Montana’s leading universities are celebrating notable enrollment milestones this fall.
Montana State University in Bozeman has surpassed 17,000 students, making it the largest institution in a region that includes Wyoming and the Dakotas. MSU President Waded Cruzado said, “Enrollment is perhaps the most highly visible sign of how we are fulfilling Montana State’s land-grant mission to expand higher education access to as many of our citizens as possible.”
The University of Montana reported a nearly 5% enrollment increase, its highest in 15 years, bringing its total student count to 10,811. This includes 1,450 first-year freshmen, the largest incoming class in nine years.
Since 2021, UM has added over 1,300 students, “the most of any college in Montana,” according to UM President Seth Bodnar. He emphasized, “Our mission is inclusive prosperity, and the growing UM student body mirrors the hard-working people who make up our state.”
UM’s enrollment remains 41% lower than its 2011 peak, but the increase is “significantly higher” than other regional flagships, said UM spokesperson Dave Kuntz. UM has seen a 15% rise in first-generation college students and a 10.8% increase in veteran students.
UM also reported a 11.9% increase in Native American students, totaling 839. Kuntz noted, “UM is the launch point for many who have been ignored elsewhere.”
UM highlighted key data: 484 more students compared to last fall, a 5.6% rise in first-time freshmen, and 31.6% of students eligible for Pell Grants. The enrollment boost is expected to generate $48 million in tuition this year, up from $43 million last year.
MSU shared similar achievements: 3,611 new college students, 15,053 undergraduates, 2,091 graduates, and a record 856 Native American students. MSU also boasts a record retention rate of 78.4% and a 22% increase in Gallatin College MSU enrollment.
MSU Provost Robert Mokwa said, “There is a real sense of energy on campus this fall. The students are excited to be here to begin their college journeys.”
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