All students attending Montana State University must be classified as in-state or out-of-state for several purposes, including tuition and fee determinations. Residency status is based on criteria developed by the Board of Regents.  Montana State University is responsible for ensuring students are classified based on those criteria and providing processes that allow students to seek reclassification.  This website is designed to give individuals access to both the Board of Regents policy and a clear path to petition for reclassification.

The Office of the Registrar offers an Introduction to Residency Workshop!  This workshop provides an overview of the residency reclassification process for current students.  Parents & students are welcome to listen to an overview, while asking questions throughout.  Our Introduction to Residency Workshop occurs the first and third Tuesday of every month from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Mountain Time).  Click the button below to login.

Join Residency Workshop

Board of Regents Residency Policy

Hotel Baxter at night

Board of Regents 

It is important to review the full residency policy, which was established by the Montana University System Board of Regents.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming and Transfer)

aerial view of snowy Bridger mountains in Fall

Office of Admissions 

Incoming freshmen & transfer students who have not attended MSU-Bozeman, as well as transfer students from Gallatin College to MSU-Bozeman.

Undergraduate Students (Current and Returning)

students talking under the Noodle sculpture.

Office of the Registrar

Current & returning students who have attended at least one semester at MSU-Bozeman, as well as family reclassifications.

Graduate Students (Incoming and Current)

Welcome to Bozeman sign and mountains

Graduate School 

Incoming & current graduate students at MSU-Bozeman who are seeking a change to their residency status.