Bozeman, MT · Public

Montana State University Cost, Tuition and Student Budget 2026

Montana State University cost profile summarizes tuition, total annual cost, average net price, student debt, median earnings, graduation outcomes, and value signals for 2026 budget-focused university comparison.

Budget Snapshot Moderate value signal Value Score:
Total Cost$25,905
Net Price$22,499
Median Earnings$53,263
Graduation Rate57.1%
Median Debt$13,748
Admission Rate82.1%
Student Count14,451
SAT Average1,183

Montana State University Student Budget Calculator 2026

Estimate how much money you may still need per year using this university's reported cost data plus your grants, family support, savings, work income, and student loans.

Estimated annual cost $22,499
Money available $0
Still needed per year $22,499
Monthly gap $1,875

Four-year projection: about $89,996 still needed over four years if the same gap repeats.

Loan projection: borrowing $0 per year equals about $0 over four years, compared with reported median debt of $13,748.

This calculator is an estimate. Actual aid, housing, residency status, program fees, family income, and borrowing limits can change the final budget.

University Cost and Earnings View

Money Profile

Median earnings$53,263Total cost$25,905Net price$22,499Median debt$13,748

Value Score Comparison

Montana State University55.9Dataset avg54.3MT avg53.3
Median earnings5% weaker than dataset average
$53,263
Total annual cost40% better than dataset average
$25,905
Average net price5% weaker than dataset average
$22,499
Graduation rate0.3 percentage points better than dataset average
57.1%
Median debt15% better than dataset average
$13,748

How This University Cost Compares

Dataset Average

Value Score: 54.3

Net Price: $21,437

Earnings: $55,928

MT Average

Value Score: 53.3

Net Price: $18,097

Earnings: $49,804

Best Use of This Page

Compare this university against schools with similar location, type, net price, total cost, debt, and earnings. A high value score is useful, but graduation rate and debt should be read together with it.

Student Fit Signals

  • Affordability: Net price is $22,499, compared with reported total cost of $25,905.
  • Outcomes: Median earnings are $53,263 and the graduation rate is 57.1%.
  • Debt pressure: Median debt is $13,748, while the loan share is 31.4%.
  • Access profile: Admission rate is 82.1% and Pell Grant share is 16.4%.
Full University Cost Data Snapshot
School TypePublic
LocationBozeman, MT
Admission Rate82.1%
In-State Tuition$8,460
Out-of-State Tuition$33,287
Total Cost$25,905
Net Price$22,499
Median Earnings$53,263
Graduation Rate57.1%
Median Debt$13,748
Pell Grant Share16.4%
Loan Share31.4%
Average Faculty Salary$9,762
Official WebsiteVisit website

Value Score Methodology

Value Score = earnings 21.3 + graduation 14.3 + net price 7.5 + total cost 6.8 + debt 6.1 = 55.9/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt.

Earnings21.3$53,263 · max 40 pts
Graduation14.357.1% · max 25 pts
Net Price7.5$22,499 · max 15 pts
Total Cost6.8$25,905 · max 10 pts
Debt6.1$13,748 · max 10 pts

The score is a comparison signal on a 0-100 scale. It is not a guarantee of future salary, admission outcome, financial aid, or final student cost.