Montana State University has set a new enrollment record this fall, with 17,165 students registered for classes. This surpasses last year’s record of 17,144 and maintains MSU’s status as the largest university in Montana, as well as in the four-state region including Wyoming and the Dakotas.
Among this year’s student body are 3,743 new first-time college students, including 1,572 from Montana. In total, Montana residents make up half of MSU’s student population, totaling 8,519 students. The university enrolled a record 15,142 undergraduates and 2,023 graduate students.
“It’s humbling that so many students have chosen to start their futures at Montana State University,” said MSU President Brock Tessman. “Our mission is to open the door to higher education for as many students as we can and offer them a first-rate education in a wide range of disciplines. And we are committed to helping our students meet their educational and career goals and to providing excellent support and resources for them every step of the way.”
MSU also reported its highest-ever full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment at 15,785. FTE reflects how many courses students take each semester; higher numbers indicate more course load per student.
“Students who take more courses per semester graduate faster, which means they are also likely to leave and start their careers well prepared and with less college debt,” said Steven Swinford, MSU’s vice president for student success.
The university encourages undergraduates to enroll in at least 15 credits per semester—a policy in place for over ten years—by keeping tuition steady above 12 credits per term. According to Swinford: “We call this focus the Freshman 15, but it’s really something we recommend for all students. It’s a great way for our students to save money and graduate faster. We’re proud that since 2011, the proportion of MSU students taking at least 15 credits has increased from less than half to more than two-thirds.”
This fall saw records set with 87% of incoming freshmen and 69% of all undergraduate students participating in the Freshman 15 initiative.
Retention rates have also improved at MSU. The student retention rate reached a record high of 81.8%, meaning more students returned after their first year than ever before—a factor considered predictive of future graduation rates. Of those eligible to return this fall, a total of 89% are attending classes.
In terms of academic achievement, MSU awarded 3,438 degrees last academic year and set new records for four-year, five-year and six-year graduation rates.
“Record headcounts would not be possible if we were not working day in and day out to keep students in school and on track to graduation,” Swinford said. “That plays a direct role in our increases in graduation rates, and that is something we are immensely proud of at MSU.”
Gallatin College MSU—offering two-year programs aimed at immediate employment—enrolled over one thousand (1,078) students this fall.
“The growth we’re seeing this fall reflects the confidence students and families place in Montana State University,” said Robert Mokwa, MSU’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “As the state’s land-grant university, our mission is to expand access to higher education, prepare graduates for Montana’s workforce needs and advance knowledge that benefits communities across the state. None of this would be possible without our exceptional faculty, who challenge, mentor and inspire students every day.”
Additional data show an increase in diversity among enrollees:
– There was a notable rise in veteran benefit recipients (700; up by 21%).
– Enrollment figures included records among African-American (344; up by 7%), Hispanic (1,124), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (153), American Indian/Alaska Native (848) populations.
– The university welcomed more dual-enrollment high schoolers (421), who can earn college credit through Gallatin College programs.
– The largest college within MSU remains Letters and Science (3,371), followed closely by Engineering (3,352).
First-year undergraduate Wyatt Westerman noted being drawn by strong science offerings: “I liked that they offer a science-based curriculum here at MSU,” he said. “I was very aware that MSU is renowned for its research and of all the studies they put out and what they do here.” He added appreciation for easily accessible support services on campus: “Resources are not hard to find; there are fliers everywhere… I know where to go.”
The enrollment count is based on registration tallied after the fifteenth day of classes each semester.
