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Montana State University campus

Montana State University

https://www.montana.edu ↗

Division I Spirit Meets Dance Team Opportunity

Montana State University presents a split profile for this student. The campus culture is OUTSTANDING - exceptional school spirit, active so...

68.00
out of 100
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ☆ ☆
MODERATE FIT

AI Recommendation

Montana State University presents a split profile for this student. The campus culture is OUTSTANDING - exceptional school spirit, active social scene, engaged weekend campus life, and perfect Greek life balance exactly match preferences. The Division I dance team offers excellent walk-on opportunities. Nature access and campus beauty are spectacular with 300 sunny days. However, significant concerns exist: (1) Bozeman is NOT urban - it's a small mountain college town of 53,000, directly conflicting with 'urban or near city' preference; (2) Large introductory classes (50-150 students) and 19:1 ratio conflict with need for 'teacher support and smaller classes'; (3) Student's academic interests (business, marketing, pre-law) are not MSU's strongest programs - the school excels in STEM fields; (4) Winters are harsh and cold despite sunshine; (5) 59% graduation rate and 79% retention suggest challenges worth investigating. Total score: 68/100. MSU could work if student prioritizes school spirit and outdoor lifestyle over urban location and small classes, but the academic and location mismatches are substantial.

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Performance vs. Average College

Academic
22.0 -8.0
Avg: 30.0 55% of max
Culture
28.0 +6.0
Avg: 22.0 93% of max
Environment
9.0 -6.0
Avg: 15.0 45% of max
Special
9.0 +1.0
Avg: 8.0 90% of max
This College
Average

Score Breakdown

Academic Profile
22.0 /40 (55%)
MSU's business program has AACSB accreditation (top 5% globally) and solid regional reputation, but marketing is not nationally ranked. Psychology program is strong undergraduate with research opportunities but also not nationally ranked. Pre-law is only an advising track through Political Science, not a dedicated program. Pre-PT has good acceptance rates through Health & Human Development. Critical concern: MSU is primarily known for STEM fields (engineering, agriculture, nursing) rather than the student's core interests in business/marketing/pre-law. Programs are adequate but not the school's strengths.
Program Strength
5.0 /10
MSU's business program has AACSB accreditation (top 5% globally) and solid regional reputation, but marketing is not nationally ranked. Psychology program is strong undergraduate with research opportunities but also not nationally ranked. Pre-law is only an advising track through Political Science, not a dedicated program. Pre-PT has good acceptance rates through Health & Human Development. Critical concern: MSU is primarily known for STEM fields (engineering, agriculture, nursing) rather than the student's core interests in business/marketing/pre-law. Programs are adequate but not the school's strengths.
Student Faculty
4.0 /10
19:1 student-faculty ratio is moderate at best. More concerning: introductory business and psychology classes are large lectures with 50-150 students, directly conflicting with student's stated need for 'teacher support and smaller classes.' Upper-level classes improve to 20-40 students, but the first two years will lack the individualized attention desired. This is a significant mismatch with stated preferences.
Applied Learning
7.0 /10
Business school emphasizes experiential learning and case studies with hands-on approach in upper division. Strong internship connections in Montana and regional Northwest with dedicated career coordinator for business. Career Services coordinates internship fairs. However, limited major corporate presence compared to urban schools. Good applied learning once past introductory courses, but regional rather than national scope.
Career Prep
6.0 /10
Strong 91% employment/graduate school placement within 6 months is excellent. Career Services offers resume help, mock interviews, and job search assistance. Business college has dedicated career coordinator. However, placement is heavily regional (Montana and Pacific Northwest), with alumni network strength diminishing outside the region. Average starting salary for business grads ($45,000-55,000) is moderate. Students must be proactive to access services.
Campus Culture
28.0 /30 (93%)
EXCEPTIONAL match. MSU has VERY STRONG school spirit with Division I athletics drawing 17,000-20,000+ fans to football games. 'Brawl of the Wild' rivalry with University of Montana is a huge state event. Bobcat pride is significant with strong tradition-based culture. 79% retention rate indicates engaged community. Definitively NOT a commuter school with 90%+ students from outside Bozeman area. This perfectly matches student's desire for strong school spirit.
School Spirit
10.0 /10
EXCEPTIONAL match. MSU has VERY STRONG school spirit with Division I athletics drawing 17,000-20,000+ fans to football games. 'Brawl of the Wild' rivalry with University of Montana is a huge state event. Bobcat pride is significant with strong tradition-based culture. 79% retention rate indicates engaged community. Definitively NOT a commuter school with 90%+ students from outside Bozeman area. This perfectly matches student's desire for strong school spirit.
Social Scene
9.0 /10
Very active campus on weekends with engaged student body. Game days are extremely active. Strong outdoor recreation culture (skiing, hiking, climbing) keeps campus vibrant. Downtown Bozeman offers bars, restaurants, music venues creating college town atmosphere. Social but not party-school reputation. Friendly, laid-back Western culture. Campus maintains energy on weekends. Excellent match for 'active social scene' preference.
Greek Life
9.0 /10
Perfect balance at approximately 10% Greek participation (7 sororities, 8 fraternities). Present but not dominant - social scene does NOT revolve around Greek life. More outdoor/athletic culture than Greek culture. This matches student preference for social engagement without Greek life overwhelming campus culture.
Location & Environment
9.0 /20 (45%)
MAJOR MISMATCH. Student wants 'urban or near city' but Bozeman is a small city/college town of only 53,000 people, 90 miles from Yellowstone. Best described as 'mountain college town,' not urban. While Bozeman is thriving with good amenities and Montana's most cosmopolitan city, it is NOT urban and is relatively isolated. This directly conflicts with stated location preference for urban environment.
Location
3.0 /10
MAJOR MISMATCH. Student wants 'urban or near city' but Bozeman is a small city/college town of only 53,000 people, 90 miles from Yellowstone. Best described as 'mountain college town,' not urban. While Bozeman is thriving with good amenities and Montana's most cosmopolitan city, it is NOT urban and is relatively isolated. This directly conflicts with stated location preference for urban environment.
Climate
6.0 /10
Mixed match. MSU delivers on 'nature' spectacularly - EXCEPTIONAL access with Bridger Mountains adjacent, countless outdoor recreation opportunities, and stunning campus beauty. Approximately 300 sunny days per year meets 'sunshine' requirement. HOWEVER, critical caveat: winters are harsh and cold (Dec-Feb often below freezing). Only 189 days above 50°F. This is sunny but COLD sunshine, not the warm sunshine typically desired. If student wants warm weather, this is problematic. Nature access is 10/10, but climate warmth is concerning.
Special Requirements
9.0 /10 (90%)
Excellent opportunity. MSU Spirit Squad includes Bobcat Dance Team competing at Division I level, performing at football and basketball games. Walk-ons can try out - no dance major required. Team is competitive but accepts skilled walk-ons annually. Tryouts held in spring with clear contact information provided (spiritsquad@montana.edu, (406) 994-4221). Strong match for student's interest in walk-on dance team opportunities.
Dance Team
9.0 /10
Excellent opportunity. MSU Spirit Squad includes Bobcat Dance Team competing at Division I level, performing at football and basketball games. Walk-ons can try out - no dance major required. Team is competitive but accepts skilled walk-ons annually. Tryouts held in spring with clear contact information provided (spiritsquad@montana.edu, (406) 994-4221). Strong match for student's interest in walk-on dance team opportunities.

Top Strengths 6

  • 1 EXCEPTIONAL school spirit and athletic culture - Division I with 17,000+ fans at games, perfect for student seeking strong traditions
  • 2 Very active social scene and engaged weekend campus - definitively NOT a commuter school (90%+ from outside area)
  • 3 Outstanding Division I dance team with clear walk-on opportunities for skilled dancers
  • 4 Spectacular nature access and campus beauty - Bridger Mountains adjacent, Yellowstone 90 miles, outdoor recreation paradise
  • 5 Perfect Greek life balance (10%) - present but not dominant, social scene doesn't revolve around it
  • 6 Strong career placement (91% employed/grad school within 6 months) with good regional network

Things to Consider 7

  • 1 CRITICAL: Bozeman is NOT urban - small city of 53,000 people, mountain college town setting directly conflicts with 'urban or near city' preference
  • 2 CRITICAL: Large introductory classes (50-150 students) and 19:1 ratio conflict with stated need for 'teacher support and smaller classes' - first two years will lack individualized attention
  • 3 Academic programs in student's interests (business, marketing, pre-law) are solid but NOT MSU's strengths - school known for STEM fields instead
  • 4 Cold winters despite sunshine (Dec-Feb below freezing) - this is NOT warm sunshine if student seeks warmth
  • 5 59% six-year graduation rate and 79% retention rate below national averages - investigate why 21% leave after freshman year
  • 6 High out-of-state costs ($28,268 tuition + $12,000 room/board = $40K+) with moderate financial aid
  • 7 Career opportunities heavily regional (Montana/Northwest) - limited national reach if student wants to work elsewhere

Detailed Research

Internships

Strong internship connections in Montana and regional Northwest. Career Services coordinates internship fairs. Business school has dedicated career coordinator. Limited major corporate presence compared to urban schools.

Avg Class Size

Lower-level classes: 50-150 students. Upper-level classes: 20-40 students. Introductory business/psych courses typically large lectures.

Teaching Style

Mix of lecture-based for lower division and hands-on/applied learning for upper division. Business school emphasizes experiential learning and case studies. Research university so some focus on faculty research.

Academic Support

Academic Success Center, tutoring services, Supplemental Instruction for difficult courses, writing center, disability services. Generally accessible support but students must be proactive.

Career Placement

Overall career outcomes: 91% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months (2022 data). Strong regional placement, particularly in Montana and Pacific Northwest.

Program Rankings

  • No dedicated pre-law major but offers pre-law advising through Political Science department. 3+3 program with University of Montana Law School available.
  • College of Business accredited by AACSB (top 5% globally). Known for entrepreneurship programs. Marketing program well-regarded regionally but not nationally ranked.
  • Strong undergraduate program with research opportunities. Part of College of Letters & Science. Not nationally ranked but solid regional reputation.
  • MSU is primarily known for STEM fields (engineering, agriculture, nursing) rather than business/liberal arts.
  • Strong pre-professional health sciences advising. Students major in Health & Human Development, Exercise Science, or Biology. Good acceptance rates to PT programs.

Student Faculty Ratio

19:1

Greek Life

Approximately 10% of students in Greek life. 7 sororities, 8 fraternities. Present but not dominant. Social scene does NOT revolve around Greek life. More outdoor/athletic culture than Greek culture.

Social Scene

Very active and outdoors-focused. Skiing, hiking, climbing community. College town atmosphere. Downtown Bozeman offers bars, restaurants, music venues. Social but not party-school reputation. Friendly, laid-back Western culture.

School Spirit

VERY STRONG. Division I athletics (Big Sky Conference). Football games draw 17,000-20,000+ fans. Bobcat pride is significant. Rivalry with University of Montana ('Brawl of the Wild') is huge state event. Strong tradition-based culture.

Retention Rate

79% freshman retention rate (2022)

Graduation Rate

59% six-year graduation rate

Weekend Activity

Active campus on weekends. Not a commuter school - 90%+ students from outside Bozeman area. Game days extremely active. Outdoor recreation culture keeps campus engaged. Some students leave for skiing/outdoor activities but campus maintains energy.

Political Climate

Moderate to conservative-leaning, reflecting Montana demographics. More conservative than typical college campuses but diverse viewpoints present. Pragmatic, live-and-let-live attitude. Less politically charged than coastal schools.

Setting

Small city/college town. Bozeman population ~53,000 (growing rapidly). Campus feels integrated with town. Not urban but not isolated rural. Best described as mountain college town.

Sunny Days

Approximately 300 sunny days per year. Montana is known for 'Big Sky Country.' Very sunny but COLD winters. Average 189 days above 50°F. Abundant sunshine but winter temps often below freezing (Dec-Feb).

Nature Access

EXCEPTIONAL. Bridger Mountains adjacent to campus. Bridger Bowl ski area 20 min. Big Sky Resort 1 hour. Yellowstone National Park 90 miles. Countless hiking, climbing, fishing, skiing opportunities. Outdoor recreation paradise.

Transportation

Streamline bus system (free for students with ID). Walkable downtown. Car helpful but not essential for campus life. Bike-friendly. Uber/Lyft available. Many students have cars for outdoor access.

Nearest Airport

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) - 10 miles from campus, 15-20 minute drive. Growing airport with direct flights to major hubs (Denver, Seattle, Salt Lake, Minneapolis, etc.).

Surrounding Area

Bozeman is thriving, upscale mountain town. Tech hub growth (Oracle, Zoot Enterprises). Excellent downtown with restaurants, breweries, shops, galleries. Expensive cost of living. Wealthy retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. Very white demographic. Montana's most progressive/cosmopolitan city.

Dance Team

MSU Spirit Squad includes the Bobcat Dance Team. Competes at Division I level. Performs at football and basketball games. Tryouts held in spring (April/May). Walk-ons can try out - no dance major required. Team is competitive but accepts skilled walk-ons annually.

Recreation

Excellent facilities. Student Recreation Center (127,000 sq ft) with climbing wall, pools, weight rooms, courts. Intramural sports very popular (flag football, basketball, volleyball, etc.). Outdoor recreation program rents gear and organizes trips. Fitness classes included.

Food Quality

Multiple dining halls and retail locations. Miller Dining Hall (main), Strand Union Building food court. Quality rated average to above-average by students. Meal plan required for freshmen. Local Montana beef featured. Options improving with renovations.

Campus Beauty

STUNNING. Mountain views from campus. Bridger Range as backdrop. Brick buildings, open spaces, traditional college feel. Romney Oval (central lawn) is picturesque. Mountain modern architecture. Consistently ranked among most beautiful campuses. Four distinct seasons add visual interest.

Housing Quality

Guaranteed for freshmen. Mix of traditional dorms and suite-style. Newer halls (Hapner, Yellowstone) are nice. Older halls more basic. Most sophomores move off-campus due to limited on-campus housing. Off-campus housing increasingly expensive due to Bozeman growth.

Dance Team Contact

MSU Spirit Squad Coach - Contact through MSU Athletics: (406) 994-4221 or spiritsquad@montana.edu. Also check @MSUBobcatSpirit on social media for tryout announcements.

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Data Quality & Confidence

Confidence Level
MEDIUM-HIGH 78/100
Last Updated
Oct 25, 2025
1 week ago
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