Current & returning undergraduate students (those who have attended MSU for at least one semester) have their residency determined through the Office of the Registrar. Individuals are encouraged to read the full Montana Residency Policy established by the Board of Regents to understand the context of residency classification. Details on specific processes, deadlines, forms, supplemental documentation and guidance on navigating a residency reclassification are provided below.

Residing in Montana primarily as a student will not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes.  Also, owning property in Montana will not solely support a claim for residency for tuition purposes.  Qualifying for residency for tuition purposes at the Montana State University differs from what is normally required to be a “resident” of the State of Montana.  A person may be considered a “resident” of Montana and still be a non-resident for tuition purposes at Montana State University.

The Office of the Registrar offers an Introduction to Residency Workshop! This workshop provides an overview of the residency reclassification process for current & returning students. Parents & students are welcome to listen to an overview, while asking questions throughout. This workshop occurs every Tuesday from 2:00–3:00 p.m. (mountain time). Click the button below to login. 

Join Residency Workshop

Board of Regents Policy 

It is important to review the full residency policy, which was established by the Montana University System Board of Regents.

 

Individual Reclassification (independent student)

If you have relocated to Montana and are at least 51% financially independent.

Family Reclassification (dependent student)

If your family has relocated to Montana & you are under the age of 24.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Most-asked questions about the residency policy and the requirements at MSU-Bozeman.

 

Residency Petitions  can be turned into the Registrar's Office during the following Dates: 

Deadlines: (If deadline falls on a weekend: Petitions are due the following business day) 

  • Spring: Submit residency petitions between November 1st - December 15th 
  • Summer: Submit residency petitions between April 1st - June 1st
  • Fall: Submit residency petitions between June 1st - August 1st 

For any questions regarding the residency process and your petition, please contact Ginny Lones at ginny.lones@montana.edu.

For questions regarding Residency Policy 940.1 or residency appeals, please contact Veronica Jordan at veronica.jordan@montana.edu.