Fee Schedule Explanations

Tuition and fees are subject to change by authorization of the Board of Regents of Higher Education.  Questions on current fees should be directed to the MSU Billings Business Office at (406) 657-2140 or in McMullen Hall ground floor.  Comprehensive tuition & fee tables are also available under Student Account Info.

A student paying for 12 credits in a semester can enroll in additional courses for no additional tuition/fees.  This is referred to as the “flat spot” in the Tuition and Fee Schedule.

Tuition and fees for graduate studies, extended studies, summer session, workshops, and conferences may be in addition to or in lieu of the required fees.  Please consult the publications pertaining to the special session, course, workshop or conference to determine those fees.

Required Tuition and Fees Per Semester

Registration Fee

A $30.00 nonrefundable fee is assessed each enrolled student per semester.

Tuition Fee

Students are charged tuition each semester to pay for the delivery of the education they are receiving.  Resident students are subsidized by the State of Montana and pay a reduced tuition rate.

Associated Students Activity Fee & Recreational Activity Fee

Student Activity Fees support University and City College clubs, organizations, student publications/podcasts, student services and activities.  Recreational Activity Fee is used to operate the Recreation Center, swimming pool, intermural programs along with student wellness and safety programs for both University/City College campuses. DistanceOnline Programs only students outside of the following counties DO NOT pay this fee:  Yellowstone, Carbon, Treasure, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Stillwater, and Bighorn.

Academic Building Fee

Academic Building funds generated from this fee are used to pay a portion of costs of repair, maintenance, and operation of state owned buildings on campus.

Resident and Nonresident Building Renewal and Replacement Fee 

Resident and non resident students are charged building fees for the building, replacement, maintenance and operations of campus structures.

Equipment Renewal and Replacement Fee

Enrolled students are assessed an Equipment Renewal and Replacement Fee each semester.  This fee is for the purchase, lease, and maintenance of equipment which provide a primary benefit to education programs.

Student Union Fee

Each semester students are assessed a fee pledged for operations of the Student Union. 

Computer Fee

Students are assessed a computer fee to cover the expense of student used computer equipment and labs.

Athletic Fee

This fee entitles students to athletic events and supports athletic facilities and operations.  Online programs only students outside of the following counties DO NOT pay this fee:  Yellowstone, Carbon, Treasure, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Stillwater, and Bighorn.

Library/Assessment Fee

All students are assessed a Library/Assessment fee.  Funds generated from this fee are used for the purchase of new and replacement books, periodicals, and assessment tools.

Academic Support Center Fee

All students are assessed a per credit Academic Support Center fee.

Technology Replacement Fee

All students are assessed a technology replacement fee.  This fee is used to support the information technology infrastructure.  All students accessing email or the web are utilizing and benefiting from the tech replacement fee.

Comprehensive Health Plan

Student health coverage consists of two parts:

Health Service Fee

All students are entitled to services provided by the Student Health Center.  Students enrolled in 7 or more credits are charged a mandatory fee.  Students enrolled for six credit hours or less may have the benefits of the Health Center services by electing coverage and paying the health service fee.  Online programs only students outside of the following counties DO NOT pay this fee:  Yellowstone, Carbon, Treasure, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Stillwater, and Bighorn.

Student Health Insurance Premium

All students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours will be automatically enrolled in the student health insurance plan and assessed the health insurance premium.  Students covered by other health plans may waive this fee through secure web site prior to the 15th class day.

Additional Information Regarding Fees

Withdrawing from All Classes and Refunds

The following refund schedule applies to the standard semester format.  For courses taught in nonstandard format such as Intersession, and special workshops, there are no refunds after the first day the class meets.  See the Summer Session catalog for information regarding the refund policy during summer.

1.  Registration and Installment Contract fees are nonrefundable.

2.  90 percent of all remaining mandatory fees will be refunded to the end of the fifth classroom day.

3.  75 percent of all remaining mandatory fees will be refunded to the end of the 10th classroom day.

4.  50 percent of all remaining mandatory fees will be refunded to the end of the 15th classroom day.

5.  Refunds will not be made after the 15th day of classes.  Exceptions to this may occur in the case of financial aid students subject to the federal pro rata refund policy.

6.  Refunds are determined as of the day the student officially withdraws from university and not from the date of last class attendance.

7.  Classroom days are determined by the college calendar—not by student’s class schedules.

MSU Billings students receiving Title IV funds and who officially or unofficially withdraw or are expelled, up to the 60% point of the semester, may be required to return federal funds.  Students may also be entitled to a post withdrawal refund up to the 60% point of the semester.  Copies of the Federal Title IV policy may be obtained at the MSU Billings Financial Aid Office.

Financial aid recipients will not receive refunds until their financial aid is repaid (Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, SSIG Grant, Perkins Loan, FFEL Loans, fee waivers, and some scholarships).  If the refund is insufficient to repay the financial aid programs, students will be billed for the over-awards.

Students who owe over-award repayments to any federal aid programs cannot receive future financial aid until repayment is made in full.

Changes in Credit Load After Payment of Fees

Students adding classes after payment of fees are required to pay additional fees created by the change in credit load.  Payment for these charges is immediately due.

Students dropping classes (but not withdrawing) will receive a 100 percent refund on classes dropped before the end of the 15th classroom day.  Dropped class refunds will process after the 15th classroom day.  Students will be assessed a $5.00 drop fee for each class dropped.

Payment of Fees

Financial Aid students must pay for fees prior to the first day of classes.  Student’s financial aid will be applied to the account. Students with excess aid will be issued a refund prior to the first day of classes.  Call Business Services at (406) 657-2140 for details.

Payment may be made by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) in person, by mail, or via the internet through the student secure website and selecting the student online payment option.

Fees may be paid after courses are selected.  To avoid a $40.00 late registration charge, fees must be paid by the posted date as indicated in the academic calendar.  Fees may be paid by mail.  Fee statements are available through the Quikpay tab located at the bottom of the web bill in the myinfo portal.

Students may elect to pay semester fees in installments.  Fall and Spring payment contracts requires approximately 1/4 down, 1/4 within 30 days, 1/4 within 60 days, and 1/4 within 90 days.  Summer payment contract method requires approximately 1/3 down by the first date of summer semester, 1/3 on June 1, and 1/3 on July 1.  A $30.00 non refundable administrative charge is assessed to students using the installment method.  Students not paying in accordance with the terms of the deferred payment contract will be charged a $15.00 late payment fee per installment, and may have their enrollment canceled.

A student who withdraws from the university with an installment contract not paid in full will receive a refund (if available) after the payment contract has been satisfied. Withdrawal from the University does not void the contract and the University refund policy will be followed. A late payment fee per installment will be charged.

Non-Payment of Fees

Persons who owe Montana State University Billings fees, fines or other charges will not be permitted to (1) receive academic credit or grades; (2) register; (3) secure a transcript, diploma, or other record; or, (4) access any MSU Billings facilities or services, regardless of the relationship there of to the amount owed, until the full amount due has been paid or satisfactorily adjusted with Business Services. All legal means will be used to collect unpaid loans. Collection fees may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33% of the debt, and all other expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees the University incurs in collection efforts. MSU Billings shall have the right to apply any portion of any amount it may owe such individual for any reason, including wages, to payment of the balance owed MSU Billings.

Other Fees

Late Registration Fee

A nonrefundable fee of $40.00 is payable by all students who do not pay during the designated fee payment period unless late payment is due to the fault of Montana State University Billings.  Checks returned to Montana State University Billings for insufficient funds during the designated fee period will be charged to the student account offering the check in payment of fees. Late registration fees are applied to student accounts enrolled in six or less credit hours beginning the second week of classes.

Audit Fee

Students who elect to audit a course must pay the normal per credit hour fee as outlined in the student fee schedule.

Listening Fee

Any person not otherwise enrolled, and who does not want to register in a course for college credit, may with instructor approval enroll upon payment of a $35.00 per class.  Listening fees are nonrefundable.

Application Fee

A $30.00 nonrefundable application fee is assessed to each person applying for admission for the first time as an undergraduate student.  Normally, this fee applies only to the period for which the person is making initial application at the undergraduate level.  If the applicant is accepted and does not register, admission to MSU Billings is cancelled.  The applicant has one calendar year from the semester of initial application to apply for readmission without paying an additional application fee.  After one year, the $30.00 application fee is re-assessed. A $40.00 application fee is assessed for a graduate program, the same restrictions apply.

Continuing Education Fees

A minimum of $70.00 per semester credit hour is charged for continuing education courses.  Individual course fees vary.

Course-Related Fees

Several Montana State University Billings courses require additional fees.  Examples of these are art classes, science labs, or field trips.  Some practicum and internship classes require an extra fee for professional liability insurance. A complete schedule of course-related fees is available. 

Electronically Mediated Course Fees

Interactive television courses and online courses are assessed additional fees per credit hour.  Electronic mediated fees are non-returnable after the 5th classroom day.

Graduation Fee

A nonrefundable fee is assessed per degree for each graduate application.  Call Admissions and Records (406-657-2158) for details.

Transcript Fee

Students may receive one free official transcript.  Each official transcript thereafter costs a minimal fee.  Call Admissions and Records (406-657-2158).

Parking Fees

MSU Billings provides parking for all students for a fee.  All vehicles parked on University properties must display a current MSUB parking permit, as specified in MSUB's Parking Regulations. Students may purchase permits on-line in the Parking Services tab in their Secure Area. Permits are also available at the University Police & Parking office from 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday.  The UPP office is located in the southwest corner of the parking garage on Poly Drive.

Residence Halls Meal Plan

All students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan each semester. Check online for Meal Plan Options and Frequently Asked Questions.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

Montana State University Billings participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and other western states.  Through WUE, students from Alaska, Oregon, California, Colorado, Nevada, South Dakota, Hawaii, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming may enroll in degree programs paying resident tuition plus 50 percent of that amount (plus all other mandetory fees).  Students should be aware the Montana Board of Regents may change regulations concerning Montana’s participation in the WUE Program.  Students can contact the Office of Admissions and Records at MSU Billings, (406) 657-2158 or 1-800-565-MSUB for more information.

Determination of Resident Fee Status

The Montana University System classifies all applicants for admission as either in-state or out-of-state.  The basic rules for making the classification are found in Board of Regent’s policy.  It is each student’s responsibility to secure and review a copy of the policy.  Failure to be aware of the rules will not be cause for granting exceptions to them.  A copy of the policy is available from the Office of Admissions and Records at Montana State University Billings.  Each residency determination is based on the unique set of facts found in each individual’s case.  If students have questions regarding their case, they should contact the Office of Admissions and Records.

Dishonored Check Policy

An administrative service charge of $25.00 is assessed each time a check is returned by a bank.  Any check tendered in payment of fees and returned by a bank may result in the postponement of a student’s registration and/or the assessment of the late registration fee.