Acceptance Rate
96%
“A rugged, nature-immersed public university in Missoula, where Montana's wild beauty shapes both learning and life.”
Missoula, MT
Location
Nestled in the heart of Missoula, The University of Montana stands as a beacon of public education in the Rockies, founded in 1893 as the state’s first university. Its history is tied to Montana’s frontier spirit, born during a time when the region was still shaping its identity. Often called 'UM' by locals, the campus sits at the base of Mount Sentinel, with the iconic 'M' trail overlooking the Clark Fork River—a constant reminder of the raw, untamed landscape that defines this place. You’ll find a student body that’s drawn to the outdoors, with many arriving ready to hike, ski, or kayak as much as they study.
The university attracts independent thinkers who crave a slower pace and a deep connection to nature over urban hustle. If you’re someone who thrives in wide-open spaces and doesn’t mind a quieter social scene, UM could feel like home. However, students used to big-city amenities or a fast-paced lifestyle might find Missoula’s remote location and limited entertainment options a challenge. The town itself, while charming with its artsy vibe and historic downtown, has a small population of about 75,000, meaning you’ll need to create your own excitement or embrace the solitude of the surrounding wilderness.
Missoula offers a tight-knit community feel, with locals and students often mingling at farmers’ markets or live music events. UM’s personality leans toward gritty resilience—think flannel shirts and muddy boots rather than polished suits. While the isolation can foster close bonds among students, it also means travel to larger cities like Spokane or Boise requires planning, as you’re hours from major hubs.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
The University of Montana shines in programs tied to its natural surroundings, particularly in forestry, wildlife biology, and environmental studies, where students often conduct fieldwork in the nearby Bitterroot Valley or Lolo National Forest. The College of Forestry and Conservation is a standout, drawing aspiring ecologists and land managers who want hands-on experience in real wilderness. Beyond the sciences, UM has a respected creative writing program, historically linked to the rugged storytelling tradition of the American West, offering workshops with published authors. You can expect a mix of lecture-based classes and smaller seminars, though introductory courses in popular majors may feel crowded at times.
Research opportunities abound for undergrads, especially in the natural sciences, where you might assist professors studying grizzly bear habitats or river ecosystems. The academic vibe encourages curiosity over cutthroat competition, but some students note that resources for less prominent departments, like certain humanities fields, can feel stretched thin. If you’re set on a highly specialized or tech-heavy major not tied to the region’s strengths, you might need to look elsewhere or supplement your education with independent projects.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
7,891 undergrad • 2,920 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
67%
Black / African American
1%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
Asian
5%
Other / Multi-racial
21%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UM revolves around a love for the outdoors, with students often heading out for weekend adventures in Glacier National Park or fishing along the Blackfoot River. Traditions like the annual Foresters’ Ball, a logging-themed dance complete with plaid and sawdust, capture the school’s quirky, nature-centric spirit. You’ll find a laid-back social scene in Missoula, where house parties and local brewery hangouts outnumber flashy clubs—perfect if you prefer genuine conversations over loud crowds. The university’s roughly 8,800 undergraduates create a manageable community, though forming deep connections can take effort if you’re not naturally outgoing.
Living in Missoula means bracing for harsh winters, with snow and subzero temperatures testing your resolve from November to March. On-campus housing fills up quickly, so many students rent in town, where costs are moderate compared to coastal cities but still a stretch on a tight budget. The slower rhythm of life here suits introspective types, but if you crave constant stimulation or a bustling party scene, the quiet can start to weigh on you.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Big Sky Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
75%
4 Years Graduation Rate
39%
6 Years Graduation Rate
50%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$44,511
75% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at The University of Montana and return in the fall. 39% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 50% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
39%
4-5 years
11%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
48%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$5,515
Acceptance
96%
Undergrads
7,891
4-Year Grad Rate
39%
Endowment
$255M
Missoula, MT 59812
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