FAQ - Prospective students & parents

As an Admissions Counselor you are one of the front faces of the Admissions Office. It's important for you to be able to answer a wide variety of questions from students & parents whether this is over the phone or via email. The following are some examples of questions you may receive, as well as what an appropriate response/answer would be.

ADMISSION:

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.

ACADEMICS

WHAT IS THE STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO?

17:1

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE?

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 12-16 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.

STUDENT LIFE

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.

COST OF ATTENDANCE/SCHOLARSHIP/FINANCIAL AID

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 AVAILABLE 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.

NEXT STEPS

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.

Difficult Questions

Why are your admission requirements so low? Will I be challenged at MSU if there are students in class with me that have a 2.5 GPA?
As a land-grant institution founded on access to education, MSU provides opportunities for students at all levels of academic preparedness when entering, but we also give students an opportunity to thrive academically once they are at MSU, regardless of their academic level. Students will find the courses here to push them academically, and there are a ton of opportunities for students to get involved in research inside and outside the classroom. Our average incoming freshman GPA is 3.73, meaning we still have amazing students on our campus.

This seems like a STEM school. Why should I study the arts, humanities, social sciences, etc. here?
MSU has many excellent programs within the STEM fields; however, there are also many strong areas within the arts, humanities, and social sciences that provide students’ academic opportunities to excel within their chosen fields. This includes getting involved with research, hands on creative learning, receiving advising for professional schools like law school and more. MSU provides a wide array of academic choices so students can excel in whatever area they want to pursue.

Why should a person of color go to school here? It seems like a predominately white campus.
MSU is fortunate to have students from all corners of the US and international community joining us. In recent years we’ve seen an increase in many different demographic populations on our campus, including Hispanic (2025: 1,124), Alaska Native/American Indian (Fall 2025: 848), and African American (Fall 2025: 344) students. Student representative groups like the Black Student Union and the American Indian Council of MSU offer communities for involvement, outreach, and conversation on campus. MSU is also proud to host several major cultural events each year, including the annual MSU American Indian Council Powwow, India Night, MLK Jr Celebration, etc. As a larger public university in a college town like Bozeman, students will find support and opportunity across the community. A great home base for students looking for connection and resources is the Access and Success Office. Racial and ethnic diversity enrollment, and support continues to be a focus and priority for MSU, listed as item #1 in MSU’s current strategic plan, implemented under President Waded Cruzado.

What is your graduation rate? Why is it so low?
MSU’s 4-year graduation rate (2024-2025: 38%) sits just below the national average of ~41%, and has been on an upward trend for the past several years. Our six-year rate (2024-2025: 57.4%), which is tracked and recognized by the federal government, has also been increasing, falling in line with the national average of ~61%. For reference, schools with “open-enrollment” policies similar to MSU’s, the six-year graduation rate sits around ~34% on average, placing Montana State well above those figures. MSU is currently seeing record highs in retention (2024-2025: 81.8% first year students returning as sophomores, 89% of ALL eligible students) and graduation rates.

There are many factors that lead to students not graduating in four years. They include adding a double major or minor, gaining residency, coming back to school, taking a year off, etc. Furthermore, as the land-grant institution of Montana, we are an access-oriented institution meaning that some students may join us at MSU and take longer to obtain their degree because we focus on some college preparatory and foundational courses at the start of their college experience.

We currently offer several services for students to keep them on-track to graduate, including the Freshman 15 program which encourages them to enroll in at least 15 credits each semester. Students are also required to check in with an advisor each semester to ensure they stay on-track. In addition, MSU offers both 6-week and 12-week summer term options. MSU’s condensed summer term courses allow students to engage in a course’s material four days a week for four or six weeks to help advance students in gaining back credits if they were to ever fall behind in coursework.

Do I get WUE just because I’m from a WUE state?
The WUE scholarship is an agreement among states and territories that if awarded, would drop a student’s cost of attendance to 150% of that institution’s resident tuition. Every school and every state has the ability to determine the criteria of the scholarship and manage it based on their own criteria. Please note that the in-state tuition in Montana is much lower than other states that participate. As a result, the WUE scholarship is much greater in value at MSU than it is at other schools. Typically, the WUE scholarship for other schools/states values anywhere from $6,000 - $15,000 on average. At MSU, the scholarship is a discount of around $22,000/year. As a result, the scholarship is more competitive at MSU. At MSU, rather than WUE being awarded as a merit-based, or automatic scholarship, it is one that students must apply for through the Cat $cholarships application. For the Fall of 2026, the WUE application deadline was January 8th, and included scoring criteria for areas of Leadership, Service, and Academics.

In an effort to make MSU affordable, we automatically consider students for the Achievement Award scholarship. Please note the value of this award is actually similar if not more than what the WUE discounts at other institutions (again based on their in-state tuition). For Fall 2026, MSU received nearly 3,700 applications with over 1,200 student applicants receiving offers making it the most competitive, and difficult, awarding process to date. 

Note: WUE IS NOT STACKABLE WITH ONE’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.

Why is MSU a better school than U of M?
MSU is not necessarily better than any other institution or vice versa as all schools offer different programs and different opportunities for students. There are some programs that are the same between campuses, but each campus has their own identity. We suggest going to visit each campus you are interested in to make the best decision for you as to which one should be YOUR choice for higher education. We’d love to share more information about MSU or answer any questions you still have to help you with your college decision.

How many people are sexually assaulted on campus?
We do publish a complete Annual Safety and Security report, in step with the National Clery Act. This report is available for students and parents to read through on our website, along with printed copies in many offices, including the Office of Admissions. I would say that, generally speaking, MSU is overwhelmingly a safe place for students to call home. Our campus-affiliated police department is very proactive and offers services and programming for students, including a security escort program, our Safety Cats App, and the MSU Alert system. Our Dean of Students Office, as well as several other resources on campus like Campus Civil Rights (CCR) Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) also take a very active role in providing resources and support to any student who may be involved in an incident to help them move forward.

What is the party scene like here?
Like any college, students can find the college experiences they are looking for, but there are also a ton of MSU or community events for students to get involved that center around healthier options for the student experience. From the outdoors and Division I athletics to over 300 clubs and organizations, there is plenty to do around campus and the Bozeman area.

I’ve heard you can skip class on powder days. Is this true?
MSU and the Bozeman area has a ton of outdoor opportunities including lots of skiing, however, it is not recommended nor encouraged to skip class. Each class provides students with a key piece of their education, so skipping a class to ski is not an accepted reason to be absent from class. Students need to set their priorities and remember that the mountains aren’t going anywhere.

Remember, MSU does not have to invite you back… So if you don’t mind your P’s and Q’s in the classroom, you won’t be able to enjoy the intangible benefits of being a Bobcat!

Is there a right to carry a firearm on campus?
While the state of Montana does allow people the right to conceal carry firearms, firearms are not permitted on MSU’s campus in a conceal carry fashion. MSU does allow students to bring hunting rifles and archery equipment, but all items must be checked into the Weapons Storage Facility through the University Police Department and checked out through UPD as well. MSU strives to ensure a safe campus environment for all students, staff, faculty, and community members.

What help is available for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, etc.?

MSU offers several means of supporting victims of sexual assault, relationship abuse, and other situations. MSU’s Campus Civil Rights (CCR) Office, located in Montana Hall, offers confidential services that are often provided at no cost to the individual, and information for anyone impacted by these events, including counseling and support groups, as well as official reporting options. The Dean of Students Office also works closely with the MSU Police Department to ensure that students are aware of what resources are available to them, including Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), should the need arise.

I’m a student who identifies as LGBTQ+, is this a safe campus for me?

MSU welcomes and is home to students of all sexual and gender identities. With nearly 17,000 students representing all 50 states and 60 different countries, our campus offers a larger environment with several different support and advocacy groups. Our Office for Access and Success, located in the SUB, offers programming and support for students throughout the year, including, All Inclusive Mentoring, SafeZone trainings for faculty/staff and students, and the Lavender Celebration at graduation. Student organizations like the Queer Straight Alliance also offer a community and sustained dialogue through which students can engage with their peers. Our University Student Housing offers Gender Inclusive housing for students who are looking for an alternative living option.

Are people primarily Democrats or Republicans on campus and in the state?
Being a school with students from all 50 states and internationally, our students make up a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints. MSU welcomes students, staff, and faculty with varied political views and pushes individuals for civil and productive dialogue. We all have our differences and respect those differences.

MSU is a public university, which means that it is located on public land. As such, we do respect and uphold one’s first amendment right to free speech, but demonstrations must be held respectfully, without impeding on the rights or personal spaces of others.

What is the retention rate?
MSU is currently seeing record highs in retention (2025: 81.8% first-year students returning as sophomores.) This percentage has been on an upward trend for the past several years and is a result of several programs we’ve designed to help students achieve academic success such as the Freshman 15 initiative. Programs offered through the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success, Advising Commons, and through a student’s New Student Orientation, are designed to help students get connected to resources and services on campus that will ensure their success. MSU Debut formally welcomes students into the Bobcat family each fall and spring, providing an important sense of place and community for new students.

Are there living options for people who do not claim a gender, are transgender, etc.?
Yes! MSU currently offers several different housing options for students, including a gender-inclusive option. Students may choose this living option when applying for housing and have the opportunity to live in a suite-style community that is inclusive of all gender identities. This option also offers hall and campus-wide program opportunities, including Safe Zone training.

Can I store my guns on campus? / Do students store guns on campus?

We understand that hunting is a strong tradition in Montana and do allow students to store their weapons on campus for recreational purposes. With that being said, we have a very strong university weapons policy and want to ensure that all students feel safe on campus. Students must store their weapons in an authorized storage facility overseen by University Police Department and authorized personnel.

What is my math placement level? Will I have to take math here at MSU?

Students are required to have fulfilled one college-level math course through CORE requirements. This course may differ based on the student’s major and math level. We encourage students to reference the math flowchart and chat with their advisor at Orientation. Students may be placed into a math class in one of three ways: College Level Credit, ACT/SAT scores, or Initial Math Placement either during Online, or at their in-person Orientation.

What is the Montana State University Freshman Application?

Receiving MSU’s marketed Freshman Application means that we have identified you as an ideal fit for Montana State, and wanted to reach out to you with an early application opportunity. This is based on your interests, test scores, location, major, etc. This application is pre-populated with the information we already have so it saves you time. The benefits of MSU’s Freshman Application are that by applying early, we can consider you for scholarships right away, without the application being binding (ie. Early Action/Early Decision).

Can I gain residency?

With certain exceptions, a person must reside in Montana to be eligible for in-state status. Residency requires both physical presence in Montana and evidence of intent to stay. Evidence of intent to stay includes registering a vehicle in Montana, getting a Montana driver’s license or identification card, and registering to vote in Montana. The Montana Board of Regent’s Residency Policy sets the rules governing who qualifies as a resident for tuition-paying purposes. You can find a guide and explanation to the policy at this link: https://www.montana.edu/admissions/residency.html. If you decide to pursue becoming a MT resident for tuition purposes, please work closely with your Admissions Application Evaluator.

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