New students fuel Montana Tech's enrollment growth
Driven by a surge in new first-time students, Montana Tech experiencing nearly 5% overall growth
Butte, MT – The fall semester at Montana Technological University has been one for the record books. The university experienced a remarkable surge in enrollment this fall semester. With 5% growth in overall headcount and a substantial 15% jump in new first-time students, Montana Tech is setting new records and solidifying its position as the state’s only Special Focus institution.
"The university is thrilled that for the first time in 15 years, we welcomed a class of over 500 first-year students,” noted Montana Tech Chancellor Les Cook. “The substantial growth in our incoming class is evident and the energy on campus is noticeable.”
Montana Tech’s growth is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Oredigger community, including faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. This includes welcoming 93 students from across Montana as the inaugural cohort of Lance Scholars. This was a driving force behind the university’s growth and it demonstrates Montana Tech’s commitment to attracting and nurturing the state's brightest minds. This success is further attributed to the support from the Lance family, whose contribution through the Lance Scholars Program will have a lasting impact on students and families across the state.
This summer, Montana Tech launched the Supporting High Achievement, Readiness, and Persistence (SHARP), an innovative bridge program, before the start of the fall semester. Thirty incoming students participated in intensive workshops focused on math, writing, and college success skills. The program aimed to equip students with a solid foundation for their academic journey. This semester also marks the re-introduction of an Army Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (SROTC) on campus through a new National Guard Extension Unit. These programs are examples of how the university strives to support opportunity and innovation.
“We are especially pleased with the enrollment growth this year given the challenges associated with the new FAFSA (financial aid application) rollout,” shared Leslie Dickerson, the executive director of admissions and enrollment. “This success is a result of dedicated staff across campus who worked tirelessly to help students and families through the enrollment process. It is also exciting to see initiatives to attract new students that were put into place some years ago come to fruition.”
The fall semester’s student body is diverse, drawing students from 50 Montana counties, as well as 47 states and territories across the nation and 17 countries worldwide. The percentage of female students grew from 39% in fall 2023 to 41% in 2024, reflecting a positive trend towards greater gender equity on campus. The university has also increased its base of Montana residents with an over 5% overall increase in students enrolling from across the state.
Montana Tech’s on-campus housing is bursting at the seams with the largest number of students ever living on campus. This is a 7% increase over fall 2023 and the first time the residence halls have been at full capacity since the new Living Learning Center opened on campus in 2019.
In addition to the energy on campus, there is local, state, and national recognition that shines additional light on the Butte and Montana Tech. The recent announcement of Butte, Montana, as one of the 2024 Nicest Places in America has solidified the city's reputation as a welcoming and thriving community. This recognition, coupled with rankings such as #1 Best College in Montana (2024) by Niche and a top 50 Best Value Public College by Princeton Review (2024), help attract the attention of prospective students and position Montana Tech well for future success.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the work that has been accomplished. The foundation is in place and the current momentum positions Montana Tech for the future. It’s an exciting time on campus. Our fall Career Fair was the largest ever with a total of 168 employers recruiting and 1,185 students attending. We are looking forward to the weeks ahead as we celebrate Homecoming, honor our distinguished alumni, family weekend, and all of the many initiatives that make Montana Tech the incredibly special institution it is each and every day,” said Cook.