Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Bozeman, Montana |
| Online | montana.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Montana State University occupies a sprawling campus in Bozeman, situated in the Gallatin Valley and surrounded by mountain ranges including the Bridger, Tobacco Root, and Spanish Peaks. Established in 1893 as the state's land-grant institution, MSU operates as the largest university in Montana and serves as a major research center for the region. The campus features a mix of modern facilities and historic buildings constructed from local sandstone, with the prominent Montana Hall serving as an architectural centerpiece. The university maintains strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and biological sciences, with particular recognition for its research in microbiology and its proximity to Yellowstone National Park enhancing environmental science studies. Most first-year students reside in one of the university's residence halls situated throughout the 1,170-acre main campus, which includes academic facilities, research centers, and athletic venues where the MSU Bobcats compete in NCAA Division I sports.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
MSU is rated within the lower 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Montana State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#658 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#219 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in Montana
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Montana
#16 in Best Value Colleges in Montana
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1060/1270 |
| ACT | 20/27 |
| GPA | 3.5 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $38 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Montana Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,450 |
| Other Fees | $2,027 |
| Room and Board | $13,446 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,692 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,671 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,450 |
| Other Fees | $2,027 |
| Room and Board | $13,446 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,692 |
| Total One Year Cost | $49,662 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 12% |
| Business | 10% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 8% |
| Education | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering MSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=180461 IPEDS survey data for Montana State University.
Current students may use the Montana State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025