Montana University's Student Population: How Many?

The University of Montana in Missoula is a public research university and the second-largest campus in the Montana University System. The university's total enrollment has fluctuated over the years, with the most recent data showing a total of 10,811 students in 2024. This number includes both undergraduate and graduate students, with the former constituting the majority. The University of Montana offers a range of academic programs and is known for its vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The university's impact is felt both locally and globally, and it draws a diverse population of students, faculty, and researchers.

The University of Montana's total student population

The University of Montana in Missoula is a public research university and the flagship institution of the Montana University System. It is home to over 10,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

In 2022, the University of Montana had a total enrollment of 9,955 students. Of these, 6,941 were full-time students, and 3,014 were part-time. The University received 8,943 undergraduate applications in 2022, with an acceptance rate of 95.4%.

The University's enrollment has been steadily increasing. In 2023, the total enrollment rose to 10,327, a 3.7% increase from 2022. This growth was driven by an increase in first-year students, with 1,373 new freshmen enrolled. The University's enrollment continued to grow in 2024, reaching a total of 10,811 students, a nearly 6% increase from the previous year. This was the highest total enrollment at the University since 2018.

The University of Montana offers a variety of academic programs and student organizations. Students can join over 150 clubs, Greek life, and intramural and club sports teams. The University's varsity teams, known as the Montana Grizzlies, compete in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference. The University also has a strong research focus and is classified as an "R1: Doctoral University" with "very high research activity."

Undergraduate vs graduate enrolment

The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula is home to over 10,000 students. UM is a public research university and the flagship institution of the Montana University System. It is the state's second-largest campus.

As of Fall 2024, UM had a total enrollment of 10,811 students, marking the highest total enrollment since 2018. This is a significant increase from the previous year, with 484 more students enrolled, representing a nearly 6% growth rate. The university has experienced four consecutive years of enrollment growth, with over 1,300 students added to its overall headcount since 2021.

Now, let's take a closer look at the undergraduate and graduate enrolment at UM:

Undergraduate Enrollment:

UM offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The total undergraduate enrollment as of Fall 2023 was 7,570 students. The university attracts students from within Montana and across the country, with a mix of full-time and part-time students.

Graduate Enrollment:

UM is Montana's largest graduate school. As of Fall 2024, the Graduate School had an enrollment of 1,847 students, a nearly 1% increase from the previous year. The university offers a variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees.

The University of Montana's enrollment growth is driven by an increase in both undergraduate and graduate students. The university's commitment to serving Montana students and its strong academic offerings have contributed to its growing student population. Additionally, initiatives like the Grizzly Promise, which provides tuition-free education to eligible Montana residents, have enhanced enrolment numbers.

UM's student retention rate is also notable, with a 74% to 76% retention rate for students between their first and second years. This indicates a high level of student satisfaction and a supportive academic environment.

In conclusion, the University of Montana's enrolment numbers showcase a thriving and diverse academic community, with a balance of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a range of educational opportunities. The university's recent growth trajectory and commitment to accessibility and student success position it as a leading educational institution in the region.

Student demographics

The University of Montana (UM) is a public research university in Missoula, Montana. UM is a flagship institution of the Montana University System and its second-largest campus.

The University of Montana's total enrollment has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2022, the university had a total of 9,955 students. This number rose to 10,327 in 2023, and 10,811 in 2024. The university's growth trajectory is on a clear and upward path, with the largest single-year percentage gain in enrollment since 2009.

The University of Montana is committed to serving the state's students, with 65.9% to 66.5% of its students being Montana residents. The number of Montana first-year resident students has increased by over 20% since fall 2021. The university has also seen a notable increase in Native American students, with an 11.9% increase in enrollment from 2023 to 2024, and a 30% increase since 2018.

The University of Montana is a diverse institution, with students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. The enrolled student population is 69.7% White, 7% Two or More Races, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 5.82% Asian, 3.58% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1% Black or African American, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

The university has a slightly higher percentage of female students, with 60.6% of degree recipients being women, compared to 39.4% men. The university also has a significant population of first-generation students, with 23.2% being the first in their family to attend college.

The University of Montana offers a range of academic programs and student organizations, including those that focus on American Indian culture. Outside the classroom, students can join various clubs, Greek life, and intramural and club sports teams. The university is also home to several fraternities and sororities, with chapters on campus.

With its growing student population and commitment to inclusivity, the University of Montana fosters a vibrant and diverse community that enriches the educational experience for all its students.

Student retention rate

The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula has a student body of over 10,000. UM's official first-year student headcount was 1,276 in 2021, with a total of 10,106 students on campus that year. This figure rose to 10,327 in 2023.

UM's student retention rate has been improving in recent years. In 2021, the rate was 75.4%, which was the highest in nearly a decade. The rate had risen by over 7% since 2018 when President Seth Bodnar took over. By 2023, the retention rate had risen to 76%, an all-time high. This is above the national average of 70.57% and the average for Montana colleges of 66.19%.

The freshmen retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-time, full-time students who return for their second year, was 74% in 2023. This is based on a 2025 report, which states that 74% of students made it past their freshman year.

The University of Montana's retention and enrolment growth has been attributed to its revamped recruitment process and focus. The University's first-year class, entire student body, graduate school and Missoula College enrolment all grew in the fall 2021 census.

Student enrolment trends

The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula has seen a positive trend in student enrolment numbers in recent years. In 2022, the university had a total enrolment of 9,955 students, with 6,941 full-time students and 3,014 part-time students. The following year, in fall 2023, total undergraduate enrolment was 7,570. This positive trend continued, and by fall 2024, total enrolment had increased to 10,811, marking the highest total enrolment since 2018. This figure includes the flagship four-year campus and Missoula College, a two-year college.

UM's student retention rate has also improved over time. In fall 2023, the retention rate was 74%, and by fall 2024, it had increased to 74.8%, remaining near an all-time high. This growth in retention rate is attributed to efforts such as bolstering first-year orientation, adding academic advisors and counsellors, and enhancing student clubs and groups.

The number of first-year freshmen enrolled at UM has also been increasing. In fall 2024, there were 1,450 first-year freshmen, marking a 5.6% increase over the previous year and a 47% increase since fall 2020. The growth in first-year enrolment is partly due to initiatives like the Grizzly Promise initiative, which provides tuition-free opportunities for Montana residents from low-income families.

Native American student enrolment has been on a positive trajectory as well. In fall 2023, there was an 11.9% increase in Native American enrolment compared to the previous year, representing a 45.4% increase since fall 2018. Additionally, the number of first-generation students has grown. In fall 2024, there were 3,029 first-generation students, a 15.7% increase over the previous year, with 28% of all UM students being the first in their family to attend college.

The University of Montana's enrolment growth has had a positive impact on its finances. With four consecutive years of enrolment growth, UM's financial health is the strongest it has been in over a decade. The growth in enrolment has resulted in increased tuition revenue, allowing the university to make investments in areas that support student success.

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