Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) Summary
The university fills a unique place in Montana’s system of public higher education as the state’s Special Focus University. Its academic structure comprises the Lance College of Mines and Engineering, College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies, Highlands College and the Graduate School. They provide education from short workforce certificates and associate degrees through bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.
Montana Tech is known especially for engineering and resource-related disciplines. Undergraduate engineering fields include: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering and Software Engineering. The university also has Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Network Administration, Data Science, Nursing, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Exercise and Health Science, Occupational Safety and Health, Construction Management and business-related programs.
Highlands College carries Montana Tech’s mission into career and technical education. Applied programs include automotive technology, civil engineering technology, computer networks and cyber security, construction technology, mining technology, precision machining, radiologic technology, internet design, and welding. Workforce options include CNA training, broadband technology, fiber splicing, commercial driving, heavy equipment operation and pre-apprentice line training.
Graduate education is largely oriented toward engineering, natural resources, geoscience, energy, materials and occupational health. Montana Tech’s Graduate School currently offers 22 master’s degree programs and specializations, three PhD programs and several micro-credentials. Doctoral study in Earth Science and Engineering, Energy Engineering and Science, Materials Science and cross-disciplinary options.
Hands-on learning is at the heart of the Montana Tech model. Students work in engineering labs, research facilities, field settings, clinical settings and industry placements. Butte’s history of mining and industry provides an especially relevant setting for students in mining, geology, environmental remediation, metallurgy, materials science and natural-resource engineering.
The university also has a large applied research enterprise. Institutional data indicates about $24.17 million in sponsored-program awards was reported for Fiscal Year 2025. The research centers are the Center for Advanced Materials Processing, the Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment, and the Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology.
Career outcomes are another major part of Montana Tech’s identity. The university said its overall career-outcomes rate for graduates with known outcome information was 92.8% for FY2025, and the average reported graduating salary was $75,664 based on 155 reported salaries.
Montana Technological University overall combines a specialized STEM mission with small-campus teaching, engineering and natural-resource expertise, health education, skilled-trade pathways, applied research and close connections with employers in mining, energy, technology, infrastructure, health care and manufacturing.
Extra Info
Montana Technological University
Montana Technological University Quick Facts
Particular | Details |
Institute Name | Montana Technological University |
Common Name | Montana Tech |
Country | United States |
State | Montana |
City | Butte |
Complete Address | 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701, United States |
Institute Type | Public university |
Institutional Focus | STEM-focused public university |
Established | 1900 |
Original Name | Montana State School of Mines |
Current Name Adopted | 2018 |
Academic Calendar | Semester |
Teaching Language | English |
Fall 2025 Enrollment | 2,516 |
Undergraduate Enrollment | 2,310 |
Graduate Enrollment | 206 |
North Campus Enrollment | 1,738 |
Highlands College Enrollment | 778 |
Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 15:1 |
Main Campus | Butte, Montana |
Campus Size | Approximately 108 acres |
Degrees | Certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees |
Institutional Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Athletics | NAIA |
Athletic Conference | Frontier Conference |
Team Name | Orediggers |
School Colors | Copper and Green |
Official Phone | 800-445-8324 |
Montana Tech reported 2,516 students in Fall 2025, including 2,310 undergraduate students and 206 graduate students. Its institutional data lists a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 15:1.
Academic Units
Lance College of Mines and Engineering
The Lance College of Mines and Engineering houses many of Montana Tech's best-known STEM programs, including engineering, computer science and occupational safety disciplines.
The college reports a 93% career-outcomes rate for 2025, while noting that its undergraduate programs hold relevant ABET accreditation.
College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies
This college includes academic areas in:
- Biological sciences
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Business
- Health sciences
- Nursing
- Exercise science
- Interdisciplinary studies
- Pre-professional health preparation
Highlands College
Highlands College offers career-oriented certificates and associate degrees in technology, construction, trades, cybersecurity, health care and industrial fields.
Graduate School
The Graduate School administers master's, doctoral, accelerated graduate and specialized professional programs.
Highlands College Programs
Associate-degree and technical programs include:
- Associate of Science
- Automotive Technology — AAS
- Civil Engineering Technology — AAS
- Computer Networks and Cybersecurity — AAS
- Construction Technology–Carpentry — AAS/CAS
- Mining Technology — AAS
- Precision Machining Technology — AAS/CAS
- Radiologic Technology — AAS
- Web Development and Administration — AAS
- Welding Technology — AAS
Certificate and workforce programs include:
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Broadband Technology
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Commercial Driver's License training
- Fiber Splicing
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Pre-Apprentice Line Program
- Warehousing
- Precision Machining
- Construction-related certificates
Montana Technological University Pre-Professional Programs
Students can prepare for professional study through pathways including:
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Professional Health
- Pre-Public Health
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
These pathways normally involve completing prerequisites alongside an undergraduate degree rather than receiving a standalone professional degree from Montana Tech.
Accelerated BS–MS Programs
Qualified Montana Tech undergraduates can begin graduate-level study before finishing the bachelor's degree.
General accelerated-program requirements include:
- Approximately 75 completed semester credits
- Usually second semester of junior year
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Graduate School admission requirements
- Up to nine eligible graduate credits may be counted within the accelerated structure where program rules permit
Course Duration
Program Type | Typical Duration |
Certificate | Program-specific; often less than 2 years |
Associate Degree | Approximately 2 years |
Bachelor's Degree | Approximately 4 years |
Accelerated BS/MS | Approximately 5 years where structured |
Master's Degree | Commonly 1–3 years |
PhD | Program and research dependent |
Workforce Certificates | Several weeks to multiple semesters depending on program |
Study Mode
Montana Tech uses several instructional formats depending on the program:
- On-campus classroom teaching
- Laboratory learning
- Fieldwork
- Clinical learning
- Research
- Internships
- Cooperative education
- Online learning
- Web-based graduate study
- Technical shop training
- Industry projects
Montana Tech First-Year Admission Requirements
An applicant can satisfy the primary academic admission standard through any of the following:
Admission Measure | Requirement |
Cumulative High-School GPA | 2.5 or higher |
Class Rank | Top half of graduating class |
ACT Composite | 22 or higher |
SAT Total | 1120 or higher |
Testing is optional for the admission decision.
College Preparatory Requirements
Students are generally expected to complete:
- Four years of English
- Three years of mathematics including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
- Three years of social studies
- Two years of laboratory science
- Two years of approved elective coursework in areas such as computer science, world language, visual or performing arts or vocational education
Montana Tech Application Deadlines
Current general undergraduate deadlines are:
Entry Term | Application Deadline |
Fall | August 15 |
Spring | January 3 |
Montana Tech recommends applying earlier because high-demand classes and housing options can fill before the final deadline.
Montana Tech SAT and ACT Policy
Montana Tech is currently test optional.
Students do not need SAT or ACT scores for an admission decision if they meet another approved admission criterion.
However, scores may be useful for:
- Mathematics placement
- Writing placement
- Scholarship qualification
- Academic advising
Montana Tech test codes are:
ACT: 2418
SAT: 4487
Montana Tech Graduate Admission
For full Graduate School admission, the university currently requires a bachelor's degree and generally a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Admission classifications include:
Undergraduate GPA | Typical Status |
3.0 or above | Full admission |
2.7–2.99 | Provisional admission |
2.5–2.69 | Provisional probationary admission |
Graduate applicants generally submit:
- Graduate application
- Degree-objective/personal statement
- Official transcripts
- Three references
- Program-specific documentation
- Credential evaluation for international degrees where applicable
GRE scores are not universally required. They are generally waived for graduates of ABET-accredited or U.S. regionally accredited institutions and for Mining Engineering applicants, while selected programs can still require them.
Graduate applications are also automatically considered for applicable graduate assistantships, research assistantships and tuition waivers where funding is available.
Montana Tech International Admission
International undergraduate applicants must generally submit:
- Application for admission
- Passport identification page
- Official academic records
- English translations where necessary
- English-proficiency evidence
- Statement of financial support
- Required immunization records
- Postsecondary transcripts where applicable
An I-20 is issued only after the university receives the required admission and financial documentation.
International English-Language Requirements
Examples of accepted undergraduate minimum scores include:
English Test | Minimum Score |
TOEFL iBT | Approximately 70–71 |
TOEFL PBT | 525 |
IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
Duolingo English Test | 100 |
PTE Academic | 48 |
Cambridge English | 180 |
iTEP | 3.8 |
MELAB | 74 |
Applicants should use the current admissions page because accepted tests and minimum scores can change.
Montana Tech Housing Requirement
Traditional first-year students younger than 21 with fewer than 30 completed college credits are generally required to live on campus during their first year.
Exceptions can apply to students who live with immediate family within commuting distance, are married or meet another approved exemption.
Highlands College students are exempt from the mandatory first-year residency requirement.
Montana Tech Research
Montana Tech conducts applied and fundamental research in areas including:
- Mining
- Critical minerals
- Metallurgy
- Materials science
- Environmental remediation
- Energy
- Geoscience
- Petroleum engineering
- Water resources
- Occupational health and safety
- Biological science
- Computing
- Artificial intelligence
The university reported 54 sponsored-program awards totaling approximately $24.17 million in FY2025.
In September 2026, Montana Tech and partner universities were awarded a $6 million National Science Foundation grant focused on technologies combining artificial intelligence and biological processes for domestic critical-mineral recovery.
Montana Tech Research Centers
Major research resources include:
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Montana's state geological survey conducts work in:
- Geologic mapping
- Groundwater
- Earthquakes
- Minerals
- Energy
- Geological hazards
Center for Advanced Materials Processing
Established in 1989, CAMP supports materials analysis, processing research and industrial collaboration.
Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment
CERA works on environmental impacts, remediation and responsible natural-resource development.
Research Laboratories
Facilities include:
- Analytical Testing Laboratory
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory
- Engineering laboratories
- Materials laboratories
- Mineral-processing laboratories
- Energy-related laboratories
- Environmental laboratories
Montana Tech Library
The Montana Tech Library supports engineering, science, business, nursing, technology, humanities and research.
Resources include:
- Print collections
- E-books
- E-journals
- Approximately 130 searchable subscription databases
- Government documents
- Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology publications
- Geological maps
- Atlases
- Patent resources
- University archives
- Research consultations
- Citation-management resources
Montana Tech Library is also the only designated U.S. Patent and Trademark Depository Library in Montana, providing specialized patent-research services.
Montana Tech Campus and Facilities
Montana Tech's main campus covers approximately 108 acres in Butte.
Important facilities include:
- Main Hall
- Engineering Hall
- Engineering Laboratory Classroom Building
- Natural Resources Building
- Natural Resource Research Center
- Mining and Geology Building
- Science and Engineering Building
- Chemistry and Biology Building
- Health Sciences Building
- Montana Tech Library
- Student Union Building
- Student Success Center
- Living Learning Center
- Prospector Hall
- Centennial Hall
- HPER Complex
- Alumni Coliseum
- Bob Green Field
- Research laboratories
- Athletic and recreation areas
The Natural Resource Research Center opened in 2016, while the Living Learning Center and Student Success Center opened later as part of Montana Tech's campus modernization.
Montana Tech Student Life
Montana Tech provides student activities covering professional development, academics, athletics, service, outdoor recreation and special interests.
The university reports more than 50 student-led clubs and organizations.
Examples include:
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Society of Petroleum Engineers
- Society of Women Engineers
- American Welding Society
- IEEE
- Association for Computing Machinery
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society
- Women in Mining
- Engineers Without Borders
- Student Nursing Association
- Biology Club
- Chemistry Club
- Geology Club
- Pre-Professional Health Club
- Robotics Club
- Drone Club
- Outdoor Tech
- Ski and Snowboard Club
- Climbing Club
- Esports
- Oredigger Media
- Veterans Association
- Student Government
Montana Tech Athletics
Montana Tech athletic teams compete as the Orediggers.
Association: NAIA
Conference: Frontier Conference
Varsity sports include:
Men's Sports
- Football
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Track and Field
Women's Sports
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Track and Field
Montana Tech's athletic facilities include Alumni Coliseum, Bob Green Field and the HPER complex.
The Orediggers have recently recorded significant conference and national success. For example, the football team completed the 2025 season at 12–1 and reached the NAIA national quarterfinals.
Montana Tech Accreditation
Montana Technological University is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The university's accreditation was reaffirmed following its 2024 Year Seven Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness.
Specialized Accreditation
Selected programs hold specialized accreditation.
Engineering
ABET-accredited programs include fields such as:
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Software Engineering
Computer Science holds computing-related ABET accreditation.
Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing through the applicable accreditation period.
Montana Technological University Rankings and Recognition
Rankings are publisher-specific and should always be shown with the publisher and edition rather than presented as permanent institutional facts.
Niche 2027
Niche lists Montana Tech:
- #1 Best College in Montana
- #1 Top Public University in Montana
- #1 Best Research University in Montana
- #99 nationally among Best Colleges for Engineering
- #108 among Top Public Universities in America
- #105 among Best Value Colleges in America
Forbes 2027
Montana Technological University was included on the Forbes America's Top Colleges 2027 list, marking its second consecutive appearance on the annual Top Colleges list.
U.S. News 2027
The university received recognition in the 2027 Best Colleges edition in categories including:
- Regional Universities West
- Top Public Schools
- Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- Undergraduate Nursing Programs
- Best Value Schools
- Top Performers on Social Mobility
Princeton Review 2027
Montana Tech was included among:
- Best 392 Colleges
- Best colleges in the West
Montana Tech Enrollment
Fall 2025 enrollment was:
Student Type | Enrollment |
Undergraduate | 2,310 |
Graduate | 206 |
Total | 2,516 |
By campus:
Campus | Enrollment |
North Campus | 1,738 |
Highlands College | 778 |
Montana Tech Student Profile
For Fall 2025:
- 79% of students were Montana residents.
- 18% came from other U.S. states and territories.
- Approximately 3% were international students.
- International students represented 19 countries.
- Montana students represented 52 counties.
- Out-of-state students represented 45 states and territories.
- Approximately 74% of students studied full-time.
Retention and Graduation
For recent institutional reporting:
Metric | Rate |
North Campus Retention | 79% |
Highlands College Retention | 62% |
4-Year Bachelor's Completion – Fall 2018 cohort | 34% |
5-Year Bachelor's Completion | 55% |
6-Year Bachelor's Completion | 58% |
Montana Technological University FAQs
1. Where is Montana Technological University located?
Montana Tech is located at 1300 West Park Street in Butte, Montana, United States.
2. Is Montana Tech public or private?
Montana Technological University is a public university.
3. When was Montana Tech founded?
The institution opened in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines.
4. What is Montana Tech known for?
Montana Tech is particularly known for engineering, mining, geology, metallurgy, petroleum engineering, natural resources, materials science, occupational safety, computing and applied STEM education.
5. How many students attend Montana Tech?
Fall 2025 enrollment was 2,516 students, including 2,310 undergraduates and 206 graduate students.
6. What is the student-faculty ratio?
Montana Tech reports approximately a 15:1 student-faculty ratio in its latest institutional fast facts.
7. What GPA is required for Montana Tech?
First-year applicants can satisfy the primary admission requirement with a cumulative high-school GPA of 2.5 or higher, although other admission pathways based on class rank or test scores also exist.
8. Is Montana Tech test optional?
Yes. SAT and ACT scores are optional for the undergraduate admission decision, although scores can be used for course placement and scholarship consideration.
9. How much is Montana Tech tuition for Montana residents?
The current annual financial-aid estimate for full-time 2026–27 undergraduate tuition and fees is approximately $9,200 for Montana residents.
10. How much is Montana Tech for out-of-state students?
The 2026–27 annual undergraduate tuition-and-fee estimate is approximately $26,990 for standard non-residents, before housing, food, books and personal expenses.
11. What is the total estimated cost for an out-of-state undergraduate?
Montana Tech's current estimated annual cost of attendance for a full-time non-resident undergraduate is approximately $46,396.
12. Does Montana Tech offer WUE?
Yes. Eligible students can receive Western Undergraduate Exchange pricing. The current annual tuition-and-fee estimate is approximately $12,830.
13. How much does Montana Tech housing cost?
For 2026–27, residence-hall room charges range approximately from $5,672 to $7,800 for the academic year, depending on room type.
14. How much is a Montana Tech meal plan?
For 2026–27, full academic-year meal plans range from approximately $2,060 to $7,036, depending on eligibility and plan selected.
15. Does Montana Tech offer scholarships?
Yes. Montana Tech offers merit scholarships, donor scholarships, Lance Scholarships, Presidential awards, transfer scholarships and graduate funding. The university states that approximately $1 million in scholarship support is awarded to each incoming first-time undergraduate class.
16. What is the Lance Scholarship?
Selected Montana students receive $4,000 per year, renewable for up to four total years for a possible $16,000 award.
17. Does Montana Tech offer graduate programs?
Yes. Montana Tech offers numerous master's programs and doctoral study in specialized STEM fields.
18. Does Montana Tech offer PhD programs?
Yes. Doctoral fields include Earth Science and Engineering, Energy Engineering and Science and Materials Science, along with approved interdisciplinary study.
19. Does Montana Tech have a nursing program?
Yes. Montana Tech offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program is CCNE accredited and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
20. Does Montana Tech have computer science?
Yes. Montana Tech offers bachelor's degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity and Network Administration and Data Science.
21. Does Montana Tech offer Mining Engineering?
Yes. Mining Engineering was one of Montana Tech's original academic disciplines and the bachelor's program is ABET accredited.
22. What are Montana Tech's career outcomes?
For FY2025, Montana Tech reported a 92.8% career-outcomes rate with an average reported graduating salary of $75,664 among 155 salary reports.
23. Is Montana Tech accredited?
Yes. Montana Technological University is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
24. Are Montana Tech engineering programs ABET accredited?
Many undergraduate engineering programs hold ABET accreditation, including Mining, Petroleum, Electrical, Geological, Environmental, Civil, Mechanical and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
25. Does Montana Tech have dormitories?
Yes. Housing includes Prospector Hall, Centennial Hall and the Living Learning Center.
26. Do freshmen have to live on campus?
Traditional first-year North Campus students under age 21 with fewer than 30 credits generally must live on campus unless they qualify for an exemption. Highlands College students are exempt.
27. What athletic division is Montana Tech?
Montana Tech competes in the NAIA and is a member of the Frontier Conference.
28. What is Montana Tech's mascot/team name?
Montana Tech athletic teams are called the Orediggers.
29. Does Montana Tech accept international students?
Yes. International undergraduate and graduate applicants can apply, subject to academic, English-language, financial and immigration requirements.
30. What IELTS score does Montana Tech require?
The current undergraduate minimum is generally IELTS 6.0.
31. What TOEFL score does Montana Tech require?
The undergraduate requirement is currently approximately 70–71 on the TOEFL iBT, depending on the university's currently published admissions page.
32. What is Highlands College?
Highlands College is Montana Tech's career and technical education unit, offering associate degrees, certificates and workforce programs.
33. Does Montana Tech have online graduate programs?
Yes. Programs such as Project, Engineering and Management are available through web-based study, along with selected other distance offerings.
34. Does Montana Tech conduct research?
Yes. Research areas include mining, critical minerals, materials, energy, geology, environmental remediation, engineering and other STEM disciplines. Sponsored-program awards totaled approximately $24.17 million in FY2025.
35. How is Montana Tech ranked?
Current recognition includes #1 Best College in Montana by Niche for 2027, inclusion in Forbes America's Top Colleges 2027, Princeton Review's Best 392 Colleges and recognition in several 2027 U.S. News categories.
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