Residency Information

Residency Information

The University of Montana classifies students, including applicants for admission, as either in-state or out-of-state for fee purposes. The following are general guidelines for a person wishing to establish in-state status:

• Except for some exceptions, a person must reside in Montana for 12 continuous months and not be out of the state more than a total of 30 days
• The 12-month waiting period typically begins when a person takes one of the following actions:  
  • Registers an automobile in Montana
    • (should be done immediately upon moving to the state)
  • Obtains a Montana driver's license
    • (should be done within 90 days of the start of the 12-month waiting period)
  • Registers to vote in Montana
  • Purchases a home in Montana
  • Files a resident Montana individual income tax return
    • (all taxable income earned during the 12-month waiting period and thereafter for as long as in-state status is desired, should be reported on a resident Montana individual income tax return
• During the 12-month waiting period, a person is expected to act in a manner
  consistent with Montana residency and do all those things required by law of a
  Montana resident.
• If attending school during the 12-month waiting period, registering for more than 6 credits per semester (including summer school) creates a strong presumption you are here for educational purposes and will likely disqualify you from achieving in-state status.

Each residency case is based on a unique set of facts. For more information about individual cases, prospective students and applicants should contact the Graduate School Office at (406) 243-2572 or e-mail us with questions about residency requirements.

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has more specific information on residency on their website at

 http://mus.edu/board/BORinfo.asp.