Montana State University
About
Montana State University in Bozeman is a premier public R1 research institution renowned for its standout programs in engineering, agriculture, ecology, and the health sciences. As the state’s land-grant flagship, MSU is distinguished by its heavy emphasis on hands-on undergraduate research, often utilizing the neighboring Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as an outdoor living laboratory. Campus culture is deeply shaped by an adventurous, close-knit student body that balances academics with world-class skiing, mountain recreation, and passionate Bobcat athletics.
Wikipedia:Montana State University (MSU) is a public land-grant research university in Bozeman, Montana, United States. It enrolls more students than any other college or university in the state. MSU offers baccalaureate degrees in 60 fields, master's degrees in 68, and doctoral degrees in 35 through its nine colleges. More than 16,700 students attended MSU in fall 2019, taught by 796 full-time and 547 part-time faculty. In the Carnegie Classification, MSU is placed among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity", one of only two universities in Montana to receive this distinction with a "very high undergraduate" enrollment profile. The university had research expenditures of $257.9 million in 2024.
Location
Cost
Admissions
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Essay Requirements
Montana State University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Montana State University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.