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Montana State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Montana State University accepts 82% of applicants. It is a public university in Bozeman, Montana, with about 14,451 undergraduates. The sticker price is $23,528 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $23,106.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Montana State University?
Admitly estimates a typical Montana resident needs about a 3.0 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+).
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Montana State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1185, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Montana resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 43% Target | 18% Reach |
| 2.7 | 43% Target | 18% Reach |
| 3.0 | 51% Target | 23% Reach |
| 3.3 | 72% Target | 44% Target |
| 3.5 | 83% Likely | 59% Target |
| 3.7 | 90% Likely | 73% Target |
| 3.9 | 94% Likely | 83% Likely |
| 4.0 | 96% Likely | 87% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Montana State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $23,528 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $19,300 | $40,400 |
| $50k – $100k | $21,100 | $42,200 |
| $100k – $150k | $23,500 | $45,800 |
| $150k – $250k | $23,500 | $48,363 |
| Over $250k | $23,500 | $48,363 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Montana State University
What is the acceptance rate at Montana State University?
Montana State University admits 82% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Montana State University?
Admitly estimates a typical Montana resident needs about a 3.0 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Montana State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1065–1285 on the SAT and 21–27 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Montana State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $23,528 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $23,106 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $19,300 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Montana State University?
59% of students finish their degree, and 79% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Montana State University
- Towson UniversityTowson, MD · admits 82%
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS · admits 82%
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI · admits 81%
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green, OH · admits 81%
- University of IowaIowa City, IA · admits 84%
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA · admits 80%