
P.O. Box 172190, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA


Montana State University holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring the institution meets established standards for higher education quality and institutional effectiveness. This regional accreditation is recognized widely and is a critical indicator of the university's commitment to maintaining rigorous academic criteria.
In addition to the overall institutional accreditation, several specific programs at Montana State University have received specialized accreditations pertinent to their fields. These accreditations affirm that the academic departments meet professional standards set by relevant accrediting bodies, which can be especially important for students pursuing careers that require licensure or certification.
The accredited status of Montana State University not only facilitates the transfer of credits between accredited institutions but also enhances eligibility for federal financial aid and scholarships. Prospective students can thus be confident that the university complies with federal and regional educational requirements essential for a credible and valuable academic experience.
Montana State University requires prospective students to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Applicants must submit their secondary school records, including grade point averages, as these are important for the admission decision. While recommendations and competencies are advised, they are not strictly mandatory. The university does not operate under an open admission policy, indicating selective enrollment practices.
International applicants must provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English language proficiency. Although additional standardized tests are recommended, no specific admission test scores are mandated or consistently required. Dual credit courses are not accepted for admission purposes; however, the institution does recognize credits earned through Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Admission to Montana State University is competitive, with an acceptance rate around 87%. The average SAT score for admitted students is approximately 1185, with section scores near 590 for math and 595 for writing, reflecting a generally average level of academic preparedness. The mean ACT score hovers around 24, placing many students near the middle range nationally.
Montana State University charges an application fee for prospective students seeking undergraduate admission. The fee is set to help cover the administrative costs of processing applications.
The standard application fee is $40. However, there are provisions for fee waivers available to eligible students. High school counselors can request fee waivers on behalf of students who demonstrate financial need, which helps reduce barriers to applying.
Additionally, Montana State University supports fee waivers for applicants who qualify for specific educational programs or meet certain economic criteria, aligning with its commitment to accessibility and equity in the admissions process.
Montana State University offers a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit on its campus. This program provides students with opportunities to engage in military training and leadership development while pursuing their academic studies. Prospective students interested in ROTC at Montana State University can benefit from direct access to the on-campus unit, which facilitates a comprehensive military education experience integrated with their university life.
Montana State University allows transfer students to enroll starting in the fall semester. The institution accepts transfer credits from a variety of sources, including the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) for both subject-specific and general exams, as well as credits from the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. Additionally, the university welcomes transfer recommendations as part of the application process. Prospective students should note that transfer admission policies accommodate those who have completed relevant coursework elsewhere and seek to continue their education at Montana State University.
Montana State University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to cater to diverse academic interests and durations. Students can choose from faculty-led short-term programs, semester-long exchanges with partner institutions, and summer sessions abroad. These options allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning credit toward their degrees.
The university's faculty-led programs often focus on specific disciplines, providing hands-on learning experiences overseas under the guidance of Montana State University professors. Semester-long programs enable students to live and study at universities in countries around the world, facilitating deeper cultural engagement and academic exploration. Summer programs typically offer intensive courses that concentrate on language, cultural studies, or area-specific subjects.
Through established partnerships, Montana State University facilitates these opportunities, ensuring that credits earned abroad transfer smoothly into students' academic records. Additionally, the university offers resources and advising services to help students select programs that align with their educational goals and personal interests.
Median composite SAT score
1185Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting ACT scores
38%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
21%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall