Public

Large

Big Sky Conference

Montana State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1075 to 1270

ACT Range21 to 27

Average GPA3.51

Acceptance Rate82.1%

With an 82% acceptance rate, Montana State is accessible for many solid students, but its test-required policy means your score still has a clear role. Because ACT scores are submitted more often than SAT scores here, aiming for a 27 ACT, or a 1270 SAT if that is your test, puts you near the top of the middle range.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Montana State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Montana State University is a public university in Bozeman, Montana, with an undergraduate enrollment of 15,053. Montana State has a freshman retention rate of 79%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 6-year graduation rate of 57%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16.4:1. Montana State is test-required for admissions.

Location

Bozeman, MT

Undergrad Enrollment15,053

Freshman Retention79%

SettingN/A

Student to Faculty Ratio16.4:1

Graduation Rate57%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Montana State?

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Key Montana State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

For Montana State, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. If you are applying Early Action by November 1, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last fall retake that can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Montana State’s in-state tuition is $6,056, while out-of-state tuition is $29,047. About 30% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $2,057. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

In-State Tuition$6,056

Out-of-State Tuition$29,047

Room and Board$12,590

Average Merit Award$2,057

Application Fee$38

Students on Aid30%

Average Aid Package$13,474

Average Debt at Grad$25,712

Montana State’s out-of-state tuition is $29,047, while in-state tuition is $6,056; room and board adds $12,590. About 30% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $13,474. Merit awards average $2,057, which can help but may not close the full gap for many families. Students graduate with an average debt of $25,712.