Montana State University campus
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Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · 14,451 students

A vibrant campus in Bozeman, offering extensive student life and outdoor recreation.

Acceptance rate

82.1%

SAT (mid 50%)

1065–1285

Avg net price

$22,499

after aid

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Montana State University’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Montana State University admitted 82.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 10651285 on the SAT and 2127 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Montana State University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Top-Tier Research, Broad Programs

The university features a core curriculum, with specific requirements for courses to count towards MSU CORE, and offers over 250 degrees and programs across various colleges and departments.

  • Over 250 Degrees and ProgramsMajors, Degrees, Colleges, Departments
  • Academic Excellence ProgramsHonors College, Undergraduate Scholars, McNair Scholars, Hilleman Scholars

Verified from montana.edu and montana.edu and montana.edu and montana.edu and montana.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • bell hooks wrote about the "sheer joy" of school as a place where "through ideas [she could] reinvent" herself. Discuss how you have specifically lived out this idea in your own schooling up to this point or how you hope to engage in that joyful project in the MSU Honors College based on the classes and programming offered in the college.

    Up to 500 words

  • Write an essay that reflects on a meaningful conversation you had with someone you personally know (name them and identify their relationship to you) that altered your belief system or how you see the world or what you hope for your future.

    Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.montana.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $25,905, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $22,499.

Nearly 70% of students attending Montana State University receive some form of financial assistance, with millions of dollars in merit scholarships available and programs offered by the Office of Financial Aid.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $53,263.

Verified from https://www.montana.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

Students enjoy the Student Commons, explore the Museum of the Rockies, and engage with the Outdoor Rec Center, all within the dynamic Bozeman environment.

Outdoor-centricResearch-focusedVibrant Student Life

Quick answers

Montana State University FAQ

How hard is it to get into Montana State University?
Very hard. Montana State University admits 82.1% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1065 to 1285 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Montana State University cost?
The list price is about $25,905, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $22,499.
Is Montana State University worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $53,263 ten years after enrolling, and 57% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Montana State University.

Spike answers from Montana State University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.