Montana Resident Freshman Scholarships
Fall 2025
Test Optional
Test scores are no longer required for admission or scholarship consideration at Montana State University for the foreseeable future. Please note that other academic information, including a self-reported cumulative GPA, is still required. Students can still submit ACT/SAT scores for math and writing placement purposes.
If you have taken or are planning to take the ACT/SAT, we invite you to send your test scores to MSU as they may be utilized for placement into your appropriate math and writing courses, but they will not be required.
Montana Premier Scholarship Program
Many scholarships will be awarded through the MSU Premier Scholarship program. These awards will be granted to Montana freshmen who demonstrate academic promise based upon academic performance.
Montana Premier Scholarship Awards are automatic, merit-based scholarships based upon a student’s cumulative high school GPA. Award amounts will vary between $1,000 to $4,000 per year, renewable for four years. All freshmen from Montana who submit an application for admission, complete with cumulative high school GPA provided on the Self Report Formwill be automatically considered. The Premier Award ranges are as follows:
Cumulative High School GPA |
Montana Premier Scholarship Value |
4.0+
|
$4,000 per year renewable for four years ($16,000 four-year value)
|
3.5 - 3.99
|
$3,000 per year renewable for four years ($12,000 four-year value)
|
3.0 - 3.49
|
$2,000 per year renewable for four years ($8,000 four-year value)
|
2.7 - 2.99
|
$1,000 per year renewable for four years ($4,000 four-year value)
|
All Premier Scholarships are designated for tuition only. Students awarded renewable Premier Scholarships must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater, enroll for a minimum of 15 credits per semester, maintain resident status and continuous enrollment to retain the scholarship throughout their four years at MSU. MSU freshman scholarships and awards are available to those seeking undergraduate bachelor degree programs only.
Please note that test scores are not required for consideration. However, students are encouraged to send us their ACT and/or SAT scores for academic placement.
Montana Treasure State First Generation Scholarship
Montana State University is excited to continue to support our first-generation Montana resident students with the Montana Treasure State First Generation Scholarship. This award is given to Montana resident students that self-report they are a first-generation student on their application for admission. This award is valued at $1,500 per year and is renewable for four years ($6,000 total value). This award can be stacked on top of a Montana Premier Scholarship that a student may receive.
Want more information about MSU? We're here to help.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our
staff at admissions@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can students update their GPA on file if their academic record changes throughout their senior year?