As one of the least-populated states, you would not expect Montana to be very competitive when it comes to scholarships. In fact, there are many opportunities, especially scholarships designed to keep Montana students in the state. When you’re looking for Montana scholarships and grants that fit your situation and goals, you want to clarify the options that are available through the state and colleges.
Although scholarships provided by the state may be limited, students may qualify for scholarships provided by private organizations or the college they attend. The scholarships available through a college or university may vary based on the type of funding the college offers to students. For example, a university may offer scholarships to honor’s students based on grades and merit. A university may also offer scholarships for sports activities, studying specific majors, or engaging in a work-study program.
The College Consensus list of the top 5 Montana scholarships is just a starting point – there are many, many other opportunities for students in Montana. The scholarships below are presented in alphabetical order.
See Also: Best Scholarships for Online Students
1
2 Plus 2 Honor Scholarship
The 2 Plus 2 Honors scholarship program is designed for those who have an associate degree from one of the Montana University Systems or Community Colleges listed on their site. Montana scholarships for college students can be transferred between any of the listed schools. Eligible students will have a 3.4 GPA or better. Scholarship values are not listed on the site page and can be used at any of the following universities:
- U of M – Missoula
- U of M – Western
- Montana Tech
- MSU – Billings
- MSU – Bozeman
- MSU – Northern
The 2 + 2 Honor Scholarship program awards scholarships once each year to students in the Montana University system. It is designed to offer a meaningful incentive to students to perform at their best and reward those who rise to the challenge with valuable college scholarships in Montana. The program has effectively improved student performance and has been a great boon to the local economy and to the industries served.
2
The Jane Buttrey Memorial Scholarship
The Jane Butterey Memorial Scholarship provides Montana scholarships for college students and is open to all students of the University of Montana-Missoula who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Juniors taking between 60 and 90 credits
- A cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better
- Major or minor in the social sciences or the humanities
- Must register for 12 credits minimum
- Financial need must meet the need level determined by Financial Aid
Scholarships range in value between $1000 and $2000 and are funded by grants from the Jane Buttrey Memorial Trust
The Jane Buttrey Memorial Trust Scholarship was established to provide for the educational needs of students of the University of Montana-Missoula whose financial situations are not commensurate with their dedication to the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The college scholarships in Montana provided by the fund have been a great benefit to arts, humanities, and social sciences both within and without the state of Montana.
3
MUS Honor Scholarship
The Montana University System Honors scholarship program is designed to offer college scholarships in Montana between $5,000 and $20,000 for four-year tuition to eligible students at any four-year campus in the state of Montana. Students can qualify in the order that applications are accepted for as long as the year’s funds remain available. Financial need and a GPA of 3.4 are the primary requirements other than being a Montana four year student. MUS scholarships are usable at any Montana public university or community college.
The program was created to promote quality scholarship by providing Montana scholarships for college students within Montana and to help those whose financial needs are not commensurate with their talent and dedication.
4
Pride Foundation Scholarships
The Pride Foundation Scholarship program was established to provide for much-needed inclusiveness for the LGBTQIA+ community seeking higher education within the Montana higher education school system. Available scholarships up to $10,000 are available for eligible LGBTQIA+ students.
The Pride Foundation Scholarship program has been made available as a resource for the above-named students, allies, and “those who face barriers due to race, economic circumstances, identity, ability, location, or lack of family support.” The foundation has provided valuable opportunities to those who might otherwise be too disenfranchised or too afraid to fully realize their academic ambitions.
5
Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation
The Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation was established to help high school graduates, graduating within the current or coming scholastic year who have been diagnosed with childhood cancer and are permanent residents of either Colorado or Montana by providing college scholarships in Montana. Considerations for eligibility include GPA, ACT or SAT scores, doctor or treatment director-provided information about the diagnosis, and a letter of reference. Scholarships are worth up to $10,000.
The Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation was established as a resource for persons bound for college who have survived childhood cancer. The organization was founded on the idea that surviving cancer is a process that is extremely resource-intensive, both in monetary and emotional terms- making the challenges of normal life insurmountable for many people of modest means. The founders believe Montana scholarships for college students should be made accessible to those who would have obtained the benefits of higher education, had they not suffered from this type of struggle.
The inspiration behind the foundation’s creation was that those who have survived childhood cancer should have the opportunity to serve others with the unique insights that such an experience will engender. This foundation has made higher education a much more achievable reality for many students whose families might otherwise never have recovered from the financial and emotional costs of childhood cancer.
Does the State of Montana Offer Scholarships and Grants?
The Youth Serve Montana Scholarship is an option provided by the Governor’s Office of Community Service, Reach Higher Montana, and the Montana Campus Compact. It provides a $1,000 scholarship to 100 Montana residents who seek an education at a Montana university or college. The scholarship is designed around students who engage in community service over a 12-month period. Students must complete at least 100 hours of community service within the past 12 months before applying for the scholarship. The community service takes place in their own local community. Students must apply for the scholarship by January 31st each year and must be seniors in high school.
In relation to grants or waivers for tuition, each college or university offers different options to students. For example, students may qualify for a War Orphans Waiver or an American Indian Waiver in some Montana universities. Students will want to verify the types of grants, scholarships, and waivers available through the school before clarifying the amount that remains for their degree programs.
Are there Scholarships for Nurses in Montana?
When it comes to Montana nursing scholarships, students should be aware that the options may vary based on the college or university. Many nursing scholarships available in the state are provided by the school rather than the state or local government.
The College of Nursing at Montana State University offers several scholarships to nursing students who meet the qualification standards. For example, students may apply for the Fred and Morrein Bower Scholarship when attending the university’s College of Nursing. The amount available through the scholarship varies each year, but the scholarship only applies to one student. The student must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher to qualify for the scholarship.
The Aloha Scholarship provided by the American Legion Auxiliary gives one $500 scholarship to a nursing student each year. The scholarship requires students to meet specific qualification standards. A parent or grandparent must be a member of the American Legion. The student must also be a Montana resident. The student’s local American Legion chapter must also recommend the student for the scholarship. The final requirement to qualify for the scholarship is to write an essay on nursing.
When you are looking into scholarships designed to help with a nursing degree in Montana, you will want to look into the options offered by the college or university. Each school offers different scholarships, so the exact details regarding amounts and qualification standards may vary. Many scholarships offered by a college or university are based on merit, so pay attention to any details related to GPA requirements.
Do I Need Good High School Grades to Get a Scholarship?
When looking into Montana scholarships for high school seniors, you may have concerns about the impact of your grades on your opportunities. While it is true that some Montana scholarships for high school students require good grades, it is not necessary for every type of scholarship available to students.
The scholarships in Montana for high school seniors fall into different categories. As a general rule, academic scholarships require a higher GPA average when compared to other types of scholarships. It is often called a merit-based scholarship and may set minimum standards for grades. Depending on the scholarship, it may require students to have a 3.0 GPA or a 3.5 GPA by graduation.
Community service scholarships do not have the same standards for grades. In the case of a community service scholarship, the student must engage in a certain number of community service hours to qualify for the scholarship. In some cases, it will set a minimum GPA average; however, it is usually lower when compared to an academic scholarship.
Athletic scholarships differ from academic scholarships because it is based on sport’s performance. While students may need to maintain a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA to maintain the scholarship, it does not usually require the same high grades as a merit-based scholarship. It is usually based on your ability in sports.
Students may also apply for scholarships based on unique hobbies, personal characteristics, or even financial needs. The academic standards for scholarships that are based on financial needs or unique situations may be lower than the standards required for academic scholarships.
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