Financial Aid in Montana (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Montana's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Montana FAFSA deadline for state aid
As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens for priority consideration.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Montana grant programs
Montana University System aid
Need-based grants and fee waivers for Montana residents, administered through MUS campuses.
Administered by Montana University System. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Montana students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Montanastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Montana?
For 2026–27 state aid: As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens for priority consideration. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Montana offer?
Montana University System aid: Need-based grants and fee waivers for Montana residents, administered through MUS campuses. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Montana resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Montana?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Montana University System determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.