U of Montana Releases Fall Enrollment and Retention Numbers

With a record retention rate and expanding programs, UM is creating a supportive environment that keeps students coming back for more.

UM News Service tells us that this fall, 11,064 students are enrolled at the University of Montana, marking the fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth at the University.

Since 2021, UM has grown by more than 16%, adding 1,562 students to its overall headcount. Fueling UM’s enrollment growth this year was a record retention rate of 77.2%. Retention measures the rate that students persist between their first and second year at UM. First-to-second-year retention at UM has increased by 9 percentage points since 2018.

WHAT THE PREZ SAYS

UM President Seth Bodnar was quoted in the release as saying, “Students choose UM because they will succeed here, our Griz community will support them, and we will help them launch a meaningful career and lead a fulfilling life. 

Our Number 1 priority is to place student success at the center of all we do, and these record-breaking student success rates are a testament to the hard work and dedication of UM’s talented faculty and staff members."

EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS

In addition to the more than 11,000 students enrolled in credit-bearing courses, UM is also serving a rapidly growing number of learners through innovative and responsive short-term education and training programs -- often developed in partnership with employers -- aimed at meeting Montana’s immediate workforce needs.

Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, UM served 10,387 individuals through noncredit courses and trainings, reaching learners at all stages of their lives and careers. These courses are usually several weeks or months in length and are designed to help learners re-skill, up-skill or change careers in response to employer needs across the state. To date, noncredit courses and trainings are not reflected in official enrollment numbers.

READ MORE: Public Service Leader: University of Montana Earns Major Honor

Our congratulations to the University of Montana, where it's ALWAYS great to be a Griz! More details on enrollment numbers, retention and student opportunities can be found here.