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.


Incoming & Transfer Undergraduate Students

aerial view of snowy Bridger mountains in Fall

Office of Admissions 

Incoming freshman and transfer students who have not attended Montana State University-Bozeman.* Transfers from Gallatin College to MSU go through Admissions. 

Current & Returning Undergraduate Students

students talking under the Noodle sculpture.

Office of the Registrar

Students who have attended at least one semester at MSU and are now seeking in-state residency.

Incoming & Current Graduate Students

Welcome to Bozeman sign and mountains

Graduate School 

Incoming and current Graduate Students petition through the Graduate School.

Board of Regents Policy

Hotel Baxter at night

Board of Regents Policy

The full residency policy as set by the Montana University System Board of Regents.