Montana State University Admission
Acceptance Rate
82.14%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
20.31%
Freshmen Enrollment
3,612
SAT Scores
1,170
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 21,652 students have applied and 17,786 students have allowed to admit to Montana State University (Acceptance rate: 82.14%). MSU's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 20.31 % where 3,612 students have finally enrolled out of 17,786 admitted students.
MSU acceptance rate is higher (easier to admit) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in Montana. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as University at Buffalo and University of New Mexico-Main Campus, its acceptance rate is average (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 85.98%).
MSU enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in Montana. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 21.51%).
How to Apply to Montana State University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply MSU. MSU offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | https://www.montana.edu/admissions/ |
|---|---|
| Financial Aid | https://www.montana.edu/financialaid/ |
| Net Price Calculator | https://www.montana.edu/admissions/tuitioncalc/ |
| Veterans Tuition | https://www.montana.edu/veteran/ |
| Athletic | https://ope.ed.gov/athletics |
| Disability Service | https://www.montana.edu/disabilityservices/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at MSU and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at Montana State University is 1,170 and the average ACT score is 24. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Montana State University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,126). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Montana State University | 1,170 | 24 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,126 | 23 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges | 1,112 | 67 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges in Montana | 1,131 | 67 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Montana State University, 759 students submitted SAT scores (21% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,170 and it is around average than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in Montana. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 540 | 590 | 645 |
| Mathematics | 525 | 580 | 640 |
| Total | 1,065 | 1,170 | 1,285 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Montana State University, 1,371 students submitted ACT scores (38% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 24 and it is lower than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in Montana. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 21 | 24 | 27 |
| English | 20 | 23 | 27 |
| Mathematics | 19 | 23 | 27 |
MSU Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Montana State University. The school requires 3 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
3 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school rank, Completion of college-preparatory program, and Admission test scores.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Considered, if submitted |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Considered, if submitted |
| Recommendations | Not Considered |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Not Considered |
| Legacy status | Not Considered |