Understanding Montana State University Tuition and Fees

Choosing a university is a big decision, and understanding the costs involved is a crucial part of the process. This article breaks down the tuition and fees at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, comparing them to national and regional averages, and exploring factors that can influence the overall cost of attendance.

The Cost of Attendance: In-State vs. Out-of-State

Montana State University, like most public universities, has different tuition rates for residents of Montana (in-state) and students from other states (out-of-state). In the academic year 2020-2021, the average out-of-state tuition and fees for undergraduates was $28,264. For Montana residents, the yearly charges were significantly lower at $7,528.

Here's a breakdown of the tuition and fees:

	Tuition	Fees	Total
Out-of-State	$26,086	$2,178	$28,264
In-State	$5,654	$1,874	$7,528

It's important to note that these figures represent the cost of tuition and fees alone and do not include expenses like room and board, books, and personal expenses.

How MSU Bozeman Compares Nationally and Regionally

When considering the cost of MSU Bozeman, it's helpful to compare it to national and regional averages.

Out-of-State Tuition: Nationally, the average out-of-state tuition and fees are around $19,933 per year. Montana State University's out-of-state tuition of $28,264 is higher than the national average.
In-State Tuition: Within Montana, the average in-state tuition and fees are about $16,784. MSU Bozeman's in-state tuition of $7,528 is considerably lower than the statewide average.

The following table provides a general comparison:

	Nationwide	Rocky Mountains	Montana
Out-of-State T&F	Expensive	Expensive	Expensive
In-State Tuition & Fees	Inexpensive	Inexpensive	Inexpensive

It is worth noting that these are estimates and do not consider possible tuition increases in the future. As of 2023, Montana State University's tuition is $8,460 for in-state and $33,287 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Montana State University is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815.

It's crucial to remember that tuition and fees are just one piece of the puzzle. The total cost of attendance includes room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

The Impact of Financial Aid

While the sticker price of tuition and fees can seem daunting, it's essential to consider the availability of financial aid. Many students receive financial aid and scholarships that significantly reduce the overall cost of college.

In 2023, Montana State University had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $18,511. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Montana State University grew by 7.31%.

In 2023, 67% of undergraduate students attending Montana State University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 32% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.

Compared to 20 years ago, 26% of first-time resident undergraduates at Montana’s two flagship universities are receiving financial aid. That assistance is now providing an average of $4,200 more for those students, while tuition and fees have increased $3,152 over that time span.

Projecting Future Costs

Tuition and fees at Montana State University have generally increased over time. For in-state students, tuition and fees increased with an average annual rate of 1.14% over the past five years. If this growth continues, in-state students could expect to pay around $7,700 this school year. Based on this rate, the estimated total cost of in-state tuition and fees for two years at MSU Bozeman would be $15,489, and $31,332 for four years.

For out-of-state students, tuition and fees have increased by about 4.19% in the past five years. If this trend continues, out-of-state students might pay approximately $30,680 this year. This would result in a total cost of $62,645 for two years and $130,644 for four years.

It's important to remember that these are just projections, and actual costs may vary. Over the next two academic years, tuition for in-state and out-of-state students alike at Montana’s two flagship campuses - the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman - is slated to increase $432 per year over the next two academic years.

Other Expenses to Consider

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for other expenses, such as:

Room and Board: The average yearly cost of room and board at Montana State University was $11,300 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 8.65% between 2022 and 2023.
Books and Supplies: The average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,450 in 2023. The cost of books and supplies did not change during the same period.
Personal Expenses: These can vary widely depending on individual spending habits.
Transportation: Costs will depend on whether a student has a car, uses public transportation, or relies on other means of getting around.

As of 2023, the other costs include books and supplies at $1,450 per year, personal expenses at $1,726 per year, and transportation at $2,384 per year.

Understanding Net Price and Financial Aid

The "sticker price" of tuition can be misleading. The net price, which is the price a student actually pays after grants and scholarships, is a more accurate reflection of the cost of college.

Montana State University's tuition is $8,460 for in-state and $33,287 for out-of-state students. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.

Financial aid can come in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. The amount of aid a student receives depends on their financial need, which is typically determined based on information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

As of the latest data, the average net price is $17,250 per year. The average aid package awarded is $13,474.

Admissions and Enrollment Statistics

Understanding admissions and enrollment statistics can provide further context to the overall cost and accessibility of Montana State University.

Montana State University received 21,975 undergraduate applications in 2023, which represents a 23.7% annual growth. Out of those 21,975 applicants, 19,081 students were accepted for enrollment, representing a 86.8% acceptance rate.

There were 16,960 students enrolled at Montana State University in 2023. 25% of first-time enrollees submitted SAT scores with their applications.

Graduation and Retention Rates

Graduation and retention rates provide insights into student success and the value of a degree from Montana State University.

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Montana State University was 78%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Montana State University had a retention rate lower than its peers.

In 2023, 31% of students graduating from Montana State University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 54% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 56% within 200%.

Demographics of Graduates

In 2023, 136 more women than men received degrees from Montana State University. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Montana State University is white (2,980 degrees awarded). There were 18 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (166 degrees).

In 2023, the most specialized majors across all degree types at Montana State University, meaning they have significantly more degrees awarded in that concentration than the national average across all institutions, are Human Sciences (179 degrees awarded), Architecture and Related Services (66 degrees), and Physical Sciences (133 degrees).

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