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The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

The Discovery Continues at The University of Montana

University Wordmark

The University of Montana was founded in 1893, less than 90 years after Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery explored the area. Since then, the University has nurtured a tradition of cultural and scientific exploration. Located in an amazing community - Missoula, Montana - UM is a world-class institution with world-class faculty. Students receive a high-quality, well-rounded education and training for professional careers in the University's three colleges - Arts and Sciences, Forestry and Conservation, and Technology - and six schools - Journalism, Law, Business, Education, Pharmacy, and the Fine Arts.

The UM Community

The University of Montana has all the ingredients of a happy college experience: friendly people, supportive faculty, a great sense of community, and fantastic educational opportunities - all served up with some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in the nation. Life on campus mirrors life in Missoula. Students are friendly and eager to mingle in one of the campus's open ovals. There is an excellent education to be had at UM. Outstanding programs include English Literature, Business, Communications, and Wildlife Biology, among others. For the motivated student, the Davidson Honors College features small classes taught by the best professors on campus. A source of particular significance and pride is UM's nationally-recognized reputation for student and faculty involvement in service learning and volunteerism.

Carnegie Classification of Institutional Characteristics

Basic Type

Research Universities (high research activity)

Size and Setting

Large four-year, primarily nonresidential

Enrollment Profile

Majority undergraduate

Undergraduate Profile

Full-time four-year, selective, lower transfer-in

Undergraduate Instructional Program

Balanced arts & sciences/professions, high graduate coexistence

Graduate Instructional Program

Doctoral, professional dominant

NOTE: Institutional classifications based on the Carnegie 2005 edition.

The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

Student Characteristics (Fall 2008)

This bar graph shows total enrollment to be 14,207 of which there were 10,136 full-time undergraduates and 2,060 part-time undergraduates. There were 1,186 full-time and 825 part-time graduate or professional students
Undergraduate Student Demographic Breakdown
Total Students 14,207

Undergraduate Profile

Total
Total Undergraduate Students 12,196
 
Gender
Women 6,524 53%
Men 5,672 47%
 
Race/Ethnicity
International 321 3%
Race/Ethnicity Not Reported 911 7%
African American / Black 76 1%
American Indian / Alaskan Native 454 4%
Asian / Pacific Islander 190 2%
Hispanic 217 2%
White 10,027 82%
Geographic Distribution (Degree-Seeking)
Geographic Distribution (Degree-Seeking)
 
Montana 74%
Other US States & Territories 23%
Other Countries 3%
 
Age (Degree-Seeking)
Average Age 23
Percent of Undergraduates Age 25 or Older 19%
 

The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

Undergraduate Success and Progress Rate

 This bar graph shows the percentages of students who either graduated from or are still enrolled at a higher education institution four and six years later. It shows the success rate for full-time students, both transfer and first time as well as showing the percentages of whether they graduated at this institution.
A 75% four-year success and progress rate means that 75% of students starting in Fall 2002 either graduated or are still enrolled at a higher education institution four years later.
Counts for the Fall 2002 entering class shown in the graph above.
  • 1,788 First-Time, Full-Time Students
  • 732 Full-Time Transfer Students

Retention of Fall 2007 First-Time, Full-time Students

First-time students in Fall 2007 that returned for their second year: 72%

The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

Costs of Attendance and Financial Aid

Typical Undergraduate Costs per Year without Financial Aid (Full-Time, In-State Students)

This pie chart shows the cost breakdowns of Room and Board (on campus) to be  $6,258, other expenses (books, transportation, etc.) to be  $4,700, in state tuition to be  $3,936 and required fees to be  $1,441 for a total of  $16,335.

Total Typical Cost of Attendance: $16,335

Tuition for the Academic Year 2009-10 will be determined by the Montana Board of Regents in June 2009.

The cost to attend The University of Montana varies based on the individual circumstances of students and may be reduced through grants and scholarships.


Financial Aid Awarded to Undergraduates

Annual Need-Based Scholarships & Grants

• 35% of 2008-09 Estimated full-time undergraduates received need-based grants or scholarships; the average award for the year was $8,658

Annual Need-Based Loans

• 45% of 2008-09 Estimated full-time undergraduates received need-based work-study and/or loans (not including parent loans); the average loan for the year was $4,596

Percent of 2007-08 First-Time Students Receiving Each Type of Financial Aid

This bar graph shows that out of 73% percent of students who are receiving any type of financial aid; 12% are receiving state grants, 28% are receiving federal grants, 51% receive student loans, and 45% receive institutional aid or scholarships.
NOTE: Students may receive aid from more than one source.

The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

Undergraduate Admissions

Academic Preparation of New Freshmen

Test(s) Required for Admission: SAT or ACT recommended

Shows middle 50% of testing range
Middle 50% of Test Score Range ACT SAT
Composite 20 - 26  
Math 19 - 25 480 - 590
English 20 - 26  
Critical Reading   480 - 580
50% of admitted students have test scores within the ranges listed, 25% have scores above, and 25% have scores below.
High School Preparation
High School Background
 
Percent in top 25% of High School Graduating Class 39%
Percent in top 50% of High School Graduating Class 71%
Percent of New Freshmen who submitted HS Class Rank 81%
Average High School GPA (4-point scale) 3.22
Percent who submitted High School GPA 97%

Study At UM

Classroom Environment
 
Students per Faculty 19 to 1
Undergraduate classes with fewer than 30 students 75%
Undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students 88%
Full-Time Instructional Faculty
 
Total Faculty 564
% Women 37%
% from Minority Groups 12%
% with Highest Degree in Field 82%

The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

Student Housing

79% of new freshmen live on campus

29% of all undergraduates live on campus

Campus Safety

The University of Montana is protected by certified police officers with The Office of Public Safety working in partnership with Residence Life and the Dean of Students to ensure a safe learning environment. Crime Prevention & Safety measures include Emergency Phones, student staffed escort service and Fire sprinkler-equipped dorms.

Degrees and Areas of Study

Degrees awarded at The University of Montana in 2007-08
Degrees awarded at The University of Montana in 2007-08
Associate's 206
Bachelor's 1,712
Master's 465
Doctoral 85
Professional (e.g., Law, Medicine) 141
Total 2,609
Areas of study with the largest number of bachelors degrees awarded in 2007-08
Areas of study with the largest number of bachelors degrees awarded in 2007-08
 
Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services 20%
Social Sciences 13%
Natural Resources And Conservation 8%
Communication, Journalism And Related Programs 8%
Visual And Performing Arts 7%

Future Plans of Bachelor's Degree Recipients

The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

Student Experiences and Perceptions

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

  • 93% percent of seniors worked with classmates on assignments outside of class.
  • 53% 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

  • 79% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week preparing for class
  • 15% of seniors worked on a research project with a faculty member
  • 47% of seniors participated in an internship, practicum, or field experience
  • 67% of seniors participated in community service or volunteer work
  • 12% of seniors participated in study abroad
  • 94% 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
  • 66% of seniors rated the quality of academic advising at this institution as good or excellent
  • 54% 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

  • 75% of seniors believed that the campus staff were helpful, considerate, or flexible
  • 70% of seniors believed that faculty are available, helpful, or sympathetic
  • 91% of seniors reported that faculty members provided prompt feedback on their academic performance
  • 70% of seniors discussed readings or ideas with faculty members outside of class

Experiences with Diverse Groups of People and Ideas

  • 66% of seniors reported that they often tried to understand someone else's point of view
  • 78% of seniors reported their experience at this institution contributed to their understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
  • 38% of seniors often had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity

Student Satisfaction

  • 84% of seniors would attend this institution if they started over again
  • 86% of seniors rated their entire educational experience as good or excellent
  • 77% of seniors reported that other students were friendly or supportive

The University of Montana College Portrait

  • The University of Montana
  • 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59812
  • 406.243.6266
  • http://admissions.umt.edu

Student Learning Assessment at The University of Montana

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 of Montana was one of the earliest participants in the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA) Pilot Project. As stated by Roger Benjamin, President of the Council for Aid to Education, "The CLA presents realistic problems that require students to analyze complex materials varying in reliability and accuracy, and to construct written responses that demonstrate their abilities to think critically, reason analytically, solve problems and communicate clearly and cogently. The institution - not the student - is the primary unit of analysis. The CLA is designed to measure an institution's contribution, or value added, to the development of these competencies". The University of Montana remains committed to assessing learning outcomes to maximize the value we add to each student's educational experience.

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.

Results from the Collegiate Learning Assessment

The Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA) measures critical thinking, analytic reasoning, problem solving, and written communication using a performance task and an analytic writing task. The scores from the tasks are reported separately below.

Performance Task Results for First-time, Full-time Students

The increase in learning on the performance task is what would be expected at an institution with students of similar academic abilities.

Freshman Score: 1048
Senior Score: 1215
CLA score range: 400 to no maximum score.

Average ACT scores for tested students
Freshman Score: 22
Senior Score: 24

Average SAT scores for tested students
Freshman Score: 1071
Senior Score: 1139

Analytic Writing Task Results for First-time, Full-time Students

The increase in learning on the analytic writing task is what would be expected at an institution with students of similar academic abilities.

Freshman Score: 1023
Senior Score: 1193
CLA score range: 400 to no maximum score.

Average ACT scores for tested students
Freshman Score: 22
Senior Score: 24

Average SAT scores for tested students
Freshman Score: 1037
Senior Score: 1116