How To Get Free College in Montana

You can attend college for free in Montana by utilizing state-specific financial aid programs like grants and scholarships. These programs and options for community or tuition-free colleges, help make earning a degree more accessible for Montana residents.

Aside from federal financial aid, Montana has programs that provide college students with financial assistance. If you live in the state, there are several ways for you to earn a free college degree. This overview of Montana scholarships, grants, and other ways to access financial aid can help you fund your college education without worrying about paying expensive tuition costs.

Keep in mind that students also have the option to attend tuition-free online colleges in Montana.

Is Community College Free in Montana?

Residents enrolled in one of the state's community colleges can utilize Montana tuition assistance programs. Students meeting the eligibility requirements can cover their tuition and attend community college for free. This is just one of the many ways state residents can access free college in Montana.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Montana?

You must meet the eligibility requirements to go to college for free in Montana. Several aspects are considered to determine how much financial aid you qualify for. The types, amounts, and eligibility criteria can vary depending on the program.

Eligibility is based on factors like:

• residency status
• financial need
• college-specific requirements
• academic performance

What Is the Montana Promise Grant?

The Montana Promise Grant is a state program that helps students cover their college fees and tuition costs. Those who qualify to receive financial assistance have the opportunity to make their education more affordable. The Montana Promise Grant can only be received for two years, so students who are earning an associate degree with a two-year college program can benefit from this grant

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Montana Promise Grant you must be a high school graduate who earned a 2.5 GPA or higher and has lived in Montana for at least a year. You can attend classes full-time. However, you must maintain at least part-time enrollment to maintain eligibility.

Eligible Institutions

Institutions like community and tribal colleges are eligible for the Montana Promise Grant. After two years, you can transfer to another university, but it will no longer be an eligible institution.

How To Apply

You must fill out the FAFSA online application to apply for the Montana Promise Grant. Once you have completed your financial aid application, you can see if you are eligible for the Montana Promise Grant.

What Is the Montana Higher Education Grant?

The Montana Higher Education Grant is a need-based grant provided through the state. It is intended to assist low-income students pursuing their degrees at an in-state college or university.

Who Is Eligible?

You must be a Montana resident enrolled in an eligible institution to qualify. The FAFSA determines who is eligible and awards it to students who demonstrate financial need.

Eligible Institutions

Montana state colleges, like those in the Montana University System, are eligible for the grant. The Montana Higher Education Grant is one of the many financial resources available for state residents.

How To Apply

Montana residents who apply for financial aid with the FAFSA are automatically considered for the Montana Higher Education Grant. If you meet the criteria and are eligible for the grant it will be awarded with the rest of the financial aid package.

What Is the Dependent Tuition Waiver for the Montana University System?

People who work for the Montana University System (MUS) can utilize the dependent tuition waiver. It is an employee benefit that covers tuition costs for qualifying dependents.

Who Is Eligible?

To use the dependent tuition waiver benefit, MUS employees must be employed for four months in a permanent role. Eligible dependents include spouses and financially dependent children who are under the age of 25. The waiver can only be used for two dependents, any additional dependents are not eligible.

Eligible Institutions

Any institutions within the Montana University System are eligible for the tuition waiver. The student does not have to attend the same college where the employee works.

How To Apply

To apply, the employee with the dependent tuition waiver benefit must complete the application and send it to the human resources department. From there, it gets sent to the financial aid office where it gets reviewed for eligibility.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Making college affordable requires you to research your options and utilize your available resources Following these tips can help you lower your tuition costs or even have them covered.

Fill Out the FAFSA

Each academic year, college students should fill out the FAFSA. By doing this, you can determine how much financial aid you are eligible for. It includes federal help like:

• grants
• work studies
• scholarships

If you are a non-resident, there are still ways for you to receive tuition assistance while earning your degree in Montana. Many scholarships and federal aid like the Pell Grant aren't state-based.

Make the Most of Your Resources

Aside from the FAFSA, many universities provide their financial aid. This can be as research grants, merit awards, and scholarship programs. You can ensure you are using all the resources you qualify for by speaking with your school's financial aid office.

Attend a Free College

You can make college more affordable by attending one dedicated to accessible education. The Montana University System includes numerous universities and colleges that provide students with financial assistance for tuition and other college fees. They aim to make education more affordable for their students, with some even providing free college degrees. If you meet their qualifying criteria and show financial need, you can have your tuition expenses covered completely.

Tuition-Free Colleges in Montana

Tuition-free colleges in Montana make it easier and more accessible for residents to pursue higher education. These accredited colleges provide college students with resources to cover tuition and education expenses. Attending one of these institutions for free can help you earn a degree regardless of your financial situation.

University of Montana

The University of Montana offers students financial assistance such as scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers. Their Grizzly Promise program covers the four-year tuition cost for college students with family incomes less than $50,000.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU) awards scholarships and tuition waivers to students. Financial assistance at MSU is provided based on factors like:

• merits
• academic achievements
• financial needs

Students who combine MSU's financial resources with federal aid may be able to have the cost of their program completely covered.

Miles Community College

Aside from state and federal financial aid, Miles Community College (MCC) provides financial resources for students to access tuition-free degrees. Their Opportunity Realized and Pioneer Express programs offer free dual enrollment courses. MCC helps students earn more college credits at no cost to complete their degrees and reach their career goals.