Montana Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for Montana students
Montana's state financial aid is limited, with the Montana University System Honor Scholarship being the primary merit-based award. The state does not have a large need-based grant program, so Montana students rely heavily on federal aid and institutional scholarships.
Montana grant programs
Montana University System Honor Scholarship
Merit-basedTuition waiver at Montana public institutions (up to 4 years)
Eligibility
- Montana resident
- Graduate from a Montana high school
- Meet academic criteria (GPA, class rank, and/or test scores — specific criteria set annually)
- Enroll at a Montana University System campus
Deadline: March 15 of senior year
Official info →Tips for maximising Montana aid
Montana's Honor Scholarship provides a full tuition waiver — if you meet the academic criteria, it's one of the best deals in the state.
Montana has no large need-based state grant program — file the FAFSA early to maximize federal aid, which will be your primary source of need-based support.
Montana's public university tuition is among the more affordable in the nation — even without large state grants, total costs are manageable compared to many other states.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with Montana University System — Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in Montana that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.