Biggest freshman class since 2019; retention rates highest on record
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Oct. 16, 2025
Contact: Dan Carter, 406-657-2243 | 406-413-8924 (cell)
MSU BILLINGS NEWS –More than 600 new freshmen started classes at Montana State University Billings this fall, a 9 percent increase of brand-new underclassmen over Fall Semester 2024, and the largest group of freshmen students since 2019.
At the same time, data show that MSU Billings is retaining students at record levels, with University Campus retention at its highest on record. American Indian retention is at its highest and different colleges – specifically the College of Education and the College of Business – are at high points for retention, dating back to 2002.
“I am so excited to see that the student success initiatives we have been implementing are paying off with record high retention,” said MSU Billings Chancellor Stefani Hicswa.
From consistent efforts on meeting students’ needs with tutoring, health services, and navigating financial aid processes, connections continue being made at personal levels, which students have recognized.
One of those students is Destynee Two Moons, a 21-year-old Northern Cheyenne MSUB senior who is working to complete the requirements for a psychology degree next spring. A parent of two young children (including a four-month-old girl) she said she found the support she needed at the Native American Achievement Center.
“They have been so encouraging, positive and uplifting,” she said.
Two Moons was the valedictorian at St. Labre High School when she graduated and is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award scholarship. That scholarship allowed her to connect to students in the Honors Program and develop relationships as she pursues graduate school.
“All of that showed me what a welcoming and loving community it is,” she said.
Other students said they have remained at MSU Billings because of access to academic programs that fit their future plans.
“MSU Billings is a very unique school because it has valuable four-year degrees that have research labs that prepare you for publications,” said Sydney Tuss, a 34-year-old returning student.
Tuss started her college career at MSU Billings in 2009, moved on to a degree in video game design and worked in the industry through COVID and decided to change course, one that points to a new career in medicine. She saw MSU Billings as a place to return to package courses in the College of Health Professions and Science in a way that positioned her for medical school.
“Having access to all those classes and labs in an affordable institution is important for someone in a pre-professional area,” she said.
Tuss not only studies at MSU Billings but works as a tutor at the Academic Support Center, working eight hours a week with students needing help with physics, statistics, chemistry, and biology.
“From application for admission through graduation, MSUB has the support in place to walk alongside students helping them succeed in their college journey,” said Kimberly Hayworth, Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success.
More Montana students are finding a home at MSU Billings and more are staying in the Billings area to work, data show. Survey results from 2024 graduates collected by the Office of Career and Employment Services show that 64 percent of City College graduates found work in Yellowstone County and 37 percent of University Campus graduates were employed here. Some students who have found an academic home at MSU Billings also find a job.
Haley Jensen, a 22-year-old who graduated from Billings Central, enrolled at MSU Billings immediately after high school. She initially wanted to get some general education courses out of the way, but she eventually “found my people.”
“I found so many ways to get involved,” Jensen said, noting positive experiences ranged from housing and residential life to involvement in various student clubs to job shadowing. “I found so many things that really made me feel cared about.”
Eventually, she found that academic excellence was close to home. And it was at a reasonable cost.
“Affordability is still the biggest thing,” she said. “I found my people and got out of college without any debt. That’s pretty cool.”
After graduating in spring 2025, a senior leader reached out to her about a job opening in the Office of Admissions and she is now out recruiting future students.
The sentiment and the student success developed over the past few years are resonating with students like Two Moons, Tuss and Jensen. Fall 2025 enrollment is 4,145 students, up from last fall and the highest since 2019. Of those students, 2,660 are from Yellowstone County and another 1,093 are from other Montana counties, meaning 90.6 percent of MSU Billings students have local roots.
Other data from fall semester reports show:
- American Indian students account for 8.8 percent of the Fall 2025 enrollment and has increased by 14 percent in the past five years.
- Students with military affiliations account for 6.8 percent of the Fall 2025 enrollment, which has increased by about 21 percent from a year ago.
- Full-time students: 1,992
- Part-time students: 2,153
- University Campus students: 2,065
- City College students: 950
- Number of dual enrollment/early high school students: 1,137
- Average age of undergraduate students: 22.9
For a full view of the MSU Billings census data for Fall Semester 2025, see the university’s census webpage.