MSU: The intersection of intellectual pursuits and outdoor endeavors. Discover a university that inspires big ideas and bold adventures.
MSU offers more than 120 academic programs in the humanities, arts, natural sciences and social sciences.

Our Promise

MSU's inquiry and research-based curriculum inspires exploration and creativity, and ensures exposure to a broad range of disciplines. Every student participates in a research or creative experience from one of four areas: the arts, humanities, natural science and social sciences.


Our Reputation

Montana State University is one of only 108 institutions - out of 4,600 - designated as "very high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of teaching. This means that MSU is among the top 2% of research institutions nationwide which translates into significant opportunities for research, scholarship and creative work.


College Portrait

Campus Profile

Degrees offered: associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees

Academic year: fall and spring semesters,
summer sessions

Enrollment: 14,153 (Fall 2011)
Faculty/student Ratio: 17:1 (Fall 2010)
Average ACT: 25.2 (entering freshmen, fall 2011)
Average high school GPA: 3.40 (entering freshmen, fall 2011)

Bobcat Varsity Sports:

Men's Sports: football, basketball, NIRA rodeo, track, cross-country, Alpine and Nordic skiing, tennis and Spirit Squad (cheer and dance)

Women's Sports: volleyball, basketball, track, cross-country, tennis, NIRA rodeo, golf, Alpine and Nordic skiing, and Spirit Squad (cheer and dance)

Athletic Conference: Big Sky Conference, NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)

Campus organizations More than 175 student organizations on campus

Accreditations: regionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); professional schools and departments approved by specialized accrediting organizations

Location: Bozeman, Montana

Founded: 1893

Affiliation: Public unit of the Montana University System; Montana's Land-Grant Institution

Classification: Research University/Very High

Cost to Attend

Estimated yearly costs for freshmen (2011-2012)

Montana Resident

Tuition and fees

$6,444
Room and board $7,840
Books and supplies $1,150
Personal/Misc. $3,130
Total costs $18,564

Non-resident

Tuition and fees

$19,160
Room and board $7,840
Books and supplies $1,150
Personal/Misc. $3,130
Total costs

$31,280


Financial aid information
Bozeman and Greater Yellowstone