Scholarships in Montana

Apply to a Scholarship in Montana

When it comes to finding scholarships in Montana to help afford the rising costs of obtaining a college education, the "Big Sky Country" is the limit. As the fourth largest state in the United States situated in the northwestern region with a total of 77 named mountain ranges within the glorious Rocky Mountains, there are nearly as many scholarship opportunities available as there are stars in the vast Montana sky. Whether you were born and raised or are moving to the state to pursue a post-secondary education, the following are 25 of the most generous scholarships offered in Montana to lower the financial burden of chasing your academic dreams.

1. AMT Montana Public Criminal Justice Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

Each year, the Association of Montana Troopers (AMT) presents the Montana Public Criminal Justice Scholarship for $2,000 for a maximum of four years of post-secondary education to qualified individuals who are seeking a criminal justice or law enforcement degree from any accredited Montana institution. Along with the completed application, candidates must submit a high school transcript, acceptance letter to a criminal justice program, and a short biography of long-term career goals.

Contact

AMT Montana Public Criminal Justice Scholarship
246 Elk Trail
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 863-2420

2. Anton and Helga Sundsted Pioneer Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Administered by the Montana 4-H Foundation, the Anton and Helga Sundsted Pioneer Scholarship provides $1,000 to assist young members who are in the pursuit of advanced education with a degree in an agricultural field of study. Qualified applicants must demonstrate leadership in community service, be legal Montana residents, be accepted into an accredited institution in the Northwest, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.

Contact

Anton and Helga Sundsted Pioneer Scholarship
111 Taylor Hall
P.O. Box 173580
Bozeman, MT 59717

Scholarship Link

3. Bud Daniels Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Established by the Montana Farmers Union in memory of his contributions to American agriculture and life-long devotion to improving the lives of Montana farmers, the Bud Daniels Memorial Scholarship provides $500 to members who are sophomore, junior, or senior-level undergraduate students at any Montana college. Eligible candidates must be Montana residents, be enrolled full-time, have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, and exhibit involvement in the Farmers Union.

Contact

Bud Daniels Memorial Scholarship
300 River Drive North
P.O. Box 2447
Great Falls, MT 59403
(406) 452-4071

4. Cameron Sauter Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

In tribute to the passing of a long-time member and fund supporter, the Montana Roofing Contractors Association offers the Cameron Sauter Memorial Scholarship for up to $1,500 to employees and immediate family of current members who are currently enrolled full-time at any four-year undergraduate Montana institution. Selection of the non-renewable awards will be strongly based on academic performance, extra-curricular activities, employment experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.

Contact

Cameron Sauter Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 20996
Billings, MT 59104
(406) 259-7300

5. Dearborn Ranch Scholarship for Montana Game Wardens

Deadline: June 30th

Through the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation, the Montana Game Warden Association (MGWA) awards the Dearborn Ranch Scholarship for Montana Game Wardens to full-time undergraduate students who are the children of the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks' enforcement officers. In order to qualify for one of the five annual $2,500 scholarships, individuals must demonstrate commitment to environmental conservation, be Montana residents, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better in post-secondary studies.

Contact

Dearborn Ranch Scholarship for Montana Game Wardens
P.O. Box 68
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 750-6310

6. Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes Higher Education Scholarship

Deadline: July 15th

For up to $3,600 in funding, the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes Higher Education Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and full-time undergraduate college students who are Assiniboine or Sioux members of the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana. Qualified candidates are asked to submit an application, official college transcript, Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB), college acceptance letter, and a financial need analysis.

Contact

Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes Higher Education Scholarship
501 Medicine Bear Rd.
Popular, MT 59255
(406) 768-2301

7. Governor's Best and Brightest Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 15th

With the goal of providing Montana residents with greater access to the state's post-secondary institutions, the Governor's Best and Brightest Scholarship Program provides up to $1,000 per semester to residents who have been accepted or are enrolled in an eligible Montana institution to pursue their first degree. Eligible applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, have scored at least a 1440 on the SAT exam, and be enrolled full-time in at least 12 credits.

Contact

Governor's Best and Brightest Scholarship Program
2500 Broadway St.
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 495-7800

8. Gray Wolf Ranch Education Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

Sponsored by the Pride Foundation for those in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, the Gray Wolf Ranch Education Scholarship presents up to $2,500 to graduate students who are currently enrolled in an accredited degree program for studying substance abuse counseling, addiction, and treatment. Preference will be given to students who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer as well as to straight allies who have significantly contributed to the LGBTQ community.

Contact

Gray Wolf Ranch Education Scholarship
P.O. Box 7456
Missoula, MT 59807
(406) 546-7017

9. Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 15th

The Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship Program offers up to 50 annual awards for $6,000 to graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing a bachelor's degree at the University of Montana at Missoula, Missoula College, Helena College, Montana Tech at Butte, University of Montana Western at Dillon, or any Montana State University location. Qualified Montana residents must demonstrate financial need with an adjusted family income of $55,000 or less, have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be involved in community service activities.

Contact

Horatio Alger Association
99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 320
Alexandria, VA 22314
Email:
Toll-free Number: 844-422-4200
Scholarship Website

10. Joe Durso Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Presented each spring by the Montana Broadcasters Association (MBA) in honor of a former board member who died unexpectedly in 1998, the Joe Durso Jr. Memorial Scholarship is offered to an outstanding junior-level student majoring in broadcast journalism within the Radio-Television Department at the University of Montana. For consideration, candidates must attach an official sealed transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a one-page personal statement summarizing professional goals.

Contact

Joe Durso Jr. Memorial Scholarship
18 Ruby Mountain Rd.
Clancy, MT 59634
(406) 431-2139

11. Lori Rhett Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

Established by the former Pacific Northwest Region of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), the Lori Rhett Memorial Scholarship is designed to recognize the achievements of undergraduate or graduate student leaders in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, hold a significant leadership position, and have made significant contributions via volunteer involvement on or off-campus.

Contact

Lori Rhett Memorial Scholarship
13 Harbison Way
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 732-6222

12. Montana CattleWomen Memorial Fund Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Annually, the Montana CattleWomen Memorial Fund Scholarship awards up to $1,000 to undergraduate students at the sophomore, junior, or senior-level who are attending a Montana post-secondary institution with a major in a field related to the livestock industry. Qualified applicants must be Montana residents, show a reasonable need for financial assistance, be from an agriculture-oriented family, have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher, and submit three professional letters of recommendation.

Contact

Montana CattleWomen Memorial Fund Scholarship
420 North California St.
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 442-3420

13. Montana Federation of Garden Clubs Life Members Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Each year, the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs Life Members Scholarship awards up to $1,000 for an undergraduate student enrolled in the Montana University System who is majoring in conservation, horticulture, parks or forestry, floriculture, greenhouse management, land management, or other related fields with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better. Applications must include an official college transcript, a short autobiography telling future career plans, and at least two letters of reference from instructors.

Contact

Montana Federation of Garden Clubs Life Members Scholarship
409 Buck St.
Stevensville, MT 59870
(406) 939-0957

14. Montana University System Honor Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

As a four-year renewable scholarship for $4,000 a year that waives the recipient's tuition when used at an eligible campus, the Montana University System Honor Scholarship is available high-achieving undergraduate students who will be enrolling in a degree-seeking program at participating public state institutions. Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, have met the rigorous core class requirements, and have been enrolled at an accredited Montana high school for three years.

Contact

Montana University System Honor Scholarship
2500 Broadway St.
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-6570

Program Website

15. Montana Woman Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: March 15th

Designed to provide assistance for the success of Montana women of all ages, the Montana Woman Foundation Scholarships provide up to $5,000 for female Montana residents who will be continuing their post-secondary education within the state. All applicants are required to submit an online application, attach at least two reference letters, participate in a personal interview, and provide a professional resume. Selection is based on academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, community service leadership, and financial need.

Contact

Montana Woman Foundation Scholarships
1103 South Main St.
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 755-5753

16. Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: May 30th

Intended to invest in the future of osteopathic medicine in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarships offer up to $10,000 to medical students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington who are committed to practicing primary care medicine in the region upon completion of their residency. For consideration, students must be entering their second, third, or fourth year in an accredited and approved College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Contact

Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarships
1327 SE Tacoma St. Suite 326
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 222-7161

17. Philip and Bonnie Henault Blackfoot Valley Educational Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

Administered by the Montana Community Foundation, the Philip and Bonnie Henault Blackfoot Valley Educational Foundation Scholarship is awarded for up to $5,000 to graduating high school seniors from the communities of Helmville, Lincoln, or Ovando who demonstrate a critical need for financial assistance to pursue a college education. Eligible applicants must exhibit leadership potential, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be accepted for enrollment at any post-secondary Montana institution.

Contact

Philip and Bonnie Henault Blackfoot Valley Educational Foundation Scholarship
P.O. Box 1145
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 443-8313

18. Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship Program

Deadline: July 24th

Sponsored by the Montana Silversmiths Foundation, the Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship Program offers up to $1,500 to graduating high school seniors and returning college students with at least a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher who are involved in the Western way of life. In order to be selected, eligible candidates must exhibit efforts in self-improvement, possess strong sportsmanship skills, and show leadership potential in community organizations.

Contact

Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 839
Columbus, MT 59019
(888) 677-9487

Program Website

19. Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Scholarships

Deadline: February 1st

For residents of Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, or Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute (RMCMI) provides numerous scholarship opportunities for up to $2,750 annually to undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year at a four-year accredited institution. Qualified candidates must be pursuing a degree in mining, geology, mineral processing, metallurgy, mechanical and environmental engineering, or any other mining-related field to pursue a career in the Western coal industry.

Contact

Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Scholarships
3500 South Wadsworth Blvd. Suite 211
Lakewood, CO 80235
(303) 948-3300

20. Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15th

In honor of a beloved son and hockey fanatic who died at the youthful age of 28 of Ewing's sarcoma, the Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Fund grants financial assistance to current-year high school graduates from Colorado or Montana who have survived childhood cancer and are planning to pursue post-secondary education. Selection will be based on high school GPA, SAT or ACT test scores, letters of recommendation, essay responses, and information provided by the doctor who directed the treatment.

Contact

Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Fund
1170 East Long Place
Centennial, CO 80122
(303) 886-5018

21. Theresa Burch Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Practice Nursing

Deadline: April 1st and November 15th

Established by the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, the Theresa Burch Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Practice Nursing is offered each academic semester for $1,000 to registered nurses who are currently participated in a master's or doctoral degree program focused on the field of nursing. Eligible candidates who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher must submit a letter of intent, recommendation letter, proof of enrollment, and an official sealed transcript.

Contact

Theresa Burch Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Practice Nursing
1106 North 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 237-3600

22. Vazquez Pride in Health Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

Sponsored by the Pride Foundation for those in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, the Vazquez Pride in Health Scholarship provides up to $2,000 to graduate students who are currently enrolled in an accredited institution in pursuit of a degree in medicine, public health, and/or community health. Preference will be given to LGBTQ students of color, students who are transgender or gender queer, and students who are from rural areas of plan to practice in rural communities.

Contact

Vazquez Pride in Health Scholarship
P.O. Box 7456
Missoula, MT 59807
(406) 546-7017

Program Website

23. William and Sara Jenne' Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

Annually, the Montana State Elks Association Inc. distributes the William and Sara Jenne' Scholarship for $1,000 to undergraduate students who have completed their first year of instruction at any Montana public or private institution and intend to continue their post-secondary education while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Along with the application, candidates must attach an official college transcript, two letters of recommendation, financial need statement, and list of community/volunteer activities.

Contact

William and Sara Jenne' Scholarship
P.O. Box 1274
Polson, MT 59860
(406) 682-5780

24. William Hunt Academic Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

The Pacific Northwest Chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) awards the William Hunt Academic Scholarship annually for $1,000 to members in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in preparation for entering the travel industry. Eligible candidates must attach a legible copy of their U.S. driver's license or passport as proof of permanent residency, a current resume, and an one-page original essay on training goals in travel.

Contact

William Hunt Academic Scholarship
1142 Broadway Suite 100
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 383-8000

25. Youth Serve Montana Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Created to promote volunteerism among high school students, the Youth Serve Montana Scholarship program provides tuition assistance of $1,000 to young Montana leaders who wish to attend college in-state to further their learning. In order to qualify for the renewable scholarship, graduating high school seniors must have completed at least 100 hours of volunteer service in the last 12 months, demonstrate financial need, and be accepted for enrollment at a Montana Campus Compact member institution.

Contact

Youth Serve Montana Scholarship
P.O. Box 200801
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-9077

Program Website

While Montana may be best known for its beautiful natural landscapes that attract millions of tourists each year to visit the Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Bitterroot Mountains, Hell Creek Formation, and Medicine Rocks State Park, the state is also filled with educational opportunities at 17 public and 5 private universities. If you have chosen to attend one of these top-notch institutions in the Northwest, be sure to check out these 25 great scholarships in Montana to avoid mountains of student loan debt as you further your professional opportunities.

Additional Resource: The Ultimate Guide to Affording College