Overview of Montana Scholarships & Grants

Montana offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Montana more affordable.

Check MUS Honors Scholarship and campus-based awards in the Montana University System.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available in Montana for College Students?

Montana offers scholarships and grants like the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, the Montana Promise Grant, and the Reach Higher Montana Scholarship. These programs help students cover tuition and other educational expenses at public and private colleges within the state.

What Are the Four Scholarships Offered by Reach Higher Montana?

Reach Higher Montana offers the following four scholarships:

Reach Higher Montana Scholarship: Awards for high school seniors attending college in Montana.
Montana Career Pathways Scholarship: Supports students enrolled in high-demand career and technical education programs.
Dual Enrollment Scholarship: Covers costs for high school students taking college courses through dual enrollment.
Non-Traditional Student Scholarship: Provides financial aid to adults returning to college.

Does Montana Have Free College Tuition?

Montana does not offer fully free college tuition, but programs like the Montana Promise Grant and the Big Sky Pathways initiative help reduce tuition costs for eligible students. Additionally, some colleges in Montana offer free or reduced tuition for Native American students through tribal agreements.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Students in Montana?

High school students in Montana can apply for scholarships like the Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship, the Reach Higher Montana Scholarship, and local awards from community foundations. The Montana University System Honor Scholarship is a prestigious award for students with strong academic achievements.

What Scholarships Are Available for College Students in Montana?

College students in Montana can access scholarships such as the Governor’s Best and Brightest Scholarship, the Montana Advantage Scholarship, and institutional scholarships from universities like the University of Montana and Montana State University. Many of these programs are based on academic performance and financial need.

What Scholarships Are Offered by the University of Montana?

The University of Montana offers scholarships like the Presidential Leadership Scholarship, the UM Academic Achievement Scholarship, and the WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) Scholarship. These awards provide financial support based on merit and residency status.

What Scholarships Are Offered by Montana State University?

Montana State University offers scholarships such as the MSU Premier Scholarship, the WUE Scholarship, and the Presidential Scholarship. These programs are designed to attract high-achieving students and offer significant tuition reductions for eligible applicants.

What Is the Montana Scholarship Portal?

The Montana Scholarship Portal is an online tool that helps students find and apply for scholarships offered by the Montana University System and other organizations. It provides a centralized location for managing applications and exploring funding opportunities.

What Are Montana Community Foundation Scholarships?

The Montana Community Foundation offers over 50 scholarship funds for students pursuing higher education. These awards vary in eligibility criteria, covering academic merit, financial need, and specific career paths. Students can apply through the foundation’s website.

Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025 Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.