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Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT·Public·2,710 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus and in-state Montana residents. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 2,710 students.

N/A
Accept
2,710
Students
$15,044
Net Price
28%
Grad Rate
$38,700
Earnings
10 yr
$10,086
Debt

About This School

Montana State University Billings is a public institution located in Billings, Montana with approximately 2,710 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $15,044 per year. The graduation rate is 28%, and the typical graduate earns $38,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Montana State University Billings (MSUB), also known as MSU Billings, is a public university in Billings, Montana, United States. It is the state's third largest university. Its campus is located on 110 acres in downtown Billings. Formerly Eastern Montana Normal School at its founding in 1927, the Normal School changed its name to Eastern Montana College of Education in 1949. It was again renamed in 1965 as Eastern Montana College (EMC). It merged into the Montana University System in 1994 under its present name. Currently, the university offers over 100 specialized programs for certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees through the university's five colleges. The five colleges of Montana State University Billings are Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Health Professions and Science, Education, and City College.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $15,044/year average net price and only $10,086 in median debt at graduation, this school is genuinely affordable — but a 28% graduation rate and 56% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish, which is a serious concern worth discussing before enrolling. Median earnings of $38,700 a decade out are modest, so think carefully about your specific program and career goals. Worth considering if you need an affordable, accessible option in the Billings area and have a clear plan to stay on track — but come in with eyes open about the completion challenges.

Founded
1927
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions24%
Business & Marketing22%
Education9%
Psychology5%
Communications2%
Biological Sciences2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Social Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Judy MartzDenny Rehberg

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,706
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,347
Avg Net Price
$15,044
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$10,086

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
28%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
56%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$10,086
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$10,086
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White76%
Black1%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,710 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Montana State University Billings

1500 University Drive

Billings, MT 59101-0298

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Montana

Browse all Montana schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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