Montana University System Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships are a form of financial aid and an excellent tool for paying some or all of your college costs. Scholarships can cover some or all of the cost of your education. Unlike loans, these awards are free and do not need to be paid back. Learn more about Montana scholarship and grant opportunities. To submit an application for a Montana University System (MUS) scholarship or to manage a current scholarship visit the Award Montana Portal.

You don’t need to be an all-star athlete or a 4.0 student to receive a scholarship. Federal & Montana Scholarships and grants can be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, field of study, or even your background. Want to study agriculture? Be a nurse? Are you a veteran? Scholarships cover all kinds of backgrounds and interests. Here’s how you can become a scholarship winner.

1. Do Your Research

Taking the time to research scholarships and grant opportunities through MUS, the state of Montana, and even nationwide will increase your chances of receiving awards. Use national websites like the CollegeBoard’s Scholarship Search tool and local websites like Reach Higher Montana to find local, regional, and national scholarship opportunities. Be sure to also research opportunities offered directly by the campus you plan to attend.

2. File Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Many forms of financial aid including some scholarships and grants require you to file the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to apply. Remember that this form needs to be filed every year in accordance with the deadline.

3. Stay Organized

Whether you are a high school senior, you are helping your child apply for aid, or you're coming back to school as an adult, you will want to make sure you have the resources you need — and are staying on top of everything. Be sure to apply early and keep track of eligibility requirements, your application’s progress, and any deadlines. To apply for or manage an existing MUS scholarship visit the Award Montana Portal.

To Apply Now or Manage an Existing Award visit the Award Montana Portal

MUS Honor Scholarship

Awarded to seniors from high schools accredited by the Montana Board of Public Education

Are you a senior attending Montana high school accredited by the Montana Board of Public Education? Check your eligibility and find out how you can apply for this merit-based tuition waiver, awarded for 4 years (average value $20k), towards your undergraduate education at any MUS campus.

Montana’s STEM & Healthcare Scholarship

Awarded to seniors from high schools accredited by the Montana Board of Public Education

Dreaming of a career in science, technology, engineering, math, or healthcare? This is the scholarship for you! Selected applicants will receive an award for each year of study in a qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) or Healthcare major. Students who are awarded these scholarships and continue to meet the requirements may receive $1,000 the first year, $1,500 the second year, $1,500 the third year, and $2,000 the fourth year.

Montana National Guard Tuition Waiver

Awarded to members of the Montana National Guard at any MUS campus

These tuition waivers are available to Montana National Guard members at any MUS campus (Community Colleges are also encouraged to offer these awards) provided the student meets the requirements. The waivers are applied as last dollar awards up to the total cost of tuition. Montana National Guard members who do not meet the residency requirements provided in BOR Policy 940.1 but meet the criteria, are eligible for in-state tuition status for purposes of applying the tuition waiver under this policy.

Students must apply by the 3rd week of the first semester for which they are requesting the waiver.

Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarships

Awarded to students in 2-year trade or technology programs in Montana

Qualifying recipients will receive $1,500 for full-time or $750 for part-time enrollment. This scholarship is applicable to many technical and trade focused programs, and requires applicants meet specific criteria including filing a FAFSA and being a Montana resident.

Deadlines: Sept 15 and Feb 15

2+2 Honors Scholarship

Awarded annually to students who graduate with an associate degree from a 2-year campus of the Montana University System or a Montana Community College

Find out how graduates from eligible 2-year campuses of MUS or a Montana Community College can receive a waiver for undergraduate tuition at any 4-year MUS campus. The scholarship consists of a waiver of undergraduate tuition at any 4-year unit of the Montana University System and may be received up to a total of four continuous (fall/spring) semesters.

Students must apply by next June 30th directly after receiving their Associate Degree

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Awarded to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need to help pay for their education

This federal grant is awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need (determined by the FAFSA). Funds are limited, so file early every year.

Apply Now for a Scholarship or Manage an Existing Award

Contact Award Montana

Do you have questions about scholarship applications or need help getting started? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Email: AwardMontana@montana.edu

Phone: 1-800-537-7508

Additional Resources