The University of Montana Foundation

Student Support

Scholarships pave the way for thousands of students to receive a world-class education at The University of Montana.

Scholarships open doors for capable students and encourage outstanding students to choose UM over other colleges and universities. Opportunities such as the Davidson Honors College Presidential Leadership Scholarship offer gifted undergraduates the opportunity to receive the best education in Montana. Scholarship support also motivates students to explore different cultures through study-abroad programs.

At a time when many families struggle to pay for higher education, scholarships and financial aid provide access and affordability, helping to ensure that our brightest students become our most educated, capable citizens.

This is the time to help pave the way to UM.  Opportunities for funding student support include:

Endowed Awards
The minimum required for a named full-tuition scholarship is $90,000 for a Montana resident or $260,000 for a non-resident. Proceeds from the investment are used to fund the award. A partial named scholarship requires a minimum endowment of $25,000.

Graduate Fellowships
To attract and retain talented graduate students, UM must provide adequate incentives and compensation. The University seeks awards for all disciplines. A full fellowship carries no obligation for research and teaching. The minimum funding for a master's level fellowship requires a $250,000 endowment, depending on discipline, or an annual contribution of $10,000. At the doctoral level, a minimum endowment of $375,000 is required. Annual funding requires $15,000. 

Presidential Leadership Scholarship
The University´s most prestigious undergraduate awards, Presidential Leadership Scholarships, are awarded to a limited number of incoming freshmen based on academic performance, character and ability. The minimum funding for a Presidential Gold Scholarship requires a $180,000 endowment or $7,500 per year for a minimum of four years. To fund a Presidential Silver Scholarship, a minimum donation of a $120,000 endowment, or $5,000 per year for a minimum of four years is required.

The MICK Fund
Mick Hanson served as UM’s director of financial aid for 25 years. His dream was to establish a fund that could help dedicated students overcome the financial obstacles that threatened to take them out of school. When Hanson retired, his family helped realize this dream by establishing the MICK Fund, which stands for Montana Investment in Character and Knowledge. Consider making a donation to the MICK Fund to help students in good academic standing with a demonstrated financial need.  To support this fund today, complete this form.   

Japanese Rising Opportunity Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to help support future students from Japan directly impacted by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters of March 2011.  When you give $100 or more to the Japan Rising Opportunity Scholarship, you will receive a poster with the phrase "UM's Heart Goes Out to Japan."  To support the scholarship today, complete this form.