These Big Changes Are Now Coming To MT College Campuses

BUTTE, MT - Montana college students—both in-state and out-of-state—will see noticeable tuition increases over the next two academic years following a recent decision by the Montana Board of Regents.

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The move, approved in May 2025, affects every campus in the Montana University System and is largely attributed to rising operational costs and a new employee pay plan passed by the 2025 Legislature.

Here are the details, including how much tuition will be going up.

Why Now?

Montana’s campuses have faced a widening gap between operating costs and tuition revenues.

According to university officials, inflation, salary adjustments, and rising demand for up-to-date infrastructure and programming have all contributed to the need for increased funding.

Regent Loren Bough pointed out to the Montana Free Press (MTFP) that while tuition freezes helped keep Montana schools accessible over the past 18 years, they also created a backlog of financial needs.

“We’ve saved millions of dollars and gained more access for kids,” Bough said. “But now we have a little catch-up to do.”

The Role of Financial Aid with Montana College Students

Officials maintain that affordability remains a top priority.

Deputy Commissioner for Budget and Planning Tyler Trevor Trevor noted to the MTFP that 26% of first-time resident undergraduates at the state’s flagship campuses now receive financial aid averaging $4,200 more than two decades ago.

Even with tuition and fees rising $3,152 during that period, inflation-adjusted calculations suggest that today’s students pay roughly $2,300 less than their counterparts did in 2006.

Programs such as the Montana 10 scholarship—targeted at Pell Grant-eligible students—also continue to support access. Funding for that program was renewed by the Legislature this spring.

So, How Much More Will Montana Students Pay?

Starting in the 2025–26 academic year, students at the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman will pay an additional $432 annually.

At Montana Tech in Butte, tuition will increase by $360 per year.

Students attending four-year regional campuses such as UM Western in Dillon or MSU Billings will see a $288 yearly hike, while those at two-year campuses will pay $96 more each year.

While these increases mark a departure from years of frozen tuition rates, Tyler Trevor emphasized during a May 21 presentation that the Montana University System still offers one of the most affordable education options in the western U.S.

For in-state undergraduates, the system’s rates have consistently fallen below the regional average.

Will Quality Be Affected?

According to Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian, nearly 86% of the system’s budget goes toward personnel.

He underscored that the increases are not only about balancing budgets, but about ensuring the university system can continue to support faculty, maintain programming, and deliver high-quality education.

“This won’t make up for those earlier decisions,” Christian said to the MTFP, referencing past tuition freezes, “but I think being very affordable has served Montana well. And I think we continue on that track while not allowing our quality expectations and program offerings to decline.”

Looking Ahead

While some students and families may feel the pinch of the approved increases, university officials believe the changes are necessary to ensure a strong, competitive higher education system in Montana.

With the state continuing to attract out-of-state students and lawmakers renewing efforts to support affordability initiatives, the path forward may be one of cautious optimism.