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University of Montana

Missoula, Montana

11,064 Students on Campus
Missoula Location
79,153 Metro Population
11,064 Students on Campus
Missoula Location
79,153 Metro Population

About This Campus

Chartered in 1893, UM offers a broad liberal arts and science curriculum. Fully accredited, the University offers over 174 majors/minors. More than 80% of the full-time teaching faculty hold the highest degree offered in their field. Enrollment is approximately 10,100 with 37% of students from out-of-state. The 200-acre campus is centered on a tree-lined oval, skirted by the Clark Fork River. Rated as a top US city for biking, Missoula is an outdoor mecca where students enjoy year-round recreation including downhill/cross-country skiing, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, camping, and more! Missoula is the second-largest city in Montana and is often referred to as the cultural center of Montana. Students take advantage of the city's unique cultural activities - downtown farmer's markets, art walks, festivals, and concerts in Caras Park just minutes from campus. Because of its mild winters, Missoula is considered the banana belt of Montana.

Mountains, rivers, hiking, and skiing--157 miles to Glacier National Park!

About 11,000 students, R1 research classification, and 180 student clubs.

Campus boasts a planetarium, zoological museum, and hike the “M”!

Helpful Information

Students at our campus enjoy recreating outdoors in all seasons. UM's Outdoor Program offers transportation, classes, workshops, and a full outdoor gear rental program for many outdoor activities. Transportation: Missoula International Airport is a 10-minute drive from campus. Public transportation in Missoula is free for UM students, so there's no need for a car but definitely bring a bicycle!

Location Information

Please watch this brief introduction to University of Montana by viewing this video clip from the "VIRTUAL FAIR: Best of the West".

University of Montana is located along the Clark Fork River near its confluence with the Bitterroot River in western Montana and at the convergence of five mountain ranges, thus is often described as the "Hub of Five Valleys." Missoula is an easy half-day drive from Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Parks, and Canada, and just minutes from campus you will find a multitude of hiking trails and wilderness areas and numerous ski slopes.

Academics

REGISTRATION:
TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 08/24/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/11/2026

Spring Start Date: 01/13/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/07/2027

Summer Start Date: 05/17/2027 - Summer End Date: 07/23/2027

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

Professional programs in pharmacy and physical therapy are closed.

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

Registration in most upper division courses may require consent of instructor and demonstrated proof of prerequisites. Art, biology, business, computer science, education, and media arts cannot be guaranteed and may require instructor consent. Most classes in creative writing and journalism require the instructor's consent which must be negotiated by the individual.

NOTABLE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Business Administration — The College of Business Administration prides itself on its strong commitment to experiential learning. In fact, most classes at the junior and senior level are built around a focus on learning by doing. Pair that with our notable career development program, and our graduates are well-prepared for a professional career.
  • Creative Writing — Founded in 1920, University of Montana's Creative Writing Program is one of the oldest, most prestigious in the country. Shaped by presences such as Leslie Fieldler, Patricia Goedicke, Richard Hugo, and William Kittredge, the program offers student writers instruction and mentorship by a committed and diverse group of faculty, visiting writers, alumni, and peers.
  • Environmental Studies (ENST) — The ENST Program's mission is to provide students with the literacy, skills, and commitment needed to foster a healthy natural environment and create a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world. Our faculty offer courses in natural science, social science, and humanities, and our students are encouraged to engage fully with the Missoula community and Montana landscape around us. ENST features at 10-acre working organic farm (PEAS Farm), a 2-house/6-student community sustainability residence project (UM FLAT), and a 25-year old environmental literacy magazine (Camas). We welcome you to join us! See www.cas.umt.edu/evst for more information.
  • Journalism — Our goal here is to train working journalists who can hit the ground running when they enter the job market. Soon after students arrive, we send them into the world. They learn how to report and write about public affairs. They talk with experts, debate important policy issues and learn how to use digital tools to reach a broader audience.
  • Wildlife Biology — Our academic programs and geographic location provide excellent opportunities for wildlife study and student research. Students come to UM from across North America to benefit from the close proximity to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the National Bison Range, and nearby national forests and wildlife refuges. The University's Biological Station on Flathead Lake offers biology courses during the summer and is available for research. We offer options in both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife biology with courses ranging from organismal biology to applied ecology and conservation management.
UNIQUE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Entertainment Management — The University of Montana Entertainment Management certificate explores the entertainment business-- music, television, film, sports, live performance, literary and visual arts. UMEM introduces students to the business of entertainment while providing an opportunity to learn from top industry professionals, including alumni, representing: WME/IMG, CUT Recordings, SRO Consultants, Citizen Net, Paramount Pictures, and more, in a relaxed classroom environment. This one-of-a-kind program offers an incredible opportunity for students looking to break into the entertainment industry and is designed to be completed in 1 year.
  • Fire Science — Montana’s only academic program in wildland fire, the Fire Sciences and Management minor combines academic and practical skills to prepare you for careers in fire-related natural resource management and graduate school. You’ll explore fire's role on the land, manage fire in forests, restore ecosystems, help people learn to live with fire and gain employable skills — all while preparing for exciting and challenging careers in a field of growing importance to society.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS:
OPTIONS:

Honors Access: Yes

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
  • Summer Exchange: Summer Only Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)?
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Away/Home Pay
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - No

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 01/29/2026
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Available
    Estimated cost: $4594
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
  • Home Payment: 21
  • Host Payment: 21
Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 01/30/2026
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? No
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $7283
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

The room cost includes meals. The housing and meals cost reflects living in university residence halls and having a university dining plan. SUMMER-ONLY students (only Host Pay Plan accepted) are required to live on campus.

NOTES ABOUT OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING:

Approximate monthly cost: $900 Proximity to campus: 1 Local Public Transportation Available to Campus

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $3447
  • Campus Meal Plans
NOTES ABOUT MEAL PLANS:

You've got options! UM offers two dining plans, both plans provide exclusive access to UM's dining facility (rave reviews!) Our all-you-care-to-eat, buffet-style dining center which offers an ever-changing variety of chef-crafted entrees, homemade soups, fresh fruits, and freshly-baked desserts.

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Excellent

This campus accepts most (75%+) applicants. You may want to consider adding alternate choice campuses marked as OPEN or EXCELLENT to ensure placement.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Excellent

This campus accepts most (75%+) applicants. You may want to consider adding alternate choice campuses marked as OPEN or EXCELLENT to ensure placement.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: