MISSOULA – The University of Montana launched the Grizzly Promise initiative this week to tear down financial barriers and make college more affordable for Montana students.

The Grizzly Promise initiative is funded through a combination of scholarships, grants, waivers and other financial aid packaged together specifically for Montana students who attend UM.

“With the cost of living quickly rising in our state, we are fully committed to taking aggressive action to ensure every Montana student can access the world-class education at UM,” said Mary Kreta, UM vice president for enrollment management and strategic initiatives. “The Grizzly Promise initiative is aimed specifically at ensuring not a single Montanan doesn’t choose to go to college because of financial reasons. We encourage every Montana student and family who meets our simple qualifications to apply for admission.”

Students who receive support through the Grizzly Promise initiative can renew their financial support each year while they attend UM, for up to four years, as long as they maintain a full 12-credit course load.

The Grizzly Promise initiative is only available to in-state Montana students whose families have incomes of less than $50,000 annually.

Compared to regional peers, UM continues to offer among the lowest in-state tuition in the American West. For example, Montana students pay tuition at UM that is 28% lower than neighboring states like North Dakota.

Montana students interested in participating in the Grizzly Promise initiative can do so by simply applying for admission to the University of Montana and completing a 2023-24 FAFSA, using code 002536. To learn more about this initiative, visit the Grizzly Promise webpage.

Generous alumni and friends of the University provide financial support to the UM Foundation to support scholarships that are offered as part of the Grizzly Promise financial aid packages.

- UM News Service -

More From K96 FM