Your chances of getting into Montana State University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at MSU is 73%. Its admission rate is the 2nd lowest in Montana.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into MSU and can you get accepted?
MSU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 19,522 out of the 26,741 who applied were admitted.
The school has challenging admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 48 percent on standardized admission tests. Montana State University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.5. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 20% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into MSU?
73% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Montana State University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.5 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1190 on the SAT
- Score 23 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
MSU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Montana State University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into MSU are to have around a 3.5 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as MSU accepts 73% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at MSU is 3.5 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #3 in Montana for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since MSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
MSU SAT Scores
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Montana State University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 26% of students submitted SAT scores and 42% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 540 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 530 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1070 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 650 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 650 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1300 |
| Average SAT Score | 1190
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Montana State University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at MSU is 1190 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1070-1300. Students who get into Montana State University score in the top 47 percent of all SAT test takers.. MSU ranks #4 in the state of Montana for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1190 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. MSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1070 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1070, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 950, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Montana State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "considered but not required".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1190 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1185, you have around a 73% chance of being admitted. A 1300 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 84% chance of getting in.
MSU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 19 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 19 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 20 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 26 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 27 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 27 |
| Average ACT Score | 23
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into MSU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to MSU is 23, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 20 and 27. The school ranks #3 in Montana for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 23. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 20 and score in the score in the top 49 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.
42 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Montana State University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Montana State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into MSU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 23 score has around 73% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 85% with a 27 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
74% of Montana State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 44% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 19.82% |
| Top 25% of class | 44.4% |
| Top 50% of class | 74% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 15,287 | 11,454 | 26,741 |
| Accepted | 10,531 | 8,991 | 19,522 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69% | 78% | 73% |
| Enrolled | 1,749 | 2,125 | 3,874 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 17% | 24% | 20% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Montana State University is $38.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Montana State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Considered but not required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Considered but not required |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Considered but not required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because MSU is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.5 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1190 on the SAT and 23 on the ACT will further lock in your application.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Montana State University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=180461 IPEDS survey data for Montana State University.
FAQs
Does Montana State University prefer SAT or ACT?
26% of students submit their SAT scores to MSU. 42% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Montana State University?
73% of those who apply are granted admission to MSU. Admission competition is low and the college has challenging admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Montana State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1070 and 1300. The average SAT score is 1185. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Montana State University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 20 and 27. The average ACT score is 23. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.