Expenses

*Please contact the Office of Student Accounts at (406) 994-1991 or studentaccounts@montana.edu with any tuition, billing, fee, or payment inquiries.

• Estimated Expenses
• Fee Schedule and Other Charges
• Special Fees and Charges
• Special Exemptions
• Refund of Fees
• Financial Aid and Student Employment
• Fee Description

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The Montana University System and the Board of Regents of Higher Education approves all student fee charges. Fees are subject to change at any time.

Students are personally responsible for meeting their financial obligations at the times stated in the term calendar. A student’s registration is not complete until all fees are paid.

All students are urged to safeguard their personal funds by establishing checking accounts. It is most helpful for a student to be able to write checks for exact amounts for fees, room and board, and other necessary expenses. A local bank account is also good identification while on campus.

Student charges and refunds are posted under the student’s name, not the parents. Therefore, all fee statements and bill notifications are emailed to the student, not the parents. Student refunds are Direct Deposited or mailed to the student if the student has not signed up for Direct Deposit. (Exception: Refund checks generated as a result of a Parent PLUS loan are mailed to the parents unless the Financial Aid Office has written authorization to disburse the funds to the student.)

A check presented to MSU which is subsequently returned by the bank for insufficient funds or other reasons may cause the cancellation of a student’s registration, reporting to federal agencies, and/or a request to terminate room and board. A returned check service charge of $25 is assessed for all returned checks.

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Estimated Expenses

2024/2025 Montana State University Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

The expenses shown below reflect an estimated average cost for a student carrying a full-time load (12 or more credits) for the fall and spring semesters, 2024/2025. These expenses include fees and other charges. Actual fees may vary based on specific program or course fees or the number of credits carried each semester. These figures are subject to change at any time and should be regarded as estimates only. 

Undergraduate Resident Students

Expenses-Cost of Attendance

Category	Semester	Academic Year
Tuition/Fees1	$4,230	$8,460
Food/Housing2	$7,000	$14,000
Books/Supplies3	$725	$1,450
Miscellaneous 4	$2,013	$4,026
Total	$13,968	$27,936

Undergraduate Non-Resident Students

Expenses-Cost of Attendance

Category	Semester	Academic Year
Tuition/Fees1	$16,644	$33,288
Food/Housing2	$7,000	$14,000
Books/Supplies3	$725	$1,450
Miscellaneous 3	$2,013	$4,026
Total	$26,382	$52,764

¹

MSU's undergraduate tuition rate applies to undergraduate students at all class levels (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior). There is not a higher rate for Junior and Senior students. These figures do not include the health insurance fee which is required of students who do not have their own health insurance coverage.

²

For on campus residents, these costs include in-room high speed internet service, unlimited entry into residence hall dining areas, cable TV and unlimited local phone service. Food and Housing above is based on a review of on and off campus housing costs along with 21 meals a week. Individual costs will vary. Campus dorm style and type or whether you seek apartment or shared lease arrangements all factor into individual costs. This figure also represents an amount reasonably incurred for off-campus food and housing costs. Food and housing costs will vary depending on a student's living arrangements and lifestyle.

³

The actual cost of books and supplies will vary depending upon curriculum.

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Miscellaneous expenses will vary depending on individual circumstances. Miscellaneous expenses include annual transportation of $2,678.00, Health of $770.00 and other of $579.00. Health costs do not count the cost of health insurance if purchased though MSU. 

2024/2025 Gallatin College Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

The expenses shown below reflect an estimated average cost for a student carrying a 9 credit load for fall and spring semesters, 2024/2025. These expenses include fees and other charges. Actual fees may vary based on specific program fees or the number of credits carried each semester. These figures are subject to change at any time and should be regarded as estimates only.

Undergraduate Resident Students: Gallatin College

Expenses-Cost of Attendance

Category	Semester	Academic Year
Tuition/Fees	$1,515	$3,030
Food/Housing1	$7,000	$14,000
Books/Supplies2	$544	$1,088
Miscellaneous 3	$2,013	$4,026
Total	$11,072	$22,144

 Undergraduate Non-Resident Students: Gallatin College

Expenses-Cost of Attendance

Category	Semester	Academic Year
Tuition/Fees	$6,025	$12,050
Food/Housing 1	$7,000	$14,000
Books/Supplies2	$544	$1,088
Miscellaneous3	$2,013	$4,026
Total	$15,582	$31,164

¹

For on campus residents, these costs include in-room high speed internet service, unlimited entry into residence hall dining areas, cable TV and unlimited local phone service.  Food and Housing above is based on a review of on and off campus housing costs along with 21 meals a week. Individual costs will vary. Campus dorm style and type or whether you seek apartment or shared lease arrangements all factor into individual costs This figure also represents an amount reasonably incurred for off-campus housing and food and housing costs. Food and housing costs will vary depending on a student's living arrangements and lifestyle.

²

 The actual cost of books and supplies will vary depending upon curriculum.

³

Miscellaneous expenses will vary depending on individual circumstances. Miscellaneous expenses include annual transportation of $2,678.00, Health of $770.00 and other of $579.00. Health costs do not count the cost of health insurance if purchased though MSU.

2024/2025 Montana State University Graduate Cost of Attendance

The expenses shown below reflect an estimated average cost for a graduate student enrolled in 7 credits for both fall and spring semesters, 2024/2025. These expenses include fees and other charges. Actual fees may vary based on specific program or course fees or the number of credits carried each semester. These figures are subject to change at any time and should be regarded as estimates only.  

Graduate Resident Students

Expenses-Cost of Attendance

Category	Semester	Academic Year
Category	Semester	Academic Year
Tuition/Fees1	$3,144	$6,288
Food/Housing2	$7,000	$14,000
Books/Supplies3	$564	$1,128
Miscellaneous4	$4,708	$9,416
Total	$15,416	$30,832

Graduate Non-Resident Students

Expenses-Cost of Attendance

Category	Semester	Academic Year
Category	Semester	Academic Year
Tuition/Fees1	$10,420	$20,840
Food/Housing2	$7,000	$14,000
Books/Supplies3	$564	$1,128
Miscellaneous4	$4,708	$9,416
Total	$22,692	$45,384

¹

These figures do not include a supplemental health insurance fee required of students who do not have proof of insurance coverage.

²

For on campus residents, these costs include in-room high speed internet service, unlimited entry into residence hall dining areas, cable TV and unlimited local phone service. Food and Housing is based on a review of on and off campus housing costs along with 21 meals a week. Individual costs will vary. Campus dorm style and type or whether you seek apartment or shared lease arrangements all factor into individual costs. This figure also represents an amount reasonably incurred for off-campus food and housing costs. Food and housing costs will vary depending on a student's living arrangements and lifestyle.

³

 The actual cost of books and supplies will vary depending upon curriculum.

⁴

Miscellaneous expenses will vary depending on individual circumstances. Miscellaneous expenses include annual health insurance of $5,390.00, transportation of $2,678.00, health of $770.00 and other of $579.00. Health costs do not count the cost of health insurance if purchased though MSU.  

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Fall/Spring Fee Schedules

• Undergraduate
• Gallatin College
• Western Undergraduate Exchange
• Post Baccalaureate
• Graduate
• Fiscal Year 24 Course Fees
• ​Interactive Net Price Calculator

Exemptions from Payment of Tuition and Certain Fees

• Tuition: Certain eligible undergraduate students may receive scholarships or waivers of tuition. Examples are MUS honors and American Indian Scholarships. 
• Permanent staff employed at least three-quarter time are exempt from tuition for six credits only.
• Dependents of employees with five or more years of service employed at least three-quarter time are exempt from 50% of their tuition when seeking a first undergraduate degree.
• Student Activity and Health Service Fees: Students who are required by the university to complete their entire semester’s work off-campus and more than fifty miles from Bozeman are exempt from Student Activity and Health Service Fees as are professional staff and non-professional staff employed at least three-quarter time.
• In Absentia: Students registered in absentia pay only the registration fee.

Other Charges

The following fees are in addition to those listed in the fee schedule. Fees are subject to change at any time. See also Course Fees.

Expenses-Other Charges

Residence Hall Social Fee, per semester, to defray costs of activities and projects	$15.00
Late Payment assessed the first day after regular payment	$40.00
Additional late fee after 15th day of class	$40.00
Nursing Students
Uniforms and shoes (estimate)	$200.00
Exams given by special request	$2.50 to $55.00
(May include Graduate Record, College Entrance and Placement, GED, Miller Analogy, Doppelt, and Minnesota Engineering exams.)
Course Materials Fee	Consult the department
(For materials furnished in some courses offered by Departments of Animal and Range Science, Health and Human Development, Medical Science, Earth Sciences, Nursing, Physics, Education, Biology, Architecture, Microbiology, and Music.)
Field Trip Fee	Consult the department
Program Fees	Consult the department or college
(Architecture, Art, College of Business, Engineering, MTA, Nursing, Math, Film, Music Technology, Veterinary Medicine)
Returned Check Service Charge	$25.00
I.D. Card Fee	$20.00
Duplicate I.D.	$20.00
Vehicle Registration for Students and Staff Varies per lot; minimum annual fee	$235.00
Transcript Fee, charge per copy	$10.00
Intensive English Language Fee (per credit)	$287.10
Foreign Student Administrative Fee, per semester (including summer)	$150.00
Graduation Fee	$40.00
New Student Orientation Fee
Freshman	$150.85
Transfer	$150.85
Graduate Student Training/Development Fee	$50.00
In Absentia Registration Fee	$30.00
Challenge Fee (per credit)	$30.00
Distributed Learning Fee (per credit)	$45.00
Residence Hall Prepayment	$300.00
Student Teaching Fees	Consult the department
Living Learning Community Fee, per semester for students who live on an LLC floor in the Residence Halls	$50.00
Graduate Student Audit Fee	$20.00
Graduate Program of Study Filing Fee	$50.00

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Special Fees and Charges

Application Fee

A $38 application fee must accompany all Undergraduate applications for admission. The Graduate Application fee is 60$.  These fees are not refundable nor is it applied toward the payment of any other fee. The application fee is honored for one year from the semester for which the student is applying.

Additional Fees Paid by Out-of-State Students

Resident or non-resident status for fee purposes is determined by Montana statutes and regulations of the Board of Regents. A copy of these regulations may be obtained by visiting or writing the Office of Admissions.

Students of legal age and minors whose parents have not established residence for fee purposes are required to pay the non-resident fees. See Residency Requirements for Fee Purposes.

Auditor’s Fee

Regularly enrolled students who register for courses without credit pay the same fees as students enrolled for credit.

Testing Fees

The Montana State University Testing Service administers certain testing and examination programs for which fees are charged. The fees are established by testing agencies (companies) other than MSU.

Nursing Students

Fee is used to offset the costs of nursing education such as equipment for learning resource centers (Simulation mannequins), clinical simulations, disposable equipment, faculty travel to distance sites for clinical supervision, and partial technical support for distant class deliver.

Costs for board, room and transportation will vary in relation to the facilities available in the community where assigned for upper division. If a student does not have a car, she/he must make arrangements for transportation.

Health Insurance

Students carrying six or more credits are automatically enrolled in the student insurance plan each semester. Students carrying fewer than six credits must contact the Student Insurance Office if they desire coverage. Students wishing to apply for exemption from the insurance plan must do so online.

Complete information on student insurance may be obtained from the Student Insurance Office in the Swingle Student Health Center.

Special Fees and Charges for Foreign Students

An additional administrative fee will be charged to all foreign students who come to the University.

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Special Exemptions

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Veterans Benefits

Honorably Discharged Veteran Tuition Waiver

A veteran who meets all of the following conditions is eligible for a waiver of tuition:

1. “Honorable” discharge (“General Under Honorable Conditions” will not be accepted) from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces for service on active duty for other than training purposes.
2. Bona fide resident of Montana for tuition and fee purposes.
3. At some time eligible for VA education benefits but benefits were exhausted or have expired (VEAP eligible veterans who withdrew a portion of their VEAP contribution before benefits expired are not eligible for the tuition waiver).
4. Qualifies under one of the following:
   1. Served any time prior to May 8, 1975. Waiver available to all otherwise qualified undergraduate and graduate students; or
   2. Working on initial undergraduate degree and has been awarded an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; or
   3. Working on initial undergraduate degree and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal for service in the Persian Gulf between August 2, 1990 and April 11, 1991; or
   4. Working on initial undergraduate degree and has been awarded the Kosovo Campaign Medal; or served in a combat theater in Afghanistan or Iraq after September 11, 2001, and received either the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, or the Iraq Campaign Medal.

Qualified recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Application for this waiver must be made through the MSU Office of Veterans’ Services, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173960, Bozeman, MT 59717-3960 at least two weeks before fee payment for the semester in which the recipient expects to qualify. Phone 406-994-3661 for additional information.

State Benefits

The tuition is waived at any of the units of the Montana University System for children of members of the United States armed forces who served on active duty during World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan conflicts and who, at the time of entry into service, had legal residence in Montana and who were killed in action or who died as a result of injury, disease, or other disability incurred while in the service. Children who desire to study under the “War Orphans” educational law must enter any of the Montana University System institutions before the age of twenty-five to be eligible for a waiver of tuition. Application for the waiver of tuition must be made, well in advance of the date of anticipated enrollment, to the Commissioner of Higher Education (2500 Broadway, Helena, Montana 59620-3101), who will determine eligibility and notify the student and the Office of Financial Aid Services of the institution.

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American Indian Tuition Waiver

Montana Residents of one-fourth American Indian blood or more, or enrolled members of a state or federally recognized Indian Tribe which is located within the boundaries of the State of Montana,  are eligible for a tuition waiver upon demonstration of financial need. Contact Financial Aid Services for more information.

Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver

In state tuition may be waived for Montana citizens who are (65) sixty-five years of age or older. The application for Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver may be found at https://www.montana.edu/financialaid/forms/SrCitizenTuitionWaiver.pdf. Submit the completed application and supporting documentation to Financial Aid Services for processing. A completed application is required for each semester of attendance.

Faculty and Staff Tuition Waiver

Permanent staff employed at least three-quarter time for the entire term are eligible for a waiver of resident tuition for up to six credits. The Faculty & Staff Tuition Waiver Request form may be downloaded at https://www.montana.edu/financialaid/forms/SrCitizenTuitionWaiver.pdf. These forms are also available at Financial Aid Services. Once this form is completed and signed by the required parties, it can be submitted to Financial Aid Services for processing. A completed application is required for each semester of attendance and due by the 15th class day. This waiver does not apply to self-supporting courses offered by Extended University.

Dependent Partial Tuition Waiver

Employees must be employed at least 3/4 time for 120 calendar days (e.g., four months) before being eligible for a dependent tuition waiver benefit. Eligibility begins at the start of the first full academic semester or summer session that follows the 120-day waiting period.  Up to two dependents may utilize the dependent tuition waiver simultaneously in an academic term. Employees who utilize the faculty and staff tuition waiver are eligible for a single (one) dependent tuition waiver during the same academic term. Employees must be employed at least 3/4 time during the entire academic term (e.g., semester or summer session) in which a dependent utilizes the waiver in order to receive the benefit of the waiver. A dependent includes the employee’s spouse or adult dependent, as defined in the MUS Employee Benefits Plan, and financially dependent children as defined by the Internal Revenue Code who are unmarried and under age 25. This benefit shall apply to employees included in a bargaining unit only after it has been incorporated in a ratified collective bargaining agreement.

Dependent Tuition Waiver Benefit:

The tuition waiver benefit for dependents shall be for 50% of the residential tuition. In no case may registration, course fees or any other mandatory or miscellaneous fees be waived. Dependents may utilize the tuition waiver benefit to take courses at a college of technology or in any other two-year or certificate programs and to obtain a first baccalaureate degree at any unit of the university system. Dependents may not use the tuition waiver benefit to attend law school or obtain a graduate degree. The tuition waiver does not apply to non-credit, continuing education or other self-supporting courses.  Electronic application instructions can be found at https://www.montana.edu/financialaid/dptw.html. 

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Refund of Fees

Drop/Add

Students dropping courses during the first fifteen class days are currently given a full refund for those courses. Fees for courses dropped after the fifteenth class day will not be refunded. The drop refund policy is subject to change. For summer term, please see the refund schedule located here.

The health, dental, and athletic activity fees will not be refunded to students dropping to a credit load of less than seven credits if services have been provided.

University Withdrawal

Fees except those listed below will be refunded based upon a predetermined refund schedule unless otherwise required by the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended. The refund schedule for the full part of term is listed below.  The detailed refund schedule which delineates the multiple parts of term (for students registered in courses within a specific part of term other than the full term) can be found through the link below.  Refunds will not be granted for withdrawals after the completion of the term.

Non-refundable fees are: registration fee, ID fee, orientation fee, late fee, tuition payment plan fees, social fees, foreign student fee, dorm deposit, new student fee, and transfer student fee.

If health and/or dental services have been provided, NO refunds of those fees will be given.

If health and/or dental services have NOT been provided, the refund amount will be based upon the following schedule:

Expenses-Refund of Fees

Days of Instruction	Percent Refunded
Registration Day	100
1-5	90
6-10	75
11-15	50
16-on	0

A detailed refund schedule including the details for alternative parts of term can be found at https://www.montana.edu/registrar/withdrawal_refund_schedule.html.

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Financial Aid and Student Employment

Office of Financial Aid Services

The Office of Financial Aid Services at Montana State University administers federal, state, and institutional aid programs designed to help eligible students pay for their educational expenses. Amounts of awards vary and depend upon the student ’s financial need as well as the amount of funds available for distribution.

To apply for financial aid, students and parents of dependent students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA can be filed electronically at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. 

To be eligible for financial aid, an individual must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and have applied for admission to the University as a degree-seeking student. Priority consideration is given to students who file the FAFSA by MSU’s financial aid priority filing date, which is generally December 1 of the preceding year (e.g., Dec 1, 2022 for the academic year beginning in Fall Semester 2023).

Students applying for financial assistance are considered for all aid programs for which they are eligible. Assistance is offered in the form of grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, student and parent loans, and work opportunities.

Publications describing the different programs, eligibility criteria, satisfactory progress, and application procedures are available via the Internet at www.montana.edu/wwwfa/, or at the Office of Financial Aid Services, 21 Montana Hall, P.O. Box 174160, Bozeman, MT 59717-4160. Our telephone number is: (406) 994-2845.

Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply for aid. Assistance to graduate students is generally limited to long-term loans and work opportunities. Information on graduate fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships may be obtained from The Graduate School.

Although student expenses will vary according to differences in courses of study, residency status, housing arrangements, transportation costs, and other factors, the table of estimated expenses may be used to determine the projected cost of education for a school year (two semesters). In estimating costs, between-semester expenses should not be overlooked.

Please remember that policies and procedures governing financial assistance at MSU are subject to change at any time, without prior notification or publication, due to changes in university, state, and/or federal guidelines and regulations.

The Office of Financial Aid Services is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or as otherwise posted. The office is located in 21 Montana Hall, which is equipped with an elevator for disabled students.

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Fee Descriptions

Registration Fee is a flat non-refundable processing fee of $30.00 charged to each student.

The Tuition and Fees on the student bill is the total of the tuition fee, registration fee, building fees, information technology fee, computer fee, student equipment fee, health and dental fees, ASMSU fees, athletic fee, and SFEP fee. The Tuition and Fees for more than 12 (twelve) credits is the same as for 12 (twelve) credits.

Tuition is a mandatory per credit hour fee based on the number of credits selected and the status of the student (resident, non-resident, Western Undergraduate Exchange Program, or graduate). On the fee chart, the Non-Resident Tuition Fee consists of the Resident Fee (paid by resident students) plus the Non-Resident Fee, which is the portion of the Tuition Fee covered on behalf of resident students by Montana state taxes.

Building Fees are mandatory per credit hour fees and are used to repay bonds that financed the construction and/or remodeling of university buildings. Students have also voted to continue paying some building fees for major maintenance needs after the bonds have been repaid. The Building Fees for state resident students include: Student Building Fee; Academic Building Fee; PE Complex; Health Operations; Strand Union Operations; and PE Building Fee. The Building Fees for non-resident students include all of those for resident students plus the Non-Resident Building Fee. The Non-Resident Building Fee is that portion of bonds that are covered on behalf of resident students by Montana state taxes.

Computer Fee is a mandatory per credit hour fee used to provide and enhance student computer labs and access.

Student Equipment Fee is a mandatory per credit hour fee used to provide and enhance classroom and student lab equipment.

Information Technology Fee is mandatory per student fee for partial funding of the student administrative software.

Health and Dental Fees are mandatory fees charged to all students registered for seven (7) credits or more. These fees are for maintaining the Student Health and Dental Clinic.

The Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU) Fees are mandatory fees charged to all students registered for seven (7) credits or more. ASMSU Fees are set by student vote. Payment of the ASMSU Activity Fee entitles the student to participate in ASMSU student government and use of the gym, swimming, weight room facilities, day care facilities, legal aid, tutoring, and other sponsored activities.

ASMSU Activity Fee provides for the operation of the student government (ASMSU) and its committees.

ASMSU Intramural Fee contributes to the operational cost of the intramural facilities and programs.

ASMSU Bus Fee funds a local bus system for students.

ASMSU Student Leadership Fee provides funding to the MSU Leadership Institute.

ASMSU Student Sustainability Fee contributes to the promotion and implementation of sustainable practices.

ASMSU Student Organization Fee supports registered student organizations.

ASMSU Student Press Fee funds the student newspaper, The Exponent.

ASMSU Outdoor Recreation Fee funds the Outdoor Recreation Program.

ASMSU Recreational Facilities Project Fee funds the construction of a synthetic turf field and supporting infrastructure, and operations/maintenance after construction. 

Athletic Fee is a mandatory fee charged to students registered for seven (7) credits or more that is used to support the Bobcat Athletic program.

SFEP Fee includes funds pledged for debt service on the Student Facilities Enhancement Project, as well as Operations & Maintenance fee for the Health & PE Complex.

Student Medical Insurance Fee is a mandatory medical insurance program (by ASMSU vote) for all students registered for six (6) credits or more. Students may decline the insurance if they have other health insurance coverage. For more information about the student policy, call (406) 994-3199.