This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Montana, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.
We currently have 17 scholarships in our database tagged for Montana. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.
Across our Top 7 Montana Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $14,000. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.
Montana students can take advantage of the MUS Honors Scholarship and campus-based scholarships across the Montana University System. Need-based state grants help fill gaps after federal aid. Workforce training grants support high-demand fields such as energy, healthcare, and skilled trades. Rural communities across Montana frequently offer private scholarships through local organizations. Public colleges offer competitive institutional merit awards. The strongest strategy for Montana students is to file the FAFSA early, consider both MUS campuses and community colleges, and combine state aid with local scholarships that often go unused.
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The 2+2 Honor Scholarship is designed for Montana students who complete an associate degree at a two-year campus of the Montana University System or a Montana community college and wish to transfer to a four-year MUS campus. This scholarship waives
Award: Varies Deadline: June Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
The Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarships provide financial assistance to Montana residents enrolled in technical and trade-focused programs. Eligible programs include automotive technology, plumbing, electronics, construction, diesel technology, cybersecurity, and various computer and technical fields. The scholarship aims to support
Award: $1,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
The Honorably Discharged Veteran Scholarship provides financial assistance to Montana veterans who have been honorably discharged and are pursuing higher education. This scholarship covers up to the full cost of in-state tuition at eligible institutions within the Montana University System;
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
The Governors Best and Brightest Scholarship supports Montana residents with demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. It is awarded to undergraduate students attending any eligible Montana institution. Scholarships are renewable based on academic progress and funding availability. Eligibility Requirements: Must
Award: $4,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
Montanas STEM/Healthcare Scholarship Program is designed to encourage Montana high school students to pursue and complete degrees in postsecondary fields related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare. The goal is to increase the number of STEM/Healthcare degree recipients participating
Award: $6,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
The Montana STEM Scholarship is designed to encourage Montana students to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math fields at eligible Montana institutions. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Montana resident. Must have graduated from a Montana high school within
Award: $1,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
The NACA Northern Plains Regional Student Leadership Scholarship is offered by the NACA Foundation to recognize undergraduate students in the Northern Plains region who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to their campus communities. Eligibility criteria include: Academic
Award: $500 Deadline: November Est. Time: Med (~48 min)This comprehensive collection of Montana scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Montana scholarship opportunities.
Montana offers a strong mix of state-funded, institution-based, and private scholarship programs designed to help students make college more affordable. Major statewide programs—such as the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, the Montana Promise Grant, and the Reach Higher Montana Scholarship—provide support for tuition and mandatory fees at both two-year and four-year institutions. In addition, Montana universities, community colleges, and tribal colleges offer their own institutional awards based on academic achievement, leadership, financial need, or participation in specific majors. These programs ensure that Montana residents have access to multiple pathways for reducing the cost of higher education.
Reach Higher Montana administers several statewide scholarship programs that support students from a wide variety of educational and career backgrounds. These scholarships are designed to promote college access and career readiness across Montana. The four primary scholarships include:
These programs are essential for students seeking flexible, accessible, and workforce-aligned financial aid options.
Montana does not offer universal free college tuition, but it does have several programs that significantly reduce or eliminate tuition for eligible residents. The Montana Promise Grant helps lower tuition costs for students attending community and tribal colleges. Additionally, the Big Sky Pathways initiative allows students to begin technical or career training in high school and transition into low-cost certificate and degree programs. Many Montana institutions also offer tuition waivers or reduced rates for Native American students through tribal agreements and the American Indian Tuition Waiver, making college more accessible for members of federally recognized tribes.
High school students in Montana can access numerous statewide and local scholarship opportunities. Programs such as the Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship support students who have overcome personal challenges while maintaining strong academic potential. The Reach Higher Montana Scholarship is one of the most widely recognized awards for graduating seniors pursuing college in-state. Another competitive option is the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, which provides a full tuition waiver for top-performing students at participating campuses. Many local community foundations, service organizations, and regional donors also offer scholarships to support college-bound students across the state.
College students in Montana—whether attending community colleges, universities, or tribal colleges—can apply for several scholarship opportunities tailored to academic merit, financial need, and career goals. Notable awards include:
These scholarships help students at all levels continue their education affordably and successfully.
The University of Montana (UM) provides a wide range of scholarships to support new and returning students. Popular programs include:
UM also offers numerous departmental and donor-funded scholarships for students studying sciences, arts, education, business, and other fields.
Montana State University (MSU) offers generous merit-based scholarships to attract high-achieving students both in-state and across the region. Major awards include:
MSU also provides college- and major-specific scholarships through departments such as engineering, agriculture, nursing, arts and architecture, and business.
The Montana Scholarship Portal is an online platform designed to simplify the scholarship search process for Montana students. It serves as a central hub for identifying statewide programs, institutional scholarships, and awards offered by private organizations. Students can create a profile, review eligibility requirements, and submit applications directly through the portal, making it easier to manage multiple scholarship opportunities in one place.
The Montana Community Foundation (MCF) administers more than 50 scholarship funds totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual awards. These scholarships vary widely in eligibility—from academic merit and financial need to intended major, community service, or geographic region. MCF scholarships support students attending two- or four-year institutions in Montana and beyond. Students can review available scholarships and apply through the foundation’s online application system.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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