Founded in 1893, The University of Montana. is a Public college. Located in Montana, which is a city setting in Montana, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 10,077 full time undergraduate students, and 2,342 full time graduate students.
The The University of Montana Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 16:1. There are 555 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at The University of Montana include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
92%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
30
SAT Range
950-1200
ACT Range
20-26
Admissions at UM are considered Less Selective, with ,101% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 24 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
74% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 41% were in the top quarter, and 18% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at The University of Montana.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
11%
“We know about current events and vote”
73%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
16%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
64%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
9%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
16%
“We bought the gear”
79%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
7%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
29%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
73%
“They keep regular office hours”
22%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
42%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
53%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
22%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
42%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
33%
“There might be people who do”
44%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
16%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
11%
“We know about current events and vote”
73%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
16%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
64%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
9%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
16%
“We bought the gear”
79%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
7%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
29%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
73%
“They keep regular office hours”
22%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
42%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
53%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
197 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
196 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
240 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
255 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
255 Students rated class size 3.9 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
254 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
254 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
255 Students rated academics 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
The University of Montana REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of The University of Montana?
55 Students rated The University of Montana
Jillian
College04/03/2025
I live close, a beautiful school.
Erica
I have been a Grizzly for years, and will continue being a Grizzly for the rest of my life. This university has given me opportunities and relationships I couldn't have found anywhere else. It has also provided me with the coolest job I could have asked for, and hopefully it'll give so many others everything they need to succeed in life.
Serena
In your first two years, you may be in larger lecture halls for some classes. However, I had a lot of classes from the start that only had about 20-30 students in them. This felt like a nice class size and helped you get to know your peers and feel comfortable asking to study together. The professors in my major were very passionate about their careers and eager to help students. I loved the Wildlife Biology program but wish I had been even more active. The University had great study spots on campus for both indoor (library, university center, and the Native American building) and outdoor (the oval, tables outside of Urey and the library). There were also a lot of great local coffee shops to study at, some even stayed open late for students to study at. Missoula is also a lively town with farmers markets, First Friday art walks, themed Brew Fests, and more.
T ARLENE
It has a beautiful campus the people where so so very welcoming. The school was just a place where you feel safe. GO GRIZZ!!!! The sport teams were great the campus is so involved with all the sport like activity. I cant wait to go to school there.
Danika
I really like the layout of the campus at University of Montana and I am excited to go there soon as a first year student in the fall of 2025. I am thrilled about all of the different recreational activities varying from snow sports to shopping at the mall. And lastly I really like the strong college-town vibe and how supportive the Missoula community is of the university. Go Grizzlies!
Rei
I really like this campus. I am an online student but my professors are always available to talk to me and are super willing to do zoom meeting in case I need extra help. My sibling also attends this campus but they are an in person learner. They are part of the Griz band and love every part of it. They are always telling me how good the food is at the Food Zoo and there are many options for people with specific dietary needs
Kayla
As someone who grew up in Missoula, MT, and has family members that have also gone through the university, the school is a very caring community that wants to see students succeed. There is always help and friendly crowds. The University of Montana does offer a wide variety of majors and minors as well.
chase
The university of Montana has a very attractive allure, and for many people, it becomes a new and profound home. I wasn't one of those people. I struggled to connect with my peers and classmates, and I felt out of place in Missoula's culture. If you are a people pleaser, and you aren't bothered by people who dance and live to conform to each others ideas and mindsets, then you will likely find a fun and intriguing place with several different tribes and ways of life, but if you are an independent thinker, who has a strong compass for truth and identity, you might find it difficult to maintain your ideas and strength of character in an environment where so many people are trying to inspire you to become just like them.
Colby
Because Montanans are white, tall, skinny and dress alike in dark colors, they don't realize they are conservative, intolerant and uncommunicative. An us vs them' mentality exists. 'Them = Californians, blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, Chinese, Japanese, African, Iranian, Southeast Asian, etc.' The unvarying response of most students and town residents is deafening indifference and aversion of gaze. If you walk like a griz, talk like a griz, and quack like a griz, you're okay especially if you are a blond, athletic girl. A common refrain by students and Missoulans from all socioeconomic levels is, " I wish Missoula hadn't changed. It's those Californians and foreign exchange students." No mingling exists here. No talking. It's not a friendly place. The peculiar administrative staff are impersonal and use any inane reason to chastise you, eg, 'You used the wrong number and I don't check that (voice mail box.)' The Registrar will quickly send you to the business office who will send you to the financial aid office who will then send you back to the Registrar. A graduate assistant yells several times at the best student in the class without provocation. Montana is for Montanans and they highly resent anyone who comes in and buys their land. Hostility comes in waves at Murdoch's or Costco from the ranchers and rural folk from outlying areas. The university president is a professionally trained killer with little academic experience. The Griz football coach who ran the permissive football team that assaulted girls was rehired from Nevada. A ROTC mentality is too much of a presence in the rather deserted campus where the student enrollment has declined 40% in the past 7 years. The school board and executive hierarchy still does not understand why people do not want to attend school here. The big splashy Native American Indian Center has only a few teachers. Native students come and go. Native Americans are despised, "Why do they act so angry like they have chips on their shoulders?" No self respecting white girl would be caught out in the open talking to a non-white.
Nicholas
The University of Montana is a great school with great professors and great opportunities. The campus life is amazing, and it's easy to make friends. Class size is small and it's easy to get a hold of professors. Everyone on campus is there to help you.
Rory
The University of Montana is an absolutely wonderful school! There is always something for everyone of all interests and backgrounds. The football and basketball games are the absolute best. No matter what the event may be, we are always ready to show our Griz pride. Also, all of the professors, advisors, and ambassadors are the best in the state. They are willing to go that extra mile to ensure each and every student is successful in school, and also in the future. I am proud to be a Griz, and I know the University will take me far in life.
Aubree
Great school, great opportunities! Professors and staff care about students, classes are engaging, and students are friendly and supportive of one another. Campus is beautiful and Missoula in itself is a great place. It's really a great university, and I'm glad I chose to pursue my higher education here.
Sydney
The University of Montana is not only a beautiful campus but an enriching academic experience. There's always something fun to do and places to get together with classmates, whether it be for play or work. The professors at UM are top-notch researchers in their fields of study; they're not just amazing intellectuals, but incredible people who have a genuine care for their students. They are prepared to work longer hours to ensure your success, meet with you after hours to discuss phenomenons, or to make sure you're following your passions. At UM, you are welcomed by a community readily available to make sure your passions become reality. Despite the pre-college jitters, the university makes you feel comfortable and right at home. At UM not only offers an amazing source of knowledge from dedicated professors, but encourages their students to get outside, do some hands-on research, or explore newfound opportunities so that they can better themselves. From study-abroad trips to working at the Flathead Lake Bio Station, or even staring in your own art show, UM has it all. I personally came from outside of Montana, but I soon discovered a large community ready to make my personal and academic goals come to fruition. I was surrounded by encouraging professors, understanding advisors, and ambitious classmates, who pushed me to be the best version of myself. In summation, The University of Montana celebrates the diverse individual living inside everyone and understands that not all education is that same, but that education needs to be tailored to the student. If you are looking for a university that is prepared to help you succeed and take on any challenge, then The University of Montana is for you.
Nicole
I believe there is an important community at UM. People are getting involved and trying out new things. There is always something on campus to be doing whether it is going to game or going to a movie night at one of the residence halls. These events allows students to connect with each other. As the President says, "If you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go far go together." As a student I have used this saying more than once to try to find student group that have the same goals as me.
Hope
From a visitors point of view I think the University of Montana is an accepting university. Everyone I met and saw on campus was very kind and self-inviting. I took a tour of the campus and there was no trouble finding a tour guide. They provided water and food before we got started and answered any questions I had. They showed us everything they had available on the campus. There are residence halls for just women, just men, and both men and women. You can take a survey that fits you in with a roommate that likes the same things as you to get your best match. You can also request your friend to be in your room if they request you back. If you have any problems with your rooms there is an advisor in every residence hall to help you out if you have any questions. There are also so many clubs and sororities the students can be a part of, especially Greek clubs. I have heard that the professors are always available and will help you with any questions in class. The sports culture is very enthusiastic. Everyone is involved and the students get a discount off ticket prices to attend the games. The campus food is very nutritious and the cooks and advisors make sure you get the food you need. There is about eight or more coffee shops around the campus so you have one around every corner. The university wants to ensure that you have a place to study but also a place to eat and buy some Griz gear. So they made the University Center. It’s public to everyone and you would not want to miss out. I personally think that the University of Montana is a great university to go to. There is a 100% acceptance rate and the in-state tuition is one of the lowest out of a variety of universities. I would recommend this university to everybody that is looking for an accepting community, enthusiastic sports community, and someone who wants to go to an affording university.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for The University of Montana is 92%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
So far, halfway through my freshman year at the University of Montana; I have grown into a responsible, punctual and innovative young man. I have no regret of moving from my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona to Missoula, Montana. Everything in Missoula and on the campus is different. The people are more friendly and accepting, the professers' at the University know exactly what they are doing, and the classes are of a small enough size that they will get to know you on a name to name basis. If only half a year of school has brought these thoughts to me, imagine what the other three and a half years will have to offer me. In conclusion, the University of Montana is the perfect place to be for almost any person.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
Being a college student, it's always nice to have an all-you-can-eat meal for under three dollars available every day of the week. However, the food in our cafeteria isn't always as tasty as one might hope. After a while, it all starts tasting the same - a kind of rubbery bland taste. And unfortunately, since it's a serve-yourself buffet set up, the food isn't always hot when you get it back to your table.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Individuals seeking a big city theme. Also, this is considered a liberal arts school (even though I studied pre-med), so everyone is very supportive of alternative ideas and abstract thinking.
The kind of person that should attend the University of Montana is someone who doesn't have a problem with diversity. Someone who is compelled do well in school and extracurricular activities also. The environment of this University is amazing; everyone is open-minded and the professors are amazing.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
When I brag about my school, I usually talk about how beautiful the campus is, how interesting my classes are, how may extra-curricular activities I can be involved in and the attitude of the people around campus. The attitude of the campus is a very positive one. There is little to no predjudice at this college. Every person here is treated as just that, a person.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
What I find most unique about the University of Montana is the atmosphere. There is such diversity everywhere you look, and it is because of this diversity that makes learning invigorating. I have never felt as compelled to advance myself toward furthering my education than I am at UM. Another thing that makes the campus so excuisite is its location. The University is right in the heart of Missoula, and the influence from the many different events and celebrations going on downtown is abundantly clear in both the college faculty and the students. It is a wonderous sight to behold.
Our school is best known for the M and the oval. The M is the concrete letter on the top of a moutain that is visible almost anywhere in Missoula. It is a fun and peaceful hike. The oval is the center of the university where slot of events are held and where alot of people gather. Theses two things are very popular and well known at the University.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
Before I came to the University of Montana, I wish that I was more aware of the scholarships they offered. I did apply for a few scholarships before I entered college, but it wasn't until I was midway through school when I became aware of the wide variety of scholarships offered there. Financial aid for college has always been a crucial issue to most incoming freshmen. Perhaps if there were easier, more user-friendly ways to look and apply for scholarships, more people could attend college without a significant financial burden.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about the University of Montana is that the students that attend pay so much for tuition and housing, although our technology is not in tip top shape. It seems that all our money goes to the damn football team. Fall of 2013, my math class had an very old overhead that didn't even work half of the time, this made it very hard to learn without demonstration. I know that there are other rooms that are in the same condition. University of Montana should pay more towards educational technology.
The school has certain departments that are good; journalism, forestry, and business are all excellent. Liberal Arts, on the other hand, are underfunded and neglected. People care way too much about the football team, considering it isn't FCS. Many of the top players either transferred there after getting in trouble at a real D1 program, couldn't get the necessary SAT score for admissions, or just weren't scouted to them. The school is sized well, with a small campus feel despite over 13k in attendance. The fitness center is decent, and students can inexpensively rent outdoors gear. The UC aka University Center is a decent if aging student union. When the weather cooperates, the Oval in the center of campus is bustling with activity, from lax bros expecting people to be impressed with them to sunbathers to slackliners (don't ask).
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The campus tries to organize activities, but the fact is this school has a high percentage of students abusing substances. The greek system has one of the lowest rush rates for a public flagship institution in the nation. Once students are 21, downtown Missoula is a good time and inexpensive.
I'm a freshman, taking gen-eds, so my classes are pretty typical so far. I am taking a really interesting media arts class though. There are many different and fun class opportunities at UM.
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
The biggest stereotype of U of M is that it is a hippie school. Those who aren't hippies are often natives to Montana, coming from small communities. A good amount of feminists either come that way or develop their beliefs in the ultra-liberal environment. There's also a lot of Jesus-looking trustafarians.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
Hippies and partyers. There are "hippies" and there is a lot of drinking and partying going on, but there are also a lot of serious students. Like any stereotype there is a bit of truth.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
89% of students attending The University of Montana receive some sort of financial aid.
39% were awarded federal grants.54%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.