The University of Montana – Missoula (commonly called the University of Montana or UM) is a public institution located in Missoula, Montana. Established in 1893, it serves as the flagship campus of the state's university system and enrolls roughly 15,600 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. The university combines classroom instruction, research activities, and community engagement in a setting adjacent to the Clark Fork River and the surrounding mountain landscape.
Academic programs and research
UM provides degrees at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels through a variety of colleges and schools, including arts and sciences, business, education, health professions, forestry and conservation, journalism, and law. The campus hosts research centers and laboratories focused on environmental science, rural health, and Native American studies. Students may pursue professional credentials as well as interdisciplinary programs that reflect the region's natural resources and cultural heritage.
Campus, student life, and facilities
The Missoula campus features academic buildings, libraries, research facilities and student housing, alongside arts venues and outdoor recreation resources. Student life includes a spectrum of clubs, cultural organizations, and service groups; outdoor and wilderness activities are particularly prominent given the university's location. Athletics teams, known as the Montana Grizzlies, compete in NCAA Division I in the Big Sky Conference and are a visible part of campus identity.
History, governance, and community role
Founded shortly after Montana attained statehood, UM has played a long-standing role in educating the state's workforce and shaping public life. It is governed within the broader state university system and collaborates with local and tribal partners for research, outreach and workforce development. The university's relationship with the Missoula community contributes to cultural events, economic development, and regional policy discussions.
Costs, rankings, and admissions
Published snapshots of cost and reputation vary by year; for example, a 2022 listing reported an in-state tuition and fees figure and an out-of-state rate as comparative data points, and placed UM in national rankings in that edition. Prospective students should consult official resources for current tuition, financial aid options and application procedures—see the official website and specific pages for admissions and tuition and aid.
Further information and resources
- Campus maps, program listings and departmental contacts are maintained online; visitors and applicants may find practical guidance on the university's portal: UM site.
- Local partnerships with the city of Missoula support internships, cultural events and public research projects.
For up-to-date details about offerings, faculty, research initiatives and campus events, consult the university's official communications and admissions offices using the links above.