A photo of Montana Hall and the "Big Sky"

 
1. Discover MSU

There's something to suit every need and interest here at MSU. Use the links below to learn more about our colleges/academic programs; as well as what it’s like to be a student at MSU. Want to explore what MSU has to offer? You can request more information below. 

 

Do you belong to any of these unique student groups? Click below to learn more:
2. Apply

Start the process of becoming a student and get your application submitted!

Submit your application to the Office of Admissions by these recommended priority dates:

  • July 1st for the fall term
  • December 1st for the spring term
  • May 1st for the summer term
ApplyMUS StudentsFormer MSU StudentsHonor's College

 

Applicants will be considered for admission based on transferable credits from all regionally accredited colleges or universities previously attended. As determined by the Office of Admissions, a 2.0 (or C average) cumulative transferable GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required to be accepted for admission in good academic standing. Transfer students start with a new GPA upon enrolling at MSU. 

Students who do not meet the 2.0 cumulative transferable GPA are still encouraged to apply for admission and submit the necessary credentials. Montana State University will examine each student’s credentials on an individual case for admissibility. Some students who do not meet the requirements may be admitted on University Probation and will need to earn a 2.0 or higher GPA upon completing the first term attended at MSU to be placed in good academic standing. 
 
3. Complete Your Application

For your application to be considered complete, the Office of Admissions must receive all the items on the list below. The applicant must personally request all of their credentials to be sent to MSU. Requests should be made by contacting the Registrar’s Office at the college/university previously attended. Credentials must be sent directly from each institution or agency to the Office of Admissions. Credentials that have been opened, are emailed, or are in an unsealed envelope are considered unofficial working copies and will not be accepted as official documents. 

Application materials and fees will be retained for one year from the original application term. To apply for a semester other than the one originally intended, notify the Office of Admissions as soon as possible. 

Please make sure the following items are submitted:

This application may besubmittedonline or downloaded and printed; if completing the paper application, please return the completed and signed application form to the Office of Admissions. This application may also be obtained from the Office of Admissions.

The online application fee is is $38, while the fee for a paper application is $30. Checks should be made payable to Montana State University. This application fee cannot be waived or refunded, and must be paid before your application can be processed. 

An official transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from each regionally accredited college or university attended. This academic information will be used to determine admission status as well as transfer credit. Applicants who are enrolled at a transfer school while applying to MSU will be considered for admission based on an incomplete official transcript showing all academic work completed and posted to date.  

  • All college level, degree applicable credits recorded on official transcripts from institutions that are regionally accredited at the time of your attendance will transfer. Official transcripts must be requested and sent either by mail or by a secure electronic transcript service (Parchment, National Student Clearing house, etc.). Transcripts are NOT official if sent by email. 
  • A final official transcript must be received in the Office of Admissions by the 15th class day of the first term of attendance. Academic eligibility will be reviewed again upon receipt of that final transcript. For more information on how college/university courses will transfer to MSU, refer to the "Evaluation of Transfer Credit" section.
  • If you choose to send by mail, use the following address:  

    MSU Office of Admissions   

    201 Strand Union Building (SUB)   

    P.O. Box 172190   

    Bozeman, MT 59717-2190   

Applicants who have completed an Advanced Placement Examination shouldrequestthat the official scores be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Scores of 3 or higher on most AP Exams will earn college credit with a Pass grade for the equivalent courses.Look at the AP Course Equivalencies for more information on how AP courses will transfer to MSU. 

Applicants who have completed an International Baccalaureate Examination should request that the official scores be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Scores of 4 or higher on IB Exams (primarily Higher Level) will be granted college credit with a Pass grade for equivalent courses. Look at the IB Course Equivalencies for more information on how IB courses will transfer to MSU. 

Test scores are no longer required for admission or scholarship consideration at Montana State University. Students can still submit ACT/SAT scores for math and writing placement purposes, if a student has no previous record of completing some form of college level, non-remedial math or writing course. 

Track Admissions Status
4. Financial Aid
5. Housing
  • Finding housing in Bozeman can be a challenge, but our resources make it easier. On-Campus housing applications open on October 1st each year, and placement is on a first come, first served basis. 
  • If you have less than 30 semester credits and will be attending MSU full-time, you are required to live in the residence halls, unless you are a single parent, married student, or complete the exemption process for another reason. 
On-Campus Housing AppCampus Housing OptionsRoom and Board CostsOff-Campus Housing

Finding off-campus housing can be daunting, but the Montana State Off-Campus Housing Marketplace is another great resource for MSU students looking to rent in Bozeman. 
6. Orientation

We hope to see you join us at Montana State University! If you are ready to reserve your spot in an incoming class, make sure to complete Online Orientation. During Online Orientation, you will meet with an advisor, register for classes, and complete the Undergraduate Admissions Checklist.  

  • If starting in the Fall Semester, please join an in-person Orientation in the days before the start of the term. 
  • If starting in the Spring Semester, please join an in-person Orientation session the day before the start of the term.

 
7. Welcome to MSU!

Congratulations on your admittance as a student at MSU! Registering for upcoming semesters or dealing with credit transfers can be stressful, but there are resources available to make the process easier.

 

Transfer students follow the Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment at MSU. Transfer students from community colleges and four-year colleges in Montana may elect to follow the MSU catalog that was in effect when they began their freshman year at the above-mentioned institution.