Montana State University
MSU
Bozeman, Montana 59717
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for engineering
Montana State University is a public institution in Bozeman with particular strength in engineering and business. With an average SAT of 1154, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 14.5K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
57% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,263 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,593.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Bobcats
History & Fun Facts
- •MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana.
- •It opened on 16 February with five male and three female students.
- •The first classes were held in rooms in the county high school, and later that year in the shuttered Bozeman Academy (a private preparatory school).
- •The first students were from Bozeman Academy and were forced to transfer to the college.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1154
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
68.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,748
Programs (168)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
111
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MT state average + city premium