Montana State University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Bozeman, MT
5.0 2 reviews

#3 Best Colleges in Montana

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

17,135

Location Bozeman, Montana
Website montana.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Remote Town

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
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.

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Ratings

MSU is rated within the lower 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

6 out of 10
Resources

4 out of 10
Outcomes

6 out of 10
Value

5 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Montana State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Average

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1065/1285
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 21/27
GPA 3.5

Acceptance Rate

82.1%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 20.3%
Application Fee $38

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Montana Resident Tuition

$8,460

Out of State Resident Tuition

$33,287

Breakdown

Tuition $8,460
Books and Supplies $1,450
Other Fees $2,161
Room and Board $14,000
Budget for Other Expenses $4,026
Total One Year Cost $30,097

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$45,800 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

51% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Montana State University are Engineering, Business, and Health Professions. 12% of students major in Engineering, 10% in Business, and 9% in Health Professions.