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Montana State University

MSU

Bozeman, Montana 59717

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Campus Vibe

UrbanGreek life

Known for engineering

Montana State University is a public institution in Bozeman with particular strength in engineering and business. With an average SAT of 1154, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 14.5K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

57% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,263 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,593.

Established
1893
Motto
"Mountains Minds"
Mascot
Champ
Type
Public land-grant research university
Conference
football
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

16 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
87%Acceptance
1154SAT Avg
14,472Students
18:1Student:Faculty
57%Grad Rate
$53,263Earnings 10yr
$20,593Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Montana State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate86.8%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1154

Reading & WritingMid: 595
530640
MathMid: 590
530630

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 24
2027

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

86.8%

Trend

SAT Avg

1154

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$8,083
Tuition (out-of-state)$31,337
Room & Board$13,446
Books & Supplies$1,450
Total Cost of Attendance$23,779
Average Net Price$20,593
Median Debt at Graduation$22,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$239

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$16,713
$30–48K$17,165
$48–75K$20,572
$75–110K$23,456
$110K+$23,771

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$20,593

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6800.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$13,748

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

111

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (168)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
14,472
Gender Split
46% / 54%
Women / Men
First Generation
23%
Pell Grant Recipients
17%

Race & Ethnicity

White 84%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 1%
Two+ 6%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate57.4%
Freshman Retention77.9%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$44,757
8 Years$48,622
10 Years$53,263

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$41,300
Men
$55,500

Rankings

U.S. News
#296
Forbes
#277
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#158

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Bobcats

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

103Above Average

Estimated from MT state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

Salt Lake Citypop. 200K
342 mi(593 min)
Denverpop. 710K
512 mi(887 min)
Seattlepop. 740K
551 mi(955 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Montana State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications