About

About Montana State University

public research universitymontana flagship schoolengineering focusedaccessible admissionsoutdoor recreation culture

Montana State University is a public research university in Bozeman, MT, known for its public research university, montana flagship school, and engineering focused. With an acceptance rate of 73%, MSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 3,752 students each year. MSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1070–1290, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. MSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $2,906 per year; the sticker price of $44,022 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Montana State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

73%
Overall Accept Rate
1180
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1070 – 1290 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Montana State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Montana State has strong engineering, agriculture, and nursing programs that fill up fast, so apply early in the cycle and be specific about which program you are targeting in your application materials.
Demonstrated Interest
If you can visit Bozeman, take a campus tour and note specific facilities like the Norm Asbjornson Hall for engineering or the outdoor recreation opportunities, then reference what you saw in any optional written responses.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Montana State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$44k/yr$17.8k
30k-48k~$44k/yr$18.6k
48k-75k~$44k/yr$22.0k
75k-110k~$44k/yr$24.7k
110k+~$44k/yr$25.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

57%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$45k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
13,632
Undergrad Enrollment
Montana State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch