The University of Montana (UM), located in Missoula, Montana, is a public research university renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and commitment to environmental stewardship. Established in 1893, UM offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in wildlife biology, forestry, and health sciences. The university's campus is characterized by its picturesque setting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, providing students with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and riverside recreation. This geolocation enhances the campus culture, where students often integrate their academic pursuits with a love for nature and sustainable practices.

UM is celebrated for its strong sense of community and vibrant campus life. The university's motto, "Lux et Veritas," which translates to "Light and Truth," underlines its commitment to academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, UM offers personalized attention, encouraging meaningful relationships between students and professors. The university is also proactive in promoting students' involvement in research, service learning, and internships, which significantly enhance their career prospects upon graduation. Furthermore, UM's athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball, foster school spirit and camaraderie among students and alumni, contributing to a rich student life experience.

Analysis of Key Data from The University of Montana

The University of Montana has experienced notable trends in several critical metrics over recent years, shedding light on the institution's evolving landscape. One significant observation is the tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state students. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition increased from $6,275 to $8,152, indicating a rise of over 30%. Meanwhile, out-of-state tuition surged from $22,470 to $31,622, representing a staggering increase of approximately 41%. This substantial increase in tuition could have a profound impact on enrollment, particularly for out-of-state students, as rising costs may deter prospective students.

Another crucial statistic is the graduation rate for undergraduate students. The on-time graduation rate has increased significantly from approximately 21.39% in 2014 to around 32.59% in 2024. This positive trend suggests improvements in the academic support and resources available to students, which may also correlate with enhanced retention rates. In fact, the retention rate for undergraduate students exhibited modest growth, starting at 73.44% in 2014 and reaching 75.99% in 2024. Such retention and graduation rates are essential indicators of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness.

Additionally, the gender ratio among the student body reflects an increasingly balanced demographic over the years. The percentage of female undergraduates has slightly increased, indicating a shift towards gender equity. In contrast, the proportion of male graduate students has decreased, showing a growing focus on female participation in graduate-level education.

Overall, these trends at The University of Montana highlight a dynamic educational environment characterized by rising tuition costs, improving graduation rates, increased retention, and progressive gender representation among students. Addressing tuition affordability while maintaining academic quality will be vital for the university's ongoing success and attractiveness to future students.

Analysis of Graduate Numbers by Program at The University of Montana

The data from The University of Montana for 2023 reveals significant insights into the distribution of graduates across various programs, particularly in the fields of Health, Business, and Law. The notable absence of bachelor’s degrees indicates a strong focus on advanced studies at the university, especially at the master's and doctorate levels. For example, the Physical Therapy program has the most doctoral graduates, with 377 individuals earning their doctoral degrees, 30 of whom are international students. This suggests that the university is a leading institution for advanced physical therapy education.

Business Administration also shows a robust output, with 87 master's graduates; however, there are no bachelor’s degree graduates, which may reflect either a selective admission process into graduate studies or a shift in the educational landscape where professionals prioritize advanced degrees for career advancement. The legal studies, despite being notorious for a long completion time and rigorous requirements, managed to produce 76 doctoral graduates, further emphasizing a trend towards higher education.

Additionally, it's important to note the limited number of graduates in more technical fields, such as Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology and Building Construction Technology, suggesting a possible skill gap in these essential areas. The presence of associate degree graduates, albeit limited, shows there is still foundational education being offered, highlighting a tiered approach to education at the institution.

Overall, these trends reflect broader shifts in educational priorities and labor market demands. As industries evolve and the job market increasingly favors advanced qualifications, universities like The University of Montana may need to reassess their program offerings to ensure alignment with future workforce requirements.

Analysis of The University of Montana Admission Trends

The University of Montana has exhibited notable trends in its admission statistics over the years, which reveal shifts in both competitiveness and enrollment patterns. In 2025, the university's ranking has slipped to 377, marking a significant decline from previous years, which may impact its overall perception among prospective students. When diving into the admission rates, the figures tell a compelling story. Male admission rates decreased from around 94% in 2010 to approximately 94% again in 2024, suggesting a relatively stable acceptance environment for male applicants. However, the female admission rate has seen greater volatility, ranging from about 96% in 2010 to roughly 97% in 2024. These high acceptance rates reflect the university's commitment to inclusiveness, but they may also highlight the university's shifting desirability amid its declining ranking. Interestingly, the first few years showcase a significant number of denied applications—more than 600 in 2019—which coincided with the beginning of a decline in overall enrollment numbers. The incoming class sizes have shrunk over the years, as seen in the downward trend of enrollment figures from 2010's nearly 2,500 students to just over 1,600 in 2023. This drop can raise concerns about the university's resources and campus vitality. The sharp increase in denied applications in 2022, where about 1,292 applicants were unsuccessful, may have been a response to the pandemic's impact on higher education and an effort to maintain academic standards. The more recent years indicate a cautious approach to balancing enrollment with the quality of education that the University of Montana seeks to provide. Ultimately, as the university faces challenges reflected in both its declining ranking and fluctuating acceptance rates, it may need to develop targeted strategies to attract and retain students while enhancing its overall profile in the academic community.

Analysis of Admission Test Scores and Submission Trends at The University of Montana

The data pertaining to The University of Montana over the years from 2007 to 2024 illustrates a notable decline in the percentage of applicants submitting their scores from standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. For example, the proportion of applicants submitting SAT scores peaked at 51% in 2012 but has dramatically decreased to merely 1% by 2023 and 2024, signaling a significant shift in admissions practices or student preferences.

Examining the scores, the 25th percentile for SAT reading and math has also shown slight fluctuations but tended to remain relatively stable above 480, indicating that the lower range of successful students has somewhat solidified. However, the upper range for these scores has slightly improved, suggesting that while fewer students are submitting these scores, those who do tend to perform at a higher level.

Additionally, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores has not shown a similar decline, remaining more consistent within a range between 32% and 48%. Yet, the scores themselves reflect a similar trend of higher achievement at the upper end, suggesting that competitive standards in admissions continue to evolve.

This pattern may reflect broader trends in higher education, including test-optional policies adopted by many institutions, allowing students to decide whether to submit standardized test results as part of their application. Such policies may attract a more diverse pool of applicants and align with movements towards holistic admissions processes that consider a range of student capabilities and achievements beyond standardized testing alone. As The University of Montana navigates these changes, it will be crucial to balance maintaining academic standards while offering access and equity in the admissions process.

Diversity and Gender Distribution at The University of Montana in 2024

The student composition data from The University of Montana for 2024 reveals a diverse academic community with a notable gender balance. Among the undergraduate newcomers, the total number of students is 1,652, with females comprising 55.9% and males 44.1%. This trend is consistently observed across the undergraduate continuing students, with 57.7% being female and 42.3% male. The transfer students also exhibit a similar gender distribution, with females at 57.5% and males at 42.5%.

In the graduate category, females dominate, making up 67.1% of the total 2,757 graduate students. This could suggest a growing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees, reflecting national trends where women have increasingly outnumbered men in graduate programs across various fields.

When examining the ethnic distribution, a significant portion of the student body identifies as White, particularly among different categories of students, highlighting a classic demographic trend in many universities across the United States. However, the data does not provide specific figures for other ethnic minorities or international students, which are crucial for understanding the full diversity of the university’s student population.

Overall, while The University of Montana demonstrates a predominantly white and female student body, efforts should continue to enhance inclusivity and attract a broader range of backgrounds. This aligns with ongoing discussions in academia about the importance of diversity in higher education, which enriches the learning environment and better prepares students for a global workforce.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at The University of Montana in 2024

The age distribution of students at The University of Montana reveals a diverse population that spans various age groups, reflecting both traditional and non-traditional student demographics. Notably, the largest cohort is found in the 18-19 age range, with 998 male undergraduate students and 1,429 female undergraduate students, illustrating a robust influx of fresh talent each academic year. This trend is consistent with many universities facing an increase in enrollment among younger individuals, particularly post-pandemic as students returned to campus.

In the 20-21 age range, there is also a significant population, albeit with a noticeable tapering for males indicating a potential trend of young men being less inclined toward traditional college paths, compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, the data indicates that while the number of traditional-age students (18-24) is substantial, there remains a meaningful representation from older age groups, particularly those aged 25-29, where female graduate students outnumber their male peers.

The presence of older students, especially those in the graduate categories, showcases the university's commitment to lifelong learning. This trend aligns with wider societal shifts where individuals are increasingly prioritizing education later in life for career transitions or skill enhancement.

Overall, The University of Montana's student age composition reflects a dynamic community that not only prioritizes inclusivity across age but also signals larger educational trends seen across the country, as institutions adapt to the needs of a diverse student body in the modern educational landscape.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at The University of Montana

The data regarding international students at The University of Montana reveals a noteworthy trend over the years, particularly concerning the fluctuating numbers and proportions of both undergraduate and graduate students. From 2005 to 2024, the percentage of international undergraduates has shown an overall increase, peaking at 4.17% in 2015, before witnessing a decline in subsequent years. By 2024, this figure has dropped to 1.25%, suggesting challenges in sustaining international student enrollment.

In contrast, the graduate student population appears to have experienced a more resilient growth trajectory regarding the proportion of international students. The percentage surged to a high of 9% in 2019, highlighting the University’s appeal within specific postgraduate disciplines. However, it has since decreased to 3.45% by 2024. This indicates that while graduate programs initially attracted more international students, shifts in trends are increasingly visible, perhaps influenced by wider global factors such as immigration policies or ongoing geopolitical tensions.

External factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on global mobility and changes in visa regulations, likely contributed to the substantial yearly declines in international enrollment at all levels. As universities navigate these challenges, it is crucial for institutions like The University of Montana to adapt their strategies to enhance their attractiveness to international students—fostering diversity, supporting international student services, and addressing financial and logistical hurdles could be vital for reversing declining trends in the years to come.

Here are some notable universities surrounding The University of Montana:

1. University of Idaho - Ranked 179 in 2025, this comprehensive university located in Moscow, Idaho, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is known for its strong emphasis on research and outdoor activities.

2. Gonzaga University - With a rank of 98, Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit institution located in Spokane, Washington. Known for its excellent academic programs, particularly in law and business, Gonzaga also has a vibrant campus life and strong athletic programs.

3. Washington State University - This comprehensive institution ranks 189 and is located in Pullman, Washington. It's a major research university with a commitment to innovation and community engagement, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

4. Montana State University - Ranked 296, this comprehensive university is situated in Bozeman, Montana, and is known for its engineering and agricultural programs. The beautiful campus offers extensive research opportunities and outdoor recreational activities.

5. Whitman College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Whitman College ranks 53 and is located in Walla Walla, Washington. It offers a rigorous academic environment and emphasizes critical thinking and independent research.

6. University of Washington-Seattle Campus - With a rank of 46, it is one of the leading public research universities in the Pacific Northwest, offering a wide array of programs and known for its innovative research and vibrant urban campus.

These institutions not only provide diverse educational opportunities but also contribute to the rich academic environment of the region surrounding The University of Montana.

Analysis of Crime Rates at the University of Montana

The crime data from the University of Montana over the past decade reveals important trends regarding campus safety. Notably, the overall rate of arrests and offenses per 1,000 students showed a significant decline from 2013, when it peaked at 17.06 arrests per 1,000 students, to 10.49 in 2022, reflecting a decrease of approximately 38.7%. This downward trajectory suggests that efforts to improve campus safety and reduce crime may be yielding positive results.

Focusing on specific crime types provides further insight into this trend. The number of weapon-related arrests, often a primary concern for university campuses, decreased in notable years. For instance, there were instances of these arrests recorded in 2013 and 2020, yet no incidents were reported in the following years, implying a growing awareness and preventive measures taken by the administration.

Moreover, the instances of drug abuse arrests have followed a similar pattern, with a peak in 2014, subsequently declining over the years, suggesting that educational programs may be impacting student behavior positively. The reduction of alcohol-related arrests also reinforces this notion, as the statistics show a consistent decline, indicating potentially increased student responsibility and awareness.

Overall, while occasional fluctuations occurred in the reported crime rates, the general decreasing trend in criminal activities is encouraging. The ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting campus safety are vital in sustaining this positive change. Communities, educational institutions, and law enforcement working collaboratively can enhance student security while fostering an environment conducive to learning.

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