About Montana State University

Founded in 1893, Montana State University. is a Public college. Located in Montana, which is a city setting in Montana, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 14,340 full time undergraduate students, and 2,019 full time graduate students.

The Montana State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 600 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Montana State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate82%
Application Deadline
Application Fee30
SAT Range1010-1250
ACT Range21-28

Admissions at MSU are considered Less Selective, with ,77% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 22 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

73% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 43% were in the top quarter, and 18% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Montana State University.

5%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
59%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
37%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
60%
“I feel extremely safe”
21%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
47%
“We live for the big game”
9%
“It”s not really our thing”
24%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
59%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
8%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
71%
“They keep regular office hours”
24%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
46%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
53%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
12%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
49%
“We only party on weekends”
36%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
5%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
59%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
37%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
60%
“I feel extremely safe”
21%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
47%
“We live for the big game”
9%
“It”s not really our thing”
24%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
59%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
8%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
71%
“They keep regular office hours”
24%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
46%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
53%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
12%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
49%
“We only party on weekends”
36%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
5%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
56%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Montana State University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    171 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    146 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    181 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    185 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    186 Students rated class size 4 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    184 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    186 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    186 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Montana State University?

104 Students rated Montana State University

Mariah

Montana State University is a great college that has almost everything a college student could possibly want. The college has the best interest for the students and you can always find a professor or any other help if you need it. The only downside is that there are so many things to do in and around Bozeman that you can't do it all in one semester!

Sarah

It's a small college, but I absolutely love it. Every one is friendly and there are plenty of opportunities on campus. Class sizes are small, which makes it easy to talk with professors and get help if you need it. If you put yourself out there, you are sure to have a great experience.

Hailey

I am very lucky to have gone to this institution. I have enjoyed every minute. The campus is gorgeous, the people I have met are wonderful, the teachers care, and it's very easy to find my way around. There are lots of on campus activities, including the free football games on the weekends! There are also plenty of formal occasions for people who like their events a bit more classy.

Shelby

Telling interested students and parents as well as current students how great Montana State is, is part of my job on campus. I am an Orientation Leader and I also work at the Admissions Office on campus, which mean I know more about the university than most of the students that attend. My favorite part of about campus in my opinion is the amazing community that surrounds the campus. Bozeman, Montana has a friendly and alive atmosphere, but still keeps that small town feel that everyone loves. There is parks, including Yellowstone national park, only 90 miles away from campus, two ski hills, both less that an hour away, and access to countless trails from just in town. While the students love to get outdoors and enjoy trying new things, school is what really comes first. MSU is a top research school, has a average GPA of 3.45, and also has a low student to faculty ratio, so professors can be more hands on and helpful to the students. There are so many clubs and activities on campus to ensure that everyone can find a place to fit in and feel comfortable. The many dorms that are offered all have a different atmosphere so each student can feel at home where ever they choose to stay. With the dorms comes the three dining halls that spit out food all day and keep people coming back because of the quality chefs. With all the great things happening on campus, there is also new buildings being built every year because of grants from alumni who loved Montana State. In 2015 a new Business building was build as well as a new dinning hall, in 2016 they broke ground for a new Engineering building, a new and improved fourth dinning hall, as well as a parking garage. When I think about things on campus that I would change it would include parking. The on campus police department sells more parking passes than there are parking spaces which leads to a sticky situation when it comes to trying to get to class in the mornings. Another thing would be the cost of tuition. Montana States tuition at first glance could be pricy, which could intimidate interested students and their parents, but MSU offers many great scholarships as well as WUE, Western Undergraduate Exchange, that can make paying for Montana State a lot easier and well worth it.

Montana State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Montana State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Montana State University is 82%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself two things; if something doesnt feel right with your major or your social activities then change it right away, and be very positive and social on the very first day of college. If I would have gone with my gut after the first semester of college, I would have saved myself many nights of worrying and confusion due to the difficulty of my engineering major. I always had a gut feeling that I should be doing something else but I chose to ignore that feeling and wait another whole year before I finally changed majors to the one I love. My second comment to myself about being more social and confident would have helped me tramendously in making more friends and being an overall happier person. Now I'm not saying I'm an unhappy person, but if I would have been more outgoing during my first couple weeks at college I think I would feel a lot more cofident about my future and the life I'm living. Overalll i love my college and college life.

    Read all  176 answers
  3. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It is extremely geared towards my major and the outdoors. I am in anthropology and it has one of the best archaeology departments in the West. Bozeman even has a museum, Museum of the Rockies, which once housed the renowned paleontologist Jack Horner. It also has many outdoor sports to participate in. We have classes in snowboarding and skiing, as well as campus wide hikes and river rafting expeditions. Even some of the dorms have floors geared towards outdoor enthusiests.

    Read all  35 answers
  4. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    what i really wanted to go into, and if there were more scholarships available

    Read all  32 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The greek life in this town is lacking. The most poplular fraternity is the agricultural house.

    Read all  30 answers
  6. What's unique about your campus?

    I believe the best thing about Montana State University is that its business program is among the top in the nation. I have also found several good friends within the business department who are willing to help me understand things that I don't get right away.

    Read all  29 answers
  7. Describe the students at your school.

    My class mates are fun, driven and all have a passion for the outdoors; they get work done then have fun.

    Read all  28 answers
  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    One who is dedicated to their studies and also interested in out door activities.

    Read all  27 answers
  9. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Great institution of higher learning nestled in the beautiful nothern rocky mountains.

    Read all  25 answers
  10. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating part of school is registering for new classes and thinking that you dropped one section to pick up a new section to find that it didn't really do that but luckily I called the registrar's office and they were willing and able to help. The other frustrating part is trying to meet with my advisor and actually getting advise but again luckily my older sister has been there before me and has shared her solutions.

    Read all  25 answers
  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    People who prefer small classes should not attend this school. This is a large university with 12,000 students; there are so many people that there is not enough time in the day to make all of the classes with a size of 20 or less students. The smallest class I have attended contained 30 students. Despite having a large amount of students, living on campus enables one to meet and recognize most people from his or her grade. Thus, even though it is a large university, students still know each other and create a community-like environment.

    Read all  24 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    How big it is. Compared to my old University

    Read all  20 answers
  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Great engineering school, #4 in the country in Architecture, friendly atmosphere, great mountains, not too big not too small, good environment for learning academically and personally.

    Read all  19 answers
  14. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    All sports groups are popular on campus yet there is no one elite group on campus. I'm largely involved with the music groups on campus. I use to be a music major and I've definitely kept in contact with everyone I met. In most dorms students do leave there doors open. There are few quieter dorms where students are more private. Athletic events are very popular overall and guest speakers are quite popular with a large group on campus. I don't know much about the dating scene since I've been in a long distance relationship with a guy I met in high school. I met my closest friends through my original major. Major traditions on campus include preparing for homecoming. On a Saturday night you can go to the movies or just hang out with friends. You can also go bowling or hang out at the recreation center on campus.

    Read all  6 answers
  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    Academics at Montana State University are strongly emphasized. Students spend a large amount of time studying and class participation is not only encouraged but enforced through a percentage of your class grade. I'm currently in transition of degree's and college has proven to be a struggle for me. I'm at a point where I personally need to assert myself more and I feel like this experience gives me a better view on college.

    Read all  5 answers
  16. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The amount of stereotyping on MSU's campus is not very prominent, however there is a pretty large stereotype of the ski bums vs. the people who are very studious. We do have jocks, partiers, stoners, and the frat kids, however it is not extremely prominent when on campus.

    Read all  5 answers
  17. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    My overall opinion of MSU is it's a great school. The administration and teacher's genuinely care about the students and reach out to the students when there is a problem. School pride is a large part of the MSU atmosphere and the students are great.

    Read all  4 answers
  18. Tell us about your professors.

    The professors at MSU are GREAT! they are always available and are more than willing to meet with you over the weekend. They make an effort to learn all their students names and get to know you personally. I am on a first name basis with all of my professors and its great. Some will even give you their personal cell in case you have questions. They are also very interested in helping prepare you for the workforce and want to see you succeed.

    Read all  2 answers
  19. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I decided to go to Montana State University because it is close to my family and is a great school academically and socially.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

45%

female

55%

male

14,340

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,019

Total Grad Students

49%

Out-Of-State

50%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

140

Student Organizations

6

Fraternities

4

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

28%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
1%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
84%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

84% of students attending Montana State University receive some sort of financial aid. 22% were awarded federal grants. While 42% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$23,186

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,300

Books and Supplies

$8,900

Room and Board

33,386

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$13,920
$30 - $48K
$14,863
$48 - $75K
$17,234
$75 - $110K
$19,210
$110K & UP
$19,441

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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