About Montana State University
Montana State University is a 4-year, public, land-grant, research university that was established in 1893 in the town of Bozeman, Montana. Montana State University began as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. The stated mission of Montana State University is “to educate students, create knowledge and art, and serve communities, by integrating learning, discovery, and engagement.”
Montana State University’s Office of Continuing Education and Montana State Online provide nontraditional and traditional students alike with online and distance learning opportunities. Students can participate in bachelor’s degree completion programs and graduate certificate programs completely online. Montana State Online offers one of the top online master’s degree programs.
Accreditation & Licensing
Montana State University is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 16,436 ; Graduate: 2,562Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 5% ; Graduate: 17%Graduation Rate:
57%Transfer Rate:
24%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$53,263Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$22,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
69%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$8,543Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Montana State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Education
Math & Science
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Montana State University moves at a fast academic pace. Terms are short, and work can build up quickly. Your finish time depends on steady progress each week. The school calendar can feel tight, with short breaks and an early summer start in some terms.
Even with that pace, finishing on time can be realistic. Some classes allow assignment resubmissions, which can help after a tough week. Total cost depends on more than tuition. Housing in Bozeman can be expensive, though some off-campus options are well managed.
At Montana State University, support is strongest when students reach out early. Professors are helpful and often willing to meet one on one. Students who stay in touch usually have a clear path to help.
Replies are not always fast during busy weeks, so some patience helps. Even so, many instructors work with students in practical ways. In some classes, they may allow another chance to turn in work.
With short terms and a heavy homework load, steady communication matters. Office hours can make a real difference. Students who use that time tend to stay on track.
Online classes at Montana State University work well for students who stay on track. Terms are short, and the pace can move quickly. Weekly work can feel heavy, so good time planning matters.
When students reach out, support is available. Instructors are friendly and helpful in direct contact. For many learners, this format works best with a clear plan and steady study habits.
For students who also plan to live in Bozeman, housing costs can be high. That can affect your total school budget and timeline.
Classes at Montana State are hands-on and challenging. Homework can be heavy, especially in short semesters. Many courses keep students active with projects and applied work.
Professors are a clear strength in the classroom. Students say they learn a lot, and some classes allow more than one chance to turn in assignments. That teaching style can reward effort and revision.
As courses get more advanced, classes often feel smaller and more personal. Professors often know students and connect class learning to research and career goals.
Montana State University offers strong academics and real access to professors. Upper-level classes are often smaller, so it is easier to build close faculty relationships. Research and internship options connect classwork to career skills and hands-on experience. The pace is fast.
Terms are short, and homework can be heavy. Support is there, though students usually need to reach out first. During busy times, reply speed may vary. Some instructors allow assignment resubmission, which can help students recover and stay on track.
Cost planning is important. Housing in Bozeman can be expensive. MSU is a good fit for students who want applied learning, strong faculty connection, and a quicker academic rhythm.
Montana State University offers strong academics and real access to professors. Upper-level classes are often smaller, so it is easier to build close faculty relationships. Research and internship options connect classwork to career skills and hands-on experience. The pace is fast.
Terms are short, and homework can be heavy. Support is there, though students usually need to reach out first. During busy times, reply speed may vary. Some instructors allow assignment resubmission, which can help students recover and stay on track.
Cost planning is important. Housing in Bozeman can be expensive. MSU is a good fit for students who want applied learning, strong faculty connection, and a quicker academic rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana State University
Is Montana State University accredited?
Yes. Montana State University is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does Montana State University offer?
Montana State University offers 13 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Montana State University offer?
Montana State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Montana State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Montana State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Montana State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Montana State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Montana State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Montana State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Montana State University military friendly?
Montana State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Montana State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Montana State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Montana State University accept life experience credit?
Montana State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Montana State University programs fully online or mixed?
Montana State University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Montana State University offer?
Montana State University has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts, Business, Education, and Math & Science; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Montana State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Montana State University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Montana State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Montana State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Montana State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Montana State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Montana State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Montana State University is featured in 5 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Montana State University is located in Montana
Montana at a Glance:
Top Majors in Montana:
Top Incentives in Montana:
- Montana Higher Education Grant: Up to $2,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Montana:
- Entry Level: Resource Specialist ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Conservation Manager ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Program Director ($110,000+)
- Required Education: BS Environmental Science
- Certifications: PWS, CISEC