Montana State Sets Spring Enrollment Record

University sees sixth consecutive year of spring semester growth, reaching 16,373 students

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Montana State University has set a new spring enrollment record, with 16,373 students enrolled for the 2026 spring semester. This marks the sixth consecutive year of spring enrollment growth at the state's largest university, with increases in both undergraduate and graduate student populations. The university has also seen growth in its Gallatin College MSU programs and dual enrollment numbers.

Why it matters

Montana State's growing enrollment reflects the university's strong reputation and its ability to attract and retain students. The record numbers demonstrate the university's appeal to both in-state and out-of-state students, as well as its commitment to providing resources and support to help students succeed and graduate on time.

The details

Montana State's spring 2026 enrollment includes 14,414 undergraduate students and 1,959 graduate students. The university also saw a record enrollment of 1,493 students at its Gallatin College MSU locations, which offer vocational and career-focused programs. In addition, dual enrollment numbers reached a new high of 865 students. The university credits its streamlined registration process, improved communication with students, and increased academic support as key factors in its ability to retain students from fall to spring semesters.

  • Montana State University announced the new spring enrollment record on February 12, 2026.
  • The university's fall 2025 enrollment also set a record, with 17,165 students.

The players

Brock Tessman

President of Montana State University.

Steve Swinford

Vice President of Student Success at Montana State University.

Robert Mokwa

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Montana State University.

Cedar Stellon O'Donnell

A junior pre-med student majoring in chemistry and biochemistry at Montana State University.

Debe Honibah Brady

A non-traditional student and single parent who started at Montana State University this spring to study business management.

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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 do everything we can to help our students achieve their educational and career goals.”

— Brock Tessman, President (hilinetoday.com)

“Once students enroll at Montana State University, we work extraordinarily hard to provide resources and support to help them stay in school and graduate on time.”

— Steve Swinford, Vice President of Student Success (hilinetoday.com)

“Our exceptional faculty members mentor, challenge and inspire students every day. The strong enrollment and retention numbers we're seeing this spring reflect the confidence and trust that students (and their families) have in our faculty.”

— Robert Mokwa, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (hilinetoday.com)

“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 (hilinetoday.com)

“I know where I can go for tutoring; all of the information I need to succeed is in one place. (MSU is) literally offering me the tools to be successful.”

— Debe Honibah Brady (hilinetoday.com)

What’s next

Montana State University will hold its spring 2026 commencement ceremony in May, where it is expected to award hundreds of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

The takeaway

Montana State University's record spring enrollment demonstrates the university's growing reputation and its ability to attract and retain students from across Montana and beyond. The university's focus on providing resources, support, and an engaging campus experience has helped it achieve six consecutive years of spring enrollment growth.