Public
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Bozeman, Montana
86.8% Acceptance Rate
Montana State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
86.8%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1154Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$23,779Annual Cost
$53,263Grad Salary
16.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86.8%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1154
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1060–1270
ACT Middle 50%
20–27
Avg Net Price
$20,593
Need-Based Aid
16.7% receive Pell
Montana State University, founded in 1893, is the state's land-grant research university with strengths in agriculture and engineering. The Bozeman campus features the new Norm Asbjornson Hall. MSU's 'Undergraduate Research' program provides extensive opportunities.
Montana State University Acceptance Rate
Montana State University (MSU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 86.8%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Montana State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Montana State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of July 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 346 days left — Rolling
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
MSU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Rolling
July 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Freshman scholarship priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
MSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at MSU is 3.5. MSU is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.70-3.90 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.20 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
MSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at MSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Montana State University (MSU, Bozeman, MT) is the state's largest public land-grant research university; Carnegie R1 classification (very high research activity) + very high undergraduate enrollment profile + community engagement - the only university in the country with all three Carnegie classifications simultaneously. Enrollment: 16,249 students (Fall 2024 all-time high); 7,742 from Montana. Test-blind for all admissions and scholarships per Montana Board of Regents permanent policy. Rolling admissions; no hard application deadline; decisions within approximately 2 weeks. Acceptance rate: approximately 73%. Application fee: $38 (non-residents); $0 for Montana residents. Minimum admission: 2.5 unweighted GPA, OR 22 ACT/1120 SAT, OR upper half of graduating class.
- Presidential Scholarship: up to 20 awarded annually; ~1,434 complete applications (Fall 2025); ~1-in-60 odds; requires 3.7+ unweighted GPA minimum (typical recipients 3.9+, top 3% of class); full tuition waiver + $4,000 stipend + priority registration; four-year value $40,000 (residents) to $139,000 (non-residents) at 2024-25 tuition. Doubles as Honors College application. Deadline: first Friday of December (December 5, 2025 for Fall 2026 cycle). Portal closes midnight MDT; technical support until 5 PM MDT only. Provost Scholarship: 4 awarded from finalist pool (runner-up to Presidential), full tuition + stipend, 3.3 GPA renewal.
- WUE Scholarship: competitive, ~1,000 offers from ~3,500 applications (Fall 2025); requires 3.0+ GPA minimum, typical recipients 3.8+; valued at 1.5? in-state tuition rate (~$21,000 discount off non-resident tuition in Fall 2025); January 8 deadline; separate application in Cat$cholarships after admission and NetID claim. Cannot stack with Presidential or MUS Honor Scholarship. Achievement Award (automatic for non-residents, no separate application): $1,000?$4,000/year based on GPA tiers (2.70?4.0+). Premier Scholarship (automatic for Montana residents, GPA 2.7+): $1,000?$4,000/year, renewable. Cat$cholarships opens November 1; most departmental scholarship priority deadline February 1; FAFSA priority deadline December 1.
- MSU is ranked Top 3 in the West (after Stanford and Caltech) in Goldwater Scholarship recipients; 200+ national and international scholarships awarded to MSU students. Flat-rate tuition: 12?18 credits per semester billed at identical tuition rate, incentivizing 15-credit semester loads for on-time graduation. Located 89 miles from Yellowstone National Park; adjacent to Bridger Bowl ski area; near three rivers, five mountain ranges; Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing small cities in the U.S. Museum of the Rockies on campus (5M+ objects, major dinosaur fossil collection). NCAA Division I Bobcats compete in Big Sky Conference.
- The Rigor Metric: At MSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at MSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Montana State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Montana State University (MSU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into MSU Without SAT or ACT?
Montana State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Montana State University Average SAT Score: 1154
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Montana State University is 1154 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1154 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1154 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1270 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Montana State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1060, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at MSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 580 | 530 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 585 | 530 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1154 | 1060 | 1270 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1060 then you are below most of the admitted students at MSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1270 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Montana State University (MSU) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Montana State University (MSU) are good but the admission staff at MSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Montana State University (MSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at MSU is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Montana State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 20 | 27 |
Can I get into Montana State University with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Montana State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Montana State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Montana State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Montana State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 27 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for MSU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
MSU is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
The Presidential Scholarship Is the Only Path Into the Honors College for Incoming Freshmen - and the First-Friday-in-December Deadline Is Absolute
Montana State's Presidential Scholarship - up to 20 awarded annually out of approximately 1,400 complete applications (roughly 1-in-60 odds) - is the most competitive academic award at the institution and simultaneously serves as the Honors College application. There is no separate Honors College application for incoming freshmen; applying for the Presidential Scholarship is the application. The deadline is the first Friday in December (December 5, 2025 for the Fall 2026 cycle; December 6 was the official posted date). The application requires a completed Cat$cholarships general scholarship application first, a multi-essay supplement, a high school counselor reference, and two additional recommender references - all uploaded by recommenders through the system before the same deadline. Technical support is available only until 5 PM MDT on deadline day; the portal closes at midnight. Recipients routinely have unweighted GPAs of 3.9+ and are ranked in the top 3% of their class. The four-year value exceeds $40,000 for Montana residents and $139,000 for non-residents at 2024-25 tuition rates (covering tuition, not fees, plus a $4,000 stipend).
WUE Is Awarded Competitively, Not Automatically - Apply Before the January 8 Deadline With a 3.8+ GPA to Have Realistic Odds
Montana State participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), but unlike some institutions where WUE pricing is an automatic enrollment benefit, MSU's WUE is awarded as a competitive scholarship with a limited number of offers - approximately 1,000 out of roughly 3,500 applications for the Fall 2025 cycle. The WUE application for 2026-27 is listed as closed on MSU's admissions page as of the date of this research (June 2026); the deadline was January 8, 2026. Students applying for Fall 2027 should treat January 8 as the likely deadline and apply immediately upon admission. WUE at MSU is valued at 1.5 times the in-state tuition rate; in Fall 2025, this represented approximately a $21,000 discount off non-resident tuition. Recipients routinely have GPAs of 3.8 or higher. WUE cannot be stacked with the Presidential or MUS Honor Scholarship - MSU awards the greater value of the two, not both. Out-of-state applicants not awarded WUE are automatically considered for the Achievement Award (up to $4,000/year for 4.0 GPA, no separate application required, automatic at time of admission evaluation).
MSU Is Test-Blind for Admissions and All Scholarships - Scores Are Only Used for Math and English Course Placement
The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has permanently ended the requirement for ACT or SAT scores at all Montana University System campuses. Montana State is fully test-blind for admission and for every scholarship offered through the Cat$cholarships system, including the Presidential Scholarship and WUE. Test scores are not considered - not as a supplemental factor, not as a tiebreaker - under any circumstances. If students submit scores, the scores are used solely for math and writing course placement (ALEKS math placement or writing skills assessment), not for any admissions or financial aid purpose. This means that for students who performed better academically in high school than their standardized test scores reflect - which is common among rural Montana students, students with test anxiety, and first-generation students - MSU's framework is structurally more equitable than institutions where tests still supplement GPA. Counsel students to submit scores only if they are strong enough to place into calculus or composition without an additional placement assessment.
MSU's Flat-Rate Tuition Model Means 12?18 Credits Costs the Same - Build a Schedule Around 15 Credits Each Semester From Day One
Montana State uses flat-rate tuition billing for full-time students: a student enrolled in 12 credits pays the same tuition as a student enrolled in 18 credits. This is not a minor fee structure detail - it is a significant financial planning lever. A student who consistently takes 15 credits per semester completes a 120-credit bachelor's degree in eight semesters. A student who takes 12 credits per semester needs ten semesters. At a tuition rate where both are charged identically for credits 12?18, the 12-credit student effectively pays the same per-semester cost but takes an extra year and a half of tuition, housing, and opportunity cost. This flat-rate model is also why the FAFSA priority deadline of December 1 matters: filing by December 1 ensures students access the maximum available grant aid to offset the per-semester flat-rate cost. The Cat$cholarships system opens November 1 each year, and the February 1 priority deadline for most departmental scholarships should be submitted immediately after December 1 FAFSA filing.
Expert Insight:
The most consistent planning failure at Montana State involves out-of-state students who discover the WUE scholarship after the January 8 deadline has passed - either because they applied to MSU late, didn't claim their NetID quickly, or assumed WUE pricing was automatic and didn't realize a separate scholarship application was required. Because MSU uses rolling admissions with no hard application deadline, students who apply in February or March are still admitted - but the January 8 WUE window has closed, the Presidential Scholarship deadline (first Friday in December) has closed, and they are left with only the automatic Achievement Award (up to $4,000/year for non-residents) rather than the WUE discount worth approximately $21,000/year. The second failure: Presidential Scholarship applicants who submit their Cat$cholarships application but whose counselor or recommenders do not upload their references before the midnight deadline on the first Friday in December - the system closes for recommenders at the same time as for students, and late reference letters cannot be accepted by email or mail.
MSU Profile
Full Name
Montana State University (MSU)
City
Bozeman
State
Montana
ZIP Code
59717
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a MSU Degree Worth It?
Getting into MSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. MSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at MSU is $53,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.79%.
How much does a degree from MSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Montana State University is $23,779. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Montana State University is $20,593.
16.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 32.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to MSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Montana State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist MSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a MSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $53,263. An average MSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Montana State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 1119 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Montana State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Montana State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at MSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About MSU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53,263 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $23,779 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
16.7% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Montana State University is 86.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.2, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Montana State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1154 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1060–1270.
The application deadline for Montana State University is July 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Montana State University is 38. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is Freshman scholarship priority: 2026/02/01. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.