At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- The August-2025 rules list $500 per semester at 6–11 credits or $1,000 at 12+ credits, fall/spring only. Awards depend on campus allocation and continued state funding; these rules do not prove every campus has funds today.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Montana University System ↗
- Income / financial rules
- File FAFSA annually and receive the maximum Pell amount prorated for credits. This is a Pell-based test rather than a universal household-income cutoff.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Montana University System ↗
- Who to check first
- Be a Montana resident with high-school graduation/equivalency, enrolled at least half-time in qualifying community/tribal/two-year study leading to an associate degree, professional credential or specified transfer preparation.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Montana University System ↗
- Application timing
- Campus-selected from FAFSA until funds are exhausted; confirm the intended term and current allocation. These August-2025 rules do not publish a universal year-specific final application date.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Montana University System ↗
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1Complete the correct-year FAFSA and ask the eligible campus to assess maximum-Pell and programme/enrollment eligibility. Awards are made by each campus from FAFSA, not by automatically submitting a separate general Promise form.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Montana University System ↗
- 2Confirm that campus’s current allocation, actual award, transcript/credit-limit review and fall/spring enrollment. The August-2025 operating rules describe the process but do not establish a current-year award offer.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Montana University System ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
The August-2025 rules list $500 per semester at 6–11 credits or $1,000 at 12+ credits, fall/spring only. Awards depend on campus allocation and continued state funding; these rules do not prove every campus has funds today.
Is there an income limit?
File FAFSA annually and receive the maximum Pell amount prorated for credits. This is a Pell-based test rather than a universal household-income cutoff.
When should I apply?
Campus-selected from FAFSA until funds are exhausted; confirm the intended term and current allocation. These August-2025 rules do not publish a universal year-specific final application date.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.