Montana Residency for Tuition

Information for New Incoming Undergraduate Students

Residency for all undergraduate students new to MSU or Gallatin College is determined by the Office of Admissions, based upon the Residency Policy established by the Montana University System's Board of Regents. All applicants are classified as either in-state or out-of-state when the individual applies for admission based on information provided on the student’s application. Additional information may be requested to make this determination, however the burden of proof rests with the individual to provide clear and convicing evidence they have fulfilled the requirements of the residency policy.

If you have questions about the policy or your residency status, please reach out to your evaluator. 

Current and continuing students at Gallatin College and MSU should work with the Office of the Registrar if seeking reclassification of their original residency status.

Please note that the criteria for establishing residency for tuition purposes at Montana State University differ from the general qualifications for being considered a resident of the State of Montana. Residing in Montana primarily for educational purposes does not qualify an individual for in-state residency status for tuition purposes. Likewise, owning property in Montana alone does not establish eligibility for in-state tuition. As such, an individual may be considered a Montana resident for other purposes but still be classified as a non-resident for tuition at MSU.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our staff at admissions@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.