🎓 Montana State Grants and Scholarships for College
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Montana doesn’t flood families with a long list of aid programs—but what it does offer can make a real dent, especially for kids who qualify early. Whether your son or daughter is heading to a four-year university or a two-year tech program, there are a few key grants worth knowing—and a few deadlines that matter more than you think.
Jump to: 📊 State Grants | 💰 Tuition Waivers | 🟨 Local Scholarships | 🏫 Public Colleges | 🟩 GEAR UP | 📝 What To Do Next | ❓ FAQ
📊 Main State Grants
🟦 Montana Advantage Grant
Need-based grant for students attending public colleges in Montana. Award amounts vary by FAFSA results and school-specific packaging.
- Must file the FAFSA
- Need-based (no GPA requirement)
- Automatically considered when applying to an eligible MT school
➡️ Learn more at your child’s college financial aid site (this award is campus-disbursed)
🟦 Montana Higher Education Grant (MHEG)
Another need-based grant awarded by the college. These are limited and awarded early based on FAFSA filing date.
- Must be a Montana resident
- File FAFSA early (funds are limited)
- Automatically considered — no separate application
Going Out-of-State?
Families in Montana may qualify for reduced tuition through the
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
This program lets students attend public colleges in other Western states at a discounted rate.
Some grants run out fast, and your kid’s chances are better if you file in the fall. October or November is ideal.
🟦 MUS Scholarships: Honor & STEM/Healthcare
Montana offers two major merit scholarships through the Montana University System (MUS). Both require a March 15 deadline and can significantly reduce tuition for qualified students:
| Scholarship | Award | Requirements | Deadline | Stackable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUS Honor Scholarship | Up to $5,000/year (4 years) | Top 15% of class or 3.4 GPA, ACT/SAT required | March 15 | ✅ Yes |
| MUS STEM/Healthcare Scholarship | Up to $6,000/year ($1,500/semester) | STEM/health major, minimum GPA + test score | March 15 | ✅ Yes |
➡️ Apply here via MUS Scholarships
Make sure your kid submits their best ACT or SAT score from a single test date — that’s what MUS scholarships use to determine eligibility.
💰 Tuition Waivers in Montana
Montana also offers a handful of tuition waivers (not scholarships) for specific groups:
- Native American students
- War orphans
- Dependents of Montana university employees
- Certain veterans and their children
➡️ Montana tuition waiver details
Note: These waivers vary by school and may require documentation or early application. Check with the financial aid office.
🟨 Local & Institutional Aid
Even in a low-population state like Montana, local scholarships can add up. Many high schools and community foundations award $500–$2,000 in stackable funds—especially in rural areas where fewer students apply.
Ask your kid’s counselor about:
- Local business or chamber of commerce awards
- Community foundation scholarships
- School-specific deadlines
You know your town. You know your kid. Ask around, check with your school counselor, and apply early — these add up fast.
That means January is go-time. Help your kid start early so they don’t miss out.
🏫 Division I Public Colleges in Montana
- Montana State University (Bozeman)
- University of Montana (Missoula)
- Montana State University–Billings
Montana is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which allows out-of-state students from participating states to attend at 150% of in-state tuition — not full out-of-state rates.
🟩 GEAR UP Montana Scholarship
If your kid was part of Montana’s GEAR UP program during middle and high school, they may qualify for up to $6,000/year to attend college in-state. Must file the FAFSA and enroll at a Montana college to be eligible.
➡️ Learn more about GEAR UP Montana
📝 What To Do Next
- ✅ File the FAFSA by November if possible — no official deadline, but aid runs out
- ✅ Apply for the MUS Honor or STEM Scholarship by March 15
- ✅ Ask about tuition waivers if your family might qualify
- ✅ Encourage your kid to apply for local community scholarships in January
- ✅ Double-check each college’s priority scholarship deadlines
❓ FAQ
Does Montana have a free college program?
No, but students can reduce tuition significantly through waivers, need-based grants, and the WUE program.
Do MUS scholarships stack with need-based grants?
Yes. Honor and STEM scholarships are merit-based and can be combined with need-based grants or local scholarships.
Can my kid use superscore for scholarship eligibility?
No. Montana’s MUS scholarships use your child’s best composite ACT or SAT score from a single sitting — not a superscore.
Where do I find tuition waiver forms?
Each college’s financial aid office can provide forms or direct you to required documentation. You can start by visiting the MUS waiver page linked above.
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