Montana State University
PublicBozeman, MT
Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public large school with roughly 14,451 undergraduates. Montana State University is not highly selective, admitting a majority of applicants, with an acceptance rate near 82%. Its highest-earning reported major is Computer Science (Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services), where graduates report median earnings of $111,728/year four years out. Most students arrange their own housing since on-campus living isn't required.
Admissions
Cost & outcomes
Out-of-state students pay $24,845 more per year in tuition and fees (3.6x the in-state rate).
Tuition & fees are Montana State University's own published 2026-27 rates (source); other figures are from the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Tuition & fees are the sticker price for a full-time first-year undergrad, before financial aid, and don't include room and board.
Paying less as an out-of-state student
Montana State University takes part in this regional program, which can cut the out-of-state rate for students from nearby states.
Western Undergraduate Exchange
Students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Pacific territories pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition. Each school sets its own requirements, often a GPA minimum, and some majors are left out.
Where do you stand against Montana State University's numbers?
Check your chances hereSee full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what Montana State University weighs in your application
Paying it back
"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.
Majors & earnings
Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.
Campus life
Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.
What matters in your application
From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is Montana State University's acceptance rate?
Montana State University in Bozeman, MT admits approximately 82% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.
What SAT score do I need for Montana State University?
Admitted students at Montana State University typically score between 1065–1285 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).
What ACT score do I need for Montana State University?
Admitted students at Montana State University typically score between 21–27 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).
How much does Montana State University cost?
Montana State University's total cost of attendance is reported at $25,905 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.
Does Montana State University offer reduced tuition for out-of-state students?
Yes -- Montana State University takes part in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a regional program that lets qualifying out-of-state students pay less than the full out-of-state rate. Eligibility depends on your home state, and the school sets its own requirements.
What is out-of-state tuition at Montana State University?
For 2026-27, Montana State University's tuition and required fees are $34,286 for out-of-state students and $9,441 for in-state students -- $24,845 more per year for out-of-state students. That's before financial aid, and room and board are extra.
Does Montana State University require students to live on campus?
No -- Montana State University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.
Related reading
Similar colleges in MT
Montana Technological University
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Carroll College
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Rocky Mountain College
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The University of Montana
Missoula, MT · 96% admit rate
The University of Montana-Western
Dillon, MT · 100% admit rate
Montana State University-Northern
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