Montana Residency
Information for New Incoming Undergraduate Students
Residency for all undergraduate students new to MSU or Gallatin College is determined by the Office of Admissions, based upon the Residency Policy established by the Montana University System's Board of Regents. All applicants are classified as either in-state or out-of-state when the individual applies for admission to MSU. Additional information may be requested to make this determination. Students transferring from Gallatin College to MSU will work with the Registrar's Office if seeking reclassification.
Update regarding Montana Residency Policy & COVID-19
At this time, Legal Counsel in the Office of the Commisioner of Higher Education is
reviewing the Residency Policy to determine any possible amendments due to the COVID-19
Virus. Please check back here for updates.
If you have any questions, please contact your Admissions Evaluator.
“On behalf of OCHE, I am writing to provide guidance on residency determinations in light of the significant impact of COVID-19 on our students and campuses. Normally, an absence of more than 30 days from Montana would give rise to a presumption of non-residency under BOR 940.1.
However, absences that are directly related to the COVID-19 epidemic or result directly from campus actions taken to protect health and safety should generally not count against the 12-month residency period. It is extremely important that students understand they cannot establish residency ties to another state during this period.
This includes but is not limited to obtaining a driver’s license, registering to vote, or registering a vehicle in another state. Campuses should direct students to carefully document all significant residency actions and dates, and the reason for any COVID-19 extended absence from Montana.
Each campus should also document any exceptions that are provided. This information is necessary for OCHE to appropriately certify students applying to professional programs such as WWAMI.”
3/23/2020
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