Montana State University is a public 4-year college in Bozeman, Montana with 14,451 undergraduates. It admits 82% of applicants, costs an average of $23,106 a year after grants and graduates 59% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Montana State University acceptance rate and admissions
Montana State University admitted 82% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 540 to 645, math 525 to 640). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Montana State University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: $38 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Montana State University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Montana State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $8,948 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $33,783 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $14,580 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $26,943 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $23,106 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $23,106 a year after grants and scholarships, $3,837 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Montana State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Montana State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 59% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $59,536 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $19,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 33% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Montana State University majors and what graduates earn
Montana State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 53 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer science ($111,728).
All 53 majors at Montana State University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Montana State University
75 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 75 graduate programs
Trade and career programs at Montana State University
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding | Certificate | 41 | $43,629 | $54,930 | n/a |
| Carpentry | Certificate | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| HVAC | Associate degree | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Certificate | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 4 | n/a | $45,679 | n/a |
| HVAC | Certificate | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 14,451 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 47% women, 54% men
- 18 students for every faculty member
- Setting: small city
- Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Montana State University?
Montana State University admitted 82% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Montana State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $8,948 for in-state students and $33,783 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $23,106 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Montana State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 540 to 645 in reading and writing and 525 to 640 in math, and 21 to 27 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Montana State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Montana State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Montana State University?
59% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Montana State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $59,536 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Montana · Montana State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.