Glacier Country News

The University of Montana (UM) has reported a 4.3% increase in spring 2025 enrollment compared to the previous year, marking a continued trend of growth for the institution.

"The trend is clear, more students are choosing the University of Montana than at any point in the past decade," stated UM President Seth Bodnar. "With student enrollment, retention and graduation rates growing, it’s a great time to be a Griz."

This increase follows the on-campus growth observed in the fall when UM welcomed its largest first-year class in nine years and experienced its most significant year-over-year growth rate in 15 years.

A key factor contributing to this growth is UM's dual enrollment program, which prepares Montana high school students for higher education and workforce development. This spring, 1,127 high school students are enrolled at Missoula College, UM's two-year college affiliate. The university offers up to two college courses at no cost to these students.

"When a student pursues dual enrollment at UM while still in high school, they get a head start that helps them accelerate into college, lower the cost of their education and graduate on time," said Bodnar.

In addition to overall headcount increases, undergraduate enrollment rose by 2.5%, graduate student enrollment by nearly 1%, and Missoula College enrollment by 2.6%. The university also welcomed 732 new students this spring, representing a 10.2% increase over spring 2024.

Currently, nearly 70% of all UM students are Montana residents, with the remaining 30% coming from out-of-state. The demographics reflect state trends:

- Student veteran enrollment increased by 11.7%.

- Native American student enrollment grew by 4.6%.

- First-generation college student numbers rose by 30.8%.

In December, over 900 students graduated from UM following the fall semester of 2024.

For further information, contact Dave Kuntz, director of strategic communications at UM.