Montana State University
The Vibe Check
Montana State University feels like an outdoor classroom where flannel shirts and backpacks are the unofficial uniform. The campus buzzes with a 'work hard, play hard' energy, fueled by a love for the surrounding mountains and a tight-knit community that bonds over football games and weekend ski trips. It's a place where ambition meets adventure, and the line between campus and wilderness blurs.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
MSU is a powerhouse in STEM fields, particularly engineering and agriculture, backed by significant research funding and hands-on learning opportunities. Professors are known for being accessible and focused on undergraduate teaching, ensuring students get personalized attention. The university's proximity to Yellowstone National Park and various research centers provides unique, real-world research experiences.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Bozeman
Bozeman is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with students spending weekends hiking in the Gallatin Canyon, skiing at Bridger Bowl, or fishing on the Gallatin River. The downtown area offers a vibrant scene with local breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and unique shops, providing a cozy yet energetic social hub away from campus.
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Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($53,263):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
MSU's campus is generally considered safe, with a dedicated campus police force and a community watch program. Bozeman itself is a low-crime city, though students are advised to take standard precautions, especially given the active nightlife.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unbeatable access to world-class outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, fishing).
- ✓ Strong, hands-on engineering and agriculture programs with significant research opportunities.
- ✓ A safe, welcoming, and collaborative campus community in a beautiful mountain setting.
Cons
- ✗ The 57.1% graduation rate is below the national average, suggesting some students may struggle to finish on time.
- ✗ Winters are long, cold, and can be challenging for students not accustomed to a harsh climate.
- ✗ Bozeman's remote location means fewer major corporate career fairs compared to larger urban universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Montana State University is most renowned for its top-tier engineering and agriculture programs, as well as its leadership in the sciences, particularly biology and environmental science. Its status as a Carnegie R1 research university, combined with its unique location near Yellowstone National Park, makes it a hub for groundbreaking research in geology, ecology, and land resources.
No, Montana State University is not considered highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 86.83%. While admission is accessible for many students, applicants should aim for a GPA above 3.0 and a combined SAT score around 1154 to be competitive, especially for sought-after programs like engineering and business. Meeting these benchmarks also strengthens eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
Campus life at MSU is defined by a vibrant, outgoing student body with a deep connection to the outdoors. Students are actively involved in over 300 clubs, with Greek life being moderately popular, and the campus rallies enthusiastically around its NCAA Division I Bobcats athletic teams. The social scene is less about traditional college parties and more about group excursions to the nearby mountains, lakes, and downtown Bozeman.
For in-state students, Montana State University offers an exceptional return on investment due to its low tuition and strong earning potential for graduates in high-demand fields. For out-of-state students, the value is still strong, especially when factoring in merit aid and the lower-than-average net price. The combination of a practical, hands-on education and the university's growing reputation makes it a financially sound choice for many.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 16,240
- In-State Tuition $8,083
- Out-of-State $31,337
- Zip Code 59717
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
For in-state students, the value proposition is excellent, with a low tuition cost that is significantly below the national average. Out-of-state students face a higher price tag, but the 10-year median earnings of $53,263 suggest a solid return on investment, especially for graduates in high-demand fields like engineering and health professions. The relatively low average net price, even for out-of-state students, indicates that financial aid can make the degree more attainable.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.