Montana Universities See Remarkable Enrollment Growth Amidst Commitment to Student Success
Montana’s leading higher education institutions are experiencing a surge in enrollment numbers, reflecting their ongoing commitment to student success and a diverse range of educational offerings. Both Montana State University (MSU) and the University of Montana (UM) have reported significant increases in their student populations this fall, marking another year of growth.
Montana State University in Bozeman has seen a slight rise in its headcount, maintaining over 17,100 students for the second year in a row. This makes MSU the largest institution within a four-state area including Wyoming and the Dakotas. Brock Tessman, MSU’s new President, expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s humbling that so many students have chosen to start their futures at Montana State University.” He emphasized the university’s mission to provide access to higher education and comprehensive support throughout students’ academic journeys.
Meanwhile, the University of Montana is celebrating its fifth consecutive year of enrollment increases, now hosting 11,064 students. This growth is largely attributed to the success of Missoula College and UM’s graduate programs. UM President Seth Bodnar highlighted the supportive Griz community, saying, “Students choose UM because they will succeed here, our Griz community will support them, and we will help them launch a meaningful career and lead a fulfilling life.”
Missoula College, a two-year program within UM, experienced a remarkable 17% increase in enrollment compared to fall 2024, as detailed in UM’s census data. The graduate school also set a record with 2,910 students, establishing itself as the state’s largest graduate program, while the Alexander Blewett III School of Law reported a 4% increase to 280 students.
Formerly the largest state university until 2012, UM has undergone a revival since 2021 after a decade of declining enrollment. This fall marks the first time UM has exceeded 11,000 students since 2017. Both universities have welcomed substantial numbers of first-time college students, with MSU enrolling 3,743 and UM 1,214.
Montanans make up the majority of the student body at both institutions. At MSU, half of the 17,100 students hail from Montana, while at UM, 69% of the 11,064 students are in-state residents. Additionally, a significant portion of UM’s student population, 3,621 students, are first-generation college attendees.
Efforts to meet the workforce needs of the state are evident, with both universities enhancing their two-year college offerings and non-credit training programs. Gallatin College MSU reported 1,078 students enrolled, marking the second consecutive year of surpassing 1,000 students. Robert Mokwa, MSU’s provost, remarked on the growth, “The growth we’re seeing this fall reflects the confidence students and families place in Montana State University.”
UM highlighted that it served 10,387 individuals through noncredit courses and training last year, focusing on skills enhancement and career change opportunities. In a statement, Bodnar emphasized the importance of education access in today’s evolving job market, “In today’s rapidly changing labor market, everyone deserves access to education that meets their specific needs and is delivered on their timeline.”
Montana State University’s fall figures include:
- 3,743 new first-time college students, with 1,572 being Montanans;
- A record of 15,142 undergraduate and 2,023 graduate students;
- A record enrollment of 1,124 Hispanic and 153 Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students, alongside 848 Native American/Alaska Native students;
- A record retention rate of 81.8% for students returning for their second fall;
- A 21% increase in students receiving veteran benefits, totaling 700.
The university also reported setting records for four-, five-, and six-year graduation rates last spring. Steve Swinford, MSU’s vice president for student success, commented on the institution’s efforts, “Record headcounts would not be possible if we were not working day in and day out to keep students in school and on track to graduation.”
Highlights from UM’s fall census include:
- 259 additional graduate students compared to the previous fall;
- A record retention rate of 77.2%, up nine points since 2018;
- 817 Native American students enrolled, showing over a 40% increase since 2018;
- An increase of 592 first-generation college students;
- 31% of undergraduates eligible for Pell Grants, which are awarded to students from low-income families.
Bodnar stated, “Our No. 1 priority is to place student success at the center of all we do, and these record-breaking student success rates are a testament to the hard work and dedication of UM’s talented faculty and staff members.” He noted the significant impact on first-generation students and their families’ economic futures.
