.
Is Montana State University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Montana State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $53,263. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Montana State University cost for Montana residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Montana State University is approximately $8,083. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $31,337. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Montana State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Montana State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 49.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Montana State University good for Engineering and Business & Marketing programs?
Montana State University is highly regarded for its Engineering and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Montana State University?
Graduates of Montana State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Engineering. With a median salary of $53,263, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Montana State University?
Montana State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Montana State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Montana State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Montana State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Montana State University earn a median salary of $53,263 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Montana State University a good investment compared to other MT colleges?
Montana State University stands out as a high-value investment in Montana. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Montana State University located and what is the campus like?
Montana State University is located at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 14,472 learners.
Who typically attends Montana State University in Bozeman, MT?
The student body at Montana State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 23.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Montana

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Montana State University with other leading institutions in Montana across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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