One of the largest, and most under-appreciated, states in the union is Montana, which has the well-deserved moniker of “the Treasure State”. Montana is brimming with both natural and historic importance, overflowing with treasure for visitors to discover. Glacier National Park captivates millions of visitors each year with its crystal blue lakes and snowcapped peaks. The Little Bighorn National Monument memorializes both the troops of General George Armstrong Custer, in the place where he made his “last stand,” and the combined Native American forces that managed to fight him off. And, of course, the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, which extends downward into Wyoming, remains one of the more popular tourist destinations in the West.
With all the sublime wonders of nature surrounding them, it makes sense that the economy of Montana is centered around agriculture, ranking among the top states in the nation in farm revenue. However, the higher education system of the state cannot be discounted by any means. The University of Montana-Missoula produces a very high amount of Rhodes Scholars, ranking in the top twenty in the country, and other schools in the state rank similarly. For those who live in Montana, here are a few scholarships to look out for:
Bud Daniels Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15, 2020
Amount: $1,000
As stated above, Montana is one of the foremost states for farmers in the nation. In 2012, Montana’s farmers made over $4 billion, driving the state’s economy to one of the most consistent nationwide. This trend continues four years later, helped by organizations such as the Montana Farmers Union. The grassroots organization encourages community involvement by farmers as well as improving their lives.
As a way to give back to the community, the Union sponsors a scholarship named for Bud Daniels. Bud Daniels was a beloved local who “had a life-long devotion to improving the lives of rural Americans and to keeping farmers on the land”. The $1,000 scholarship encourages the children of Montana Union members to apply. Students must maintain a 2.8 GPA and accepted into a traditional university or vocational school.
Montana Life Members Scholarship
Deadline: May 1
Amount: $1,000
The Montana Federation of Garden Clubs (MTFGC) funds this highly competitive scholarship. According to the community’s website, one of their goals is to increase participation in horticulture and environmentalism among the youth. To accomplish this, as well as incentivize joining the horticultural club, the foundation offers a $1,000 scholarship to Montana residents.
To be eligible, students must be planning to major in a field tangentially related to the organization, such as conservation, forestry, floriculture, greenhouse management, and many more. With the help of this scholarship, the foundation aims to sow the seeds of environmentalism within their members and those interested in helping their community.
MUS Honor Scholarship
Amount: Tuition
Deadline: March 15, 2020
This scholarship is awarded to students who excel in academics and are financially needy. The purpose is to promote scholarship among high school students and help needy students gain access to higher education. The awarded student must attend college within the state of Montana. To be eligible, you must take the ACT or the SAT by December 31st of your senior year, have a 3.4 GPA and accepted into an eligible college.
Montana’s STEM Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 15, 2020
This scholarship is also awarded by the Montana Board of Public Education. The student must graduate from a Montana high school, have a 3.25 GPA, take 4 years of college prep math, three years of college prep science, declare a STEM major, and certain other requirements.
And remember, schools offer scholarships to their own students, so make sure you look for scholarship opportunities in Montana! College Raptor can help you see what sort of financial aid you could potentially receive from various schools.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
