Montana State Sees Record Spring Enrollment of 16,373 Students

MSU President Brock Tessman cites students' pride and excitement as key factors in the university's growth.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Montana State University has announced a record spring enrollment of 16,373 students, with the university's president, Brock Tessman, attributing the growth to the energy and enthusiasm of the student body. One such student, junior pre-med major Cedar Stellon O'Donnell, visited MSU from her hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska, and was immediately drawn to the pride and excitement she witnessed from current students, leading her to choose MSU for her studies.

Why it matters

Montana State's record enrollment reflects its growing reputation and appeal among prospective students, particularly those seeking a vibrant campus community. As the state's largest university, MSU's enrollment figures are an important indicator of its ability to attract and retain top talent from both in-state and out-of-state.

The details

Cedar Stellon O'Donnell, a junior pre-med student majoring in chemistry and biochemistry, was initially unsure about attending MSU after visiting the campus from her home in Fairbanks, Alaska. However, the energy and enthusiasm she witnessed from current students during her tour made a lasting impression, and she ultimately decided to enroll at the university. Since then, Stellon O'Donnell has taken on multiple leadership roles, including serving as a student ambassador, peer advocate, and vice president of the MSU chapter of Delta Gamma.

  • Montana State University announced the record spring enrollment of 16,373 students on February 12, 2026.

The players

Brock Tessman

The president of Montana State University.

Cedar Stellon O'Donnell

A junior pre-med student majoring in chemistry and biochemistry at Montana State University, who hails from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Montana State's a special place for a lot of reasons, and the biggest reason of all is our students. They have chosen MSU, and in return everyone at MSU is proud to have them here.”

— Brock Tessman, President, Montana State University (matr.net)

“Everyone here seemed proud to be an MSU student, and they were so excited about what MSU had to offer. The students just seemed to have such excitement about being a Bobcat and being at MSU.”

— Cedar Stellon O'Donnell, Junior Pre-Med Student (matr.net)

What’s next

Montana State University plans to continue its efforts to attract and retain top talent, with a focus on maintaining the vibrant campus culture that has contributed to its record enrollment.

The takeaway

Montana State University's record spring enrollment of 16,373 students highlights the university's growing reputation and appeal among prospective students, particularly those seeking a dynamic and engaged campus community. The university's ability to foster a sense of pride and enthusiasm among its student body has been a key factor in its success in attracting and retaining top talent.