Scholarships and Grants in Montana
Options for Residents and Non-Residents
Looking for state-funded scholarship or grant money in Montana? Whether you are a resident or non-resident there are a number of programs available. The Office of Public Instruction provides a limited number of programs, while the Montana State University system administers quite a number of scholarships and grants, from need-based to merit-based and those specifically designed for Native Americans.
Montana State Government Scholarship and Grant Programs
The Montana Governor's Postsecondary Scholarship is a combination of need and merit-based college funds. The program was designed to make a college education more accessible to Montana residents and in the process to work toward keeping more college graduates living and working within their home state. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and complete a FAFSA. Awards are between $1000 and $2000.
The federally funded Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program selects honors-level high school seniors throughout the state. Selected honors students must already be accepted into a four-year college program. The only exceptions to the scholarship are students planning on attending a military academy.
The Montana U.S. Senate Youth Program promotes the activities of those students immersed in student government organizations. Funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, this scholarship program chooses two students from over 100 "student delegates" to receive $5000 scholarships. Applicants are also required to complete a rigorous exam and participate in an oral interview. For more on the three scholarships above, go here.
Montana State University Scholarships and Grants
Students considering attending MSU in either the Bozeman or Billings locations will find the following scholarships and grants amenable to both resident and non-resident students.
The Non-Resident Freshman Achievement Awards are available for incoming non-resident freshman and are based solely on merit, especially the combined scores of ACT and SAT tests. Awards may be as much as $7500 per academic year.
MSU's Resident Freshman University Scholarships are merit-based and open to Montana residents who are incoming freshman.
For freshman residents of other western states, the Western Undergraduate Exchange Awards make it monetarily attractive to attend the MSU-Bozeman campus. Attractive tuition grants are awarded to eligible students based on merit.
MSU's Presidential Scholarships are awarded to those incoming freshman with the most demonstrated academic and personal achievements. Non-residents who are awarded the Presidential Scholarships may also qualify for resident status.
A varying number of Departmental Scholarships are regularly available. Students with work in art, music and athletics may submit portfolios or attend "try-outs" in order to qualify for these programs.
Montana Native American Scholarships and Grants
Native American Scholarships are available to MSU students with a proven tribal affiliation. These scholarships are both need and merit based.
Montana's Indian Fee Waiver makes it possible for residents with a proven ¼ Native American blood to receive tuition grants.
MSU's Bozeman campus has instituted a Native American Non-Resident Tribal Homelands Scholarship for Native American students affiliated with a native Montana tribal nation. Awards may be as much as $10,000.
