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How to Get Into Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

Montana State University Admissions Statistics

82%
Acceptance Rate
540-645
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
525-640
SAT Math (mid 50%)
21-27
ACT (mid 50%)
14,451
Undergrads
57%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into Montana State University

The bar here is clear

Montana State University admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1065-1285 combined SAT or 21-27 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Since scores are not required (test-optional) here, submit only if you're inside or above the band; a below-band score is information you don't have to volunteer.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where Montana State University fits.

Montana State University Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Regular Decision (RD) Rolling

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $38
Test scores Not required (test-optional)
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required

Montana State University Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $25,905
Tuition & fees (in-state / out-of-state) $8,460 / $33,287
Room & board (on campus) $14,000
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $22,499

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $17,797
$30-48k $18,570
$48-75k $21,977
$75-110k $24,732
$110k+ $25,905
16.4%
Students receiving Pell Grants
31%
Students taking federal loans
79%
Freshman retention rate
18:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use Montana State University's Official Net Price Calculator →

More Montana State University Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for Montana State University:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at Montana State University, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into Montana State University, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon Montana State University's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships Montana State University students actually win

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