Montana State University Billings College Portrait
Montana State University Billings1500 University Drive Billings, MT 59101-0245
(406) 657-2011
Montana State University Billings
Access & Excellence
Montana State University Billings has been an integral part of the Billings community and a student-centered learning environment since its early days as Eastern Montana College. Founded in 1927, the university continues to nurture a longstanding tradition of educational access, teaching excellence, civic engagement and community enhancement in an urban setting. In the classroom and in the community, students receive a well-rounded unique education and training for Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for careers through the University’s six colleges — arts and sciences, business, allied health professions, education, technology and professional studies and lifelong learning. Montana State University Billings
Living in the Yellowjackets Community
Life on the main campus mirrors that of Billings: Students are happy to mingle on some of the 110 park-like acres at the base of the spectacular Rimrocks or take part in a variety of cultural, service, athletic or educational activities.
Set in the largest city in the state, Montana State University Billings and the community of Billings combine for a unique college experience: engaged and encouraging faculty; friendly people; a supportive community; and incredible educational opportunities. Residents of Billings have a long track record of supporting the university through scholarships, internships and civic engagement. A regional retail, financial and medical hub, Billings offers vast array of job opportunities, personal connections and leadership opportunities via three campuses spread through the city. Set in the largest city in the state, Montana State University Billings and the community of Billings combine for a unique college experience: engaged and encouraging faculty; friendly people; a supportive community; and incredible educational opportunities. Residents of Billings have a long track record of supporting the university through scholarships, internships and civic engagement. A regional retail, financial and medical hub, Billings offers vast array of job opportunities, personal connections and leadership opportunities via three campuses spread through the city. Whether a motivated honors student or first-generation attendee, all learners will find challenges that fulfill both individual goals and societal needs.
The Big Picture: How many students were on campus in Fall 2010?
More Information
| Total Students | 3,804 | |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate Snapshot
| Total Undergraduate Students | 3,258 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||
| Women | 2,029 | 62% |
| Men | 1,229 | 38% |
| Race/Ethnicity | ||
| American Indian / Alaskan Native | 202 | 6% |
| Asian | 49 | 2% |
| African American / Black | 33 | 1% |
| Hispanic | 129 | 4% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 1 | <1% |
| White | 2,711 | 83% |
| Two or More Races | 0 | <1% |
| International | 5 | <1% |
| Race/Ethnicity Not Reported | 128 | 4% |
| Where do MSUB undergraduates call home? | |
|---|---|
| Montana | 87% |
| Other US States & Territories | 12% |
| Other Countries | 1% |
| Residency Unknown | <1% |
| How old are MSUB undergraduates? | |
| Average Age | 25 |
| Percent of Undergraduates Age 25 or Older | 37% |
New Student Applications (Fall 2010)
New Freshmen High School Background and Test Scores
Test(s) Required for Admission: SAT or ACT recommended
| Test Scores of Enrolled New Freshmen | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 19 - 24 | |
| Math | 17 - 24 | 450 - 560 |
| English | 17 - 24 | |
| Critical Reading | 450 - 560 |
50% of admitted students have test scores within the ranges listed, 25% have scores above, and 25% have scores below.
| High School Background of Enrolled New Freshmen | ||
|---|---|---|
| Percent in top 25% of High School Graduating Class | 29% | |
| Percent in top 50% of High School Graduating Class | 62% | |
| Percent of New Freshmen who submitted HS GPA | 79% | |
| Average High School GPA (4-point scale) | 3.11 | |
| Percent who submitted High School GPA | 80% | |
Sticker Price: How much does it cost on average?
Typical Undergraduate Costs for 2009-10 without Financial Aid (Full-Time, In-State Students)
Total Typical Cost of Attendance: $12,142
Tuition is subject to change by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. Cost of attendance information is available by July 1 for the next academic year.
Out-of-State & Other Costs
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The cost to attend Montana State University Billings varies based on the individual circumstances of students and may be reduced through grants and scholarships.
How much would I pay?
Financial Aid: How much help is there to pay?
Scholarships & Grants
- 48% of 2009-10 full-time undergraduates received need-based grants or scholarships; the average award for the year was $4,935. Scholarships and grants are financial aid that does not need to be repaid and is sometimes referred to as gift aid.
Annual Need-Based Loans
- 51% of 2009-10 full-time undergraduates received need-based work-study and/or loans (not including parent loans); the average loan for the year was $3,639. Loans need to be repaid. Typically, repayment starts once you are no longer enrolled full-time. Please refer to page 12 of the Funding Education Beyond High School guide on the US Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website for more information about Financial Need.
Percent of 2008-2009 Full-time Beginning Students Receiving Each Type of Financial Aid
NOTE: Students may receive aid from more than one source.
MSUB Classes & Instructors
| Classroom Environment | |
|---|---|
| Students per Faculty | 19 to 1 |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 30 students | 76% |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students | 94% |
| Total Full-Time Instructional Faculty | 114 |
| % of Full-Time Instructional Faculty Who Are Female | 40% |
| % of Full-Time Instructional Faculty Who Are Persons of Color | 6% |
| % of Full-Time Instructional Faculty Who Have the Highest Academic Degree Offered in Their Field of Study | 84% |
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Campus-based Housing
42% of new freshmen live in campus-based housing or residence halls.
13% of all undergraduates live on campus
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Campus Safety
The Montana State University Billings Police Department has seven sworn police officers who are certified by the State of Montana. The department handles police and criminal matters on University property and provides other public safety services. The Department of Student Affairs and Department of Facility Services help ensure a safe learning environment through secure entrance to residence halls, emergency phones and fire sprinkler-equipped residence classrooms and residence halls.
Campus Crime Statistics
Carnegie Classification of Institutional Characteristics
The Carnegie Classification's were created "to reference the great diversity of colleges and universities in the United States, and ... enable [people] to identify groups of roughly comparable institutions." For information on the Carnegie Classifications system, please visit their website: http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/
- Basic Type
- Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs)
- Size and Setting
- Small four-year, primarily nonresidential
- Enrollment Profile
- Very high undergraduate
- Undergraduate Profile
- Medium full-time four-year, selective, higher transfer-in
- Undergraduate Instructional Program
- Balanced arts & sciences/professions, some graduate coexistence
- Graduate Instructional Program
- Postbaccalaureate with arts & sciences (education dominant)
NOTE: Institutional classifications based on the Carnegie 2005 edition.
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Student Activities and Involvement at MSUB
Students who are actively involved in their own learning and development are more likely to be successful in college. Colleges and universities offer students a wide variety of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to become engaged with new ideas, people, and experiences. Institutions measure the effectiveness of these opportunities in a variety of ways to better understand what types of activities and programs students find the most helpful.
Institutions participating in the VSA program measure student involvement on campus using one of four national surveys. Results from the one survey are reported for a common set of questions selected as part of VSA. Following are the selected results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The questions have been grouped together in categories that are known to contribute to student learning and development. The results reported below are based on the responses of seniors who participated in the survey.
Group Learning Experiences
- 85% percent of seniors worked with classmates on assignments outside of class.
- 51% of seniors tutored or taught other students
- 17% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week participating in co-curricular activities such as student organizations and intramural sports
Active Learning Experiences
- 87% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week preparing for class
- 9% of seniors worked on a research project with a faculty member
- 53% of seniors participated in an internship, practicum, or field experience
- 56% of seniors participated in community service or volunteer work
- 5% of seniors participated in study abroad
- 85% of seniors made at least one class presentation last year
Institutional Commitment to Student Learning and Success
- 93% of seniors believe this institution provides support for student success
- 67% of seniors rated the quality of academic advising at this institution as good or excellent
- 52% of seniors reported that this institution provided help in coping with work, family and other non-academic responsibilities
- 93% of seniors reported working harder than they thought they could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations
Student Interaction with Campus Faculty and Staff
- 55% of seniors believed that the campus staff were helpful, considerate, or flexible
- 73% of seniors believed that faculty are available, helpful, or sympathetic
- 95% of seniors reported that faculty members provided prompt feedback on their academic performance
- 68% of seniors discussed readings or ideas with faculty members outside of class
Experiences with Diverse Groups of People and Ideas
- 67% of seniors reported that they often tried to understand someone else's point of view
- 79% of seniors reported their experience at this institution contributed to their understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
- 37% of seniors often had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity
Student Satisfaction
- 76% of seniors would attend this institution if they started over again
- 79% of seniors rated their entire educational experience as good or excellent
- 73% of seniors reported that other students were friendly or supportive
Evaluation of Experiences
Survey Administration Process
Survey Information
Majors and Degrees
| Degrees awarded at Montana State University Billings in 2009-10 | |
|---|---|
| Associate's | 32 |
| Bachelor's | 547 |
| Master's | 128 |
| Total | 707 |
More Information
| Areas of Study with the largest number of bachelor's degrees awarded in 2009-10 | |
|---|---|
| EDUCATION | 27% |
| BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES | 25% |
| LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES | 10% |
| PSYCHOLOGY | 7% |
| COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS | 6% |
| Links to degree programs at Montana State University Billings |
|---|
Associate'sBachelor'sMaster's |
Student Success & Progress Rate
A 60% four-year success and progress rate means that 60% of students starting in Fall 2004 either graduated or are still enrolled at a higher education institution four years later.
Counts for the Fall 2004 entering class shown in the graph above.
- 498 First-Time, Full-Time Students
- 251 Full-Time Transfer Students
Success & Progress Rate Table
Retention of Freshman Class
First-time students in Fall 2009 that returned for their second year: 56%
Student Learning at Montana State University Billings
All colleges and universities use multiple approaches to measure student learning. Many of these are specific to particular disciplines, many are coordinated with accrediting agencies, and many are based on outcomes after students have graduated.
The University conducts a scheduled rotation of surveys to determine student satisfaction and engagement, alumni/ae satisfaction, employee morale, and graduate employment. Data are reviewed by members of the CQI/Accreditation Steering Committee, the Chancellor’s Cabinet, and various department heads and deans.
Learning Assessment Examples
Pilot Project to Measure Core Learning Outcomes
Colleges and universities participating in the College Portrait measure the typical improvement in students' abilities to think, reason, and write using one of three tests. This is part of a pilot project to better understand and compare what students learn between their freshman and senior years at different colleges and universities.
An instrument focusing on student learning will be selected within one year.