WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION?

Students have to meet one of the following to be accepted:

22 ACT

1120 SAT

2.5 High school GPA

Rank in the top half of your graduating class

Minimum math requirement of 22 ACT or 27.5 SAT

Minimum writing proficiency of 18 ACT English/Language Arts or 25 SAT Writing/Language

While ACT/SAT are NOT required for admission, they can be used to determine admissibility and for academic placement.

Students who do not meet the admission requirements are still encouraged to apply and submit necessary credentials. MSU is allowed a number of exemptions to the stated requirements and will examine each student’s credentials on a case-by-case basis for admissibility.

DOES THE UNIVERSITY ENFORCE AN APPLICATION DEADLINE? 

MSU is on a rolling admission basis so we can accept applications continually throughout the year. Below are the priority dates we encourage.

Fall Semester – July 1

Spring Semester – December 1

Summer Sessions – May 1

With that being said, we highly recommend seniors entering in the fall apply before December, so they do not miss out on financial aid, scholarship and housing opportunities.

IS AN APPLICATION FEE REQUIRED?

For non-resident students, a $38 non-refundable fee is required for electronic submissions and a $30 non-refundable fee is required for a paper application. The application is free for resident students.

DOES MSU OFFER APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS?

We do not offer fee waivers; however, you may request your application fee be deferred to your first tuition statement. If you would like to do this, you can request to do so at the following link: https://webapps.montana.edu/admissions/appfee/ The request should include full legal name, date of birth and a description of the financial situation warranting the deferral. Requests are evaluated on a case- by- case basis.

IS A FINAL TRANSCRIPT REFLECTING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS?

Transfers (12 credits of greater after high school graduation) must submit official transcripts of all prior college work for admittance. Final official transcripts are required for freshmen once they have graduated from high school or completed courses at another institution.

WHAT IS THE PRIORITY APPLICATION AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

The Priority application provides a select group of students with the opportunity to apply to MSU through a streamlined application. Like all of our applications, it is not binding if you are accepted and there is no decision deadline. It is offered to exemplary students that would excel at Montana State University. It is the quickest and easiest way to apply, and regardless of which application you fill out, you are designated as a Priority applicant in our system giving you benefits such as automatic scholarship and housing preference consideration.

ARE TEST SCORES REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has suspended the requirement that students provide ACT or SAT test scores for admission to its four-year campuses. We are not requiring test scores for admission or scholarship purposes but encourage students to take a standardized exam/send official test scores from the testing agency for course placement purposes.

WHAT IS THE STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO?

17:1

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE?

30

Class size depends on the student’s major, year in college, etc.  Generally, as students move toward their junior and senior year, classes tend to be smaller.  Our largest lecture hall currently holds under 308 students. When students do have a course this large, there will be labs (hands-on) and recitations (discussion) attached. This breaks groups of students up into around 8-15 students per instructor.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF CLASSES ARE TAUGHT BY FACULTY MEMBERS?

Over 90% of courses at MSU are taught by a degreed faculty member – so experts in their field and active researchers. Some lower division or introductory classes are taught by graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). Students will most likely have GTAs in laboratory, studio or recitations. 

WHAT GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES ARE REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS TO COMPLETE?

Our CORE 2.0 curriculum (generals) is to ensure a wide-ranging general education to all MSU students regardless of their major or area of study.  In addition, these courses emphasize communication and techniques of critical and creative inquiry in a variety of disciplines. CORE 2.0 is comprised of 10 areas of study, many of which are built into a student’s curriculum. Many of these courses are also fulfilled if students come into college with any Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or dual-credit courses.

IS MATHEMATICS REQUIRED?

Yes, one Quantitative Reasoning (Q) class is required as part of the CORE 2.0 curriculum. Depending on a student’s major, they may be required to take multiple math courses. You can refer to the Math Flowchart with questions.

ARE ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) ACCEPTED?

Students scoring 3 or better (in most cases, a few require a 4) on AP exams administered by the College Board may be granted credit toward a baccalaureate degree in comparable university courses. Students scoring 4 or better on the High Level IB courses will be granted credit. In most cases, AP and IB credits will satisfy CORE 2.0 courses.

WHAT IF I TOOK DUAL-CREDIT COURSES THROUGH ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

Students can use the Transfer Equivalency Guide to determine how the dual-credit courses they’ve taken will fulfill credit at MSU. When students send in their transcript from another institution, our Admissions Evaluators will review it and provide students with a detailed break-down of what courses they have fulfilled when they attend Orientation.

CAN I SEND MULTIPLE TEST SCORES TO MSU IF I RE-TAKE THE SAT/ACT?

Yes, MSU will always consider the highest composite score. MSU does not take preference to either the ACT or SAT. We encourage students to send in improved test scores so they can be re-considered for scholarship.  

DOES MSU SUPERSCORE THE ACT/SAT?

No, MSU does not super-score the ACT or SAT. We will always consider the highest composite score.

WHAT KIND OF ADVISING IS AVAILABLE?

All students, regardless of major, will be assigned an academic advisor to assist them throughout their four years. Each student is required to meet with their advisor at least once a semester prior to registering for classes.

All incoming students are required to attend an Orientation session before registering for classes the first time. They will receive advising as to which classes to take at this time.

IS TUTORING AVAILABLE?

Yes. SmartyCats Tutoring offers free drop-in group tutoring and $2/hour sessions available per an appointment.

WHAT IS A PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM?

Our Pre-Professional programs include Pre-Law, Pre-Med, Pre-Vet or any additional health profession requiring grad school. These programs are essentially separate advising tracks that assist students in meeting their long-term goals. These programs assist students with necessary test prep, filling out applications, preparing essays, etc.

Students cannot declare these programs as a major but rather pair these options with a designated major. For example, a Biology student may be on a Pre-Med track.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR HONOR STUDENTS?

The Honors College provides students with the opportunity to join a smaller community within the larger MSU community. Students are required to apply for the Honors College. The advantages of participating in the Honors College include exclusive Honors courses, study abroad opportunities, separate housing opportunities, certain professors only teach Honors courses, etc. The biggest benefit is that you can graduate with an Honors Baccalaureate degree if you complete over 16 credits.

CAN YOU DOUBLE MAJOR?

Yes, many combinations of majors for college are possible.  Students work with their advisors to fulfill all of the degree requirements for each major they wish to complete. 

CAN I BRING A CAR? IS THERE TRANSPORTATION AVAILBLE ON CAMPUS?

Yes, students may bring a car if they are willing to pay for a parking permit. The Streamline Bus Service is a free service that students can take advantage of when getting around Bozeman. In addition, during the holidays there are limited shuttles that run out to the airports and there are always shuttles running to and from our ski hills. 

WHAT STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?

Students can study in over 250 locations in over 60 different countries. Abroad experiences can range from a year, a semester, and 6 weeks in the summer. Students who study abroad do not need to know a foreign language. There are independent study abroad programs and departmental trips. The cost of the study abroad trips is usually comparable to MSU fees, tuition and room and board, but there is an additional cost for travel expenses.

WHAT DOES DIVERSITY LOOK LIKE ON CAMPUS?

Though MSU may not be the most diverse institution to the eye, we do represent diversity in many ways. 50% of our student body is made up of out-of-state students representing 49/50 states in the US and over 70 countries spanning from a variety of financial backgrounds, experiences, cultures, religion, etc. Our Student Commons allows students to plan events, promote lecture series, engage students through employment, etc. 

WHAT ATHLETIC PROGRAMS EXIST ON CAMPUS?

The MSU Bobcats participate in NCAA Division 1 in the Big Sky Conference. In total MSU fields 13 D1 sports teams. If students would like to participate in athletics but not on a D1 level, MSU does offer a variety of club sports and ~40 intramural sports for students.  

IS THERE STUDENT GOVEREMENT AVAILBLE AT MSU?

The Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU) is the student organization which is a network of agencies, activities, and programs designed to serve student needs and interests.  There are approximately 30 organizations under the umbrella of ASMSU, all to fulfill the goals of education, service, representation, and entertainment. 

WHAT ATHLETIC FACILITIES EXIST FOR GENERAL STUDENTS USE?

Our state of the art Student Wellness Center opened in August of 2024. The gym fees are included in the student bill so there are no additional membership fees. The facility has cardio and weight equipment, group fitness studios, multi-purpose sports courts, climbing and bouldering walls, an indoor track, a pool, and a sauna and steamroom. Athletic fields behind the Hedges Complex are used for intramural sports.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND MSU? (2025/2026)

Resident

Tuition: $8,946

Room/Board: $14,580

Books/Supplies: $1,450

Miscellaneous: $4,110

Total: $29,086

Non-Resident

Tuition: $33,782

Room/Board: $14,580

Books/Supplies: $1,450

Miscellaneous: $4,110

Total: $53,922

WHAT FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE?

Aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study are available at MSU to eligible students who need assistance to attend school.  FAFSA opens on October 1 every year and the priority deadline is December 1. Students should be notified of their financial aid packages around January/February.  

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILBLE FOR RESIDENTS?

The Montana Premier Scholarship ranges from a $1,000/year to $4,000/year for four years. The Premier Scholarship is automatically awarded based on the students high school GPA, and does not require a separate application. To qualify, a student must have a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA.

Students are also encouraged to apply for the Montana University System (MUS) Honor Scholarship. This scholarship waives a student’s tuition when used at a MT school. Students are awarded an additional $1,000 one time on top of the award if they use it at MSU.

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILBLE FOR NON-RESIDENTS?

Achievement Award: Students with a 2.7 cumulative GPA will automatically be considered for an Achievement Award when they apply. This scholarship takes into account one’s GPA, test scores and class rank. The Achievement Award currently ranges from $7,000/year to $16,000/year.

WUE: WUE is a scholarship program that does require a separate application. WUE applies to students entering from western states. Students awarded the WUE pay 1.5x Montana's in-state tuition rate rather than the nonresident rate. *More information on WUE will be sent out each year since it’s reviewed annually.*  

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILBLE FOR HONORS STUDENTS?

The Presidential Scholarship is our most competitive award offering students a full tuition waiver and a generous housing stipend renewable for up to four years. There is an extensive application associated with the Presidential requiring multiple essays, letters of recommendation, counselor verification and an interview. We award the Presidential Scholarship to around 20 -25 students every year.

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILBLE THROUGH DEPARTMENTS?

Scholarships are offered through varying departments depending on what students are majoring in. These scholarships vary in value and students must apply for departmental scholarships every year. Students can apply on the Cat Scholarships Application, which opens on November 1 and has a priority deadline of February 1st each year.

CAN I STACK MY SCHOLARSHIPS ON TOP OF ONE ANOTHER?

All scholarships and financial aid can stack on top of each other excluding the Achievement Award, WUE, and Presidential for non-residents, or the MUS Scholarship, the Premier Scholarship, and the Presidential Scholarship for resident students. In that situation, we will automatically give you the scholarship of greater value.

CAN I TRACK MY ADMISSION STATUS ONLINE?

Yes, students are able to see their Admissions Checklist by logging into MyMSU. Students can reference this checklist for step-by-step instructions about what they have already completed, and what’s to come.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT APPLYING FOR HOUSING?

MSU requires that all first-time freshmen live on campus for at least two semesters. MSU offers students 12 different housing options including 2 all-female residence halls (Hannon and Hapner) and 1 all-male residence hall (Langford). When you fill out the housing application, you note your top five preferences for residence halls and fill out a survey that matches you with a roommate. You may also request a roommate. *Freshmen wishing to appeal this requirement should be referred to the Residence Life office.

IS THERE AN ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR NEW STUDENTS?

All incoming students are required to participate in one of the new student orientation programs.  Parents and other family members are invited to participate as well.  The programs, offered during the summer, are designed to help new students succeed at MSU. During Orientation, students meet with faculty advisors, select courses, and register for classes. Incoming freshmen will be placed into groups of student in their major and will have a current student as a group leader. Additional information about orientation will be sent to applicants when they are accepted for admission.