Public
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Missoula, Montana
95.6% Acceptance Rate
The University of Montana — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
95.6%Acceptance Rate
3.36Avg GPA
1190Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$23,744Annual Cost
$44,511Grad Salary
27.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.6%
Avg GPA
3.36
Avg SAT
1190
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1150–1220
ACT Middle 50%
23–28
Avg Net Price
$17,118
Need-Based Aid
27.5% receive Pell
The University of Montana is a public research university that emphasizes academic excellence, undergraduate research, and outdoor-inspired learning in the Rocky Mountain region. Admissions are selective, focusing on high academic performance and the successful completion of a rigorous course load. The university looks for students who are ready to contribute to its intellectually active, community-engaged, and diverse campus culture.
Prospective students should highlight their success in core academic subjects and their history of initiative in extracurricular activities. As the university values interdisciplinary learning and environmental stewardship, applicants who can connect their studies to real-world applications or social impact will stand out. Clearly expressing how one's personal values align with the university's mission and demonstrating a proactive interest in its extensive research and extracurricular resources is key to a strong application in this research-focused environment.
The University of Montana Acceptance Rate
The University of Montana (University of Montana) runs an open-access admission policy — with a 95.6% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 95.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.91
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
The University of Montana Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The University of Montana follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of August 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 4 days left — Rolling
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
University of Montana 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
August 1
Early Action
December 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority scholarship consideration: 2026/03/01) 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.
University of Montana GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Montana is 3.36. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.06–3.36 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.56–3.76.University of Montana GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.96 – 3.15
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.95
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- General admission acceptance rate is roughly 96%; no essay, no letters of recommendation, and self-reported transcripts are accepted at application (verified later with official documents).
- Davidson Honors College requires a separate application with specific word-capped essay prompts; applications by the first Friday in December are considered for honors scholarships, with interviews in mid-February and scholarship notifications by mid-March.
- Selective/direct-entry degree programs require a separate, department-administered application after general university admission - general admission alone does not guarantee program entry.
- Montana residents should use Apply Montana (free); out-of-state applicants use the Common App; regular decision deadline is May 1, after which admission and scholarships shift to space-available basis.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Montana
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The University of Montana'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.
The University of Montana (University of Montana) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of Montana is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of Montana Without SAT or ACT?
University of Montana considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
The University of Montana Average SAT Score: 1190
The average SAT score of admitted students at The University of Montana is 1190 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1190 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1220 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? The University of Montana allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1150, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Montana. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1190 | 1150 | 1220 |
Below 1150, you're behind most admitted students; at 1220 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into The University of Montana (University of Montana) with a 1200 SAT?
A 1200 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of Montana's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
The University of Montana (University of Montana) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at University of Montana is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 28 |
Can I get into The University of Montana with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of University of Montana's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at University of Montana.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Montana
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
University of Montana provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Skip the essay anxiety on general admission, but treat Davidson Honors College essays as the real test
UM's general admission requires no essay and is self-reported (verified later), making it nearly open - but the Davidson Honors College application includes specific, word-capped prompts: a 250-word essay on what unique talents or perspectives you'd bring to the DHC community, and a 100-word "three improbable facts about you" piece. Treat these short, oddly specific prompts as a real differentiator - they reward precision and personality over generic "why honors" language.
If you're applying to Journalism or Environmental Sciences & Sustainability, expect an extra DHC essay
Beyond the standard Davidson Honors College prompts, applicants to Journalism and Environmental Sciences and Sustainability majors face an additional essay asking about a time you took initiative on an issue - what it was, what you did, and the outcome. Prepare a concrete, outcome-focused example specific to your field rather than reusing a generic leadership anecdote from your general application.
Understand that selective majors require a second, separate departmental application
UM admits students to selective/direct-entry degree programs in two steps: general university admission first (which places you in a pre-major or pre-professional advising track), then a separate, department-administered application for direct entry to the actual degree program. Don't assume general admission gets you into a competitive major - consult your specific department's website and your assigned advisor for that program's distinct process.
Submit ACT/SAT scores by December 31 if you want the Montana University System Honor Scholarship
UM's general admission doesn't require test scores, but the Montana University System Honor Scholarship (MUSHS) - worth nearly $30,000 over four years as an in-state tuition waiver - explicitly requires you to have taken the ACT or SAT by December 31 of your senior year. Don't let UM's test-optional general policy lull you into skipping the test if this scholarship matters to you.
Expert Insight:
Because UM's general admission is so lenient - no essay, no test requirement, no recommendation letters - students sometimes assume nothing at UM requires real deadlines or extra steps. In reality, the university's most valuable opportunities (Davidson Honors College scholarships, the MUSHS tuition waiver, and direct-entry selective majors) each have their own stricter requirements and separate deadlines that operate independently of general admission's relaxed standards.
University of Montana Profile
Full Name
The University of Montana (University of Montana)
City
Missoula
State
Montana
ZIP Code
59812
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a University of Montana Degree Worth It?
Whether University of Montana is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $50,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.18%.
How much does a degree from University of Montana Cost?
The sticker price is $23,744/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is closer to $17,118.
27.5% of students receive a Pell Grant and 41.9% take federal loans at University of Montana — file your FAFSA early and list University of Montana as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of Montana Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $44,511 — about 10% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Montana. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The University of Montana. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The University of Montana. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at University of Montana
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Montana Admissions
Median earnings for The University of Montana graduates sit around $44,511 a year.
At about $23,744 a year, The University of Montana is on the more affordable end.
About 27.5% receive a Pell Grant at The University of Montana — moderate odds, largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 95.6%, The University of Montana's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at The University of Montana average a 3.36 GPA.
The University of Montana doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.06 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.96, The University of Montana becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at The University of Montana — aim above 1190, ideally within the 1150–1220 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for The University of Montana is August 1 for Rolling applicants. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee is 30. Fee waivers may be available — check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Priority scholarship consideration: 2026/03/01. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.