Enrollment Up Again

[nicktaber58]

I don’t blame this just on the school. Missoula as a city isn’t viewed as the great place it was in the late 90s and early 2000s. Crime, open drug use, and homelessness is a big turn off. We need to look from the outside in.

There is no question missoula has a somewhat unfavorable view point around the state based on many of these type of issues, including political extremism that doesnt align much around the state. HOWEVER, Bozeman has the same shit (less political extremism). They also have a phenomenally stronger student culture and vibe going currently simply because their enrollment is so much stronger and larger than ours currently.

Missoula has so much more going for it though. Outdoor opportunities equal if not overall better than bozeman, music scene that is FAR better and more robust than bozeman, and much more that needs to be marketed to draw students again.

 

[grizondarez]

I don’t think that’s a big issue. Kids I’ve spoken too, some of which have said they don’t like Bozeman cause it’s crazy expensive and full of snobs, but that they like msu as a school. I don’t hear a lot of people complain about Missoula, but even if they do there’s still ways UM can make themselves attractive.

I have talked to a lot of people/parents in MT cities that think Missoula just isn’t the safest place anymore and it’s going downhill. Some of these people are family that graduated UM. Like I said we need to look from the outside in. We kinda get into a bubble in Missoula.

There is no question missoula has a somewhat unfavorable view point around the state based on many of these type of issues, including political extremism that doesnt align much around the state. HOWEVER, Bozeman has the same shit (less political extremism). They also have a phenomenally stronger student culture and vibe going currently simply because their enrollment is so much stronger and larger than ours currently.

Missoula has so much more going for it though. Outdoor opportunities equal if not overall better than bozeman, music scene that is FAR better and more robust than bozeman, and much more that needs to be marketed to draw students again.

I have lived and worked in both places for a number of years. The only thing we have on them now is maybe the music scene and they are pretty much there. They now have the Elm, Armory, Emerson, Ellen theatre, The Brick fieldhouse sucks, but now they are using the stadium for concerts. Then you have Big Sky, Pine creek, The Old Saloon, Rockin the rivers and Bridger Brewings new venue all a short drive away. My point is that things are booming over there while we are just increasing in steady population with a crime rate of 58.87 vs the 33.37 national average while Bozeman sits at 33.79. People notice these things before they send their kids away to college.
But you are right Nick. We need to market the cool things Missoula has because it truly is a fun place especially for young adults. Maybe it can be turned around? I hope so

 

[grizondarez]

Missoula has a reputation of being the furthest you can go to the left in Montana and Zoomers are generally more conservative than Millennials. Gen Alpha is likely going to be more progressive like millennials and reverse this trend atleast based on politics back to when millennials were in college from the early aughts to the mid 2010s which was when UM and Missoula was thriving in comparison to Bozeman.

Bozeman is pretty progressive these days. Check out their city council.

 

[5280Griz]

I have talked to a lot of people/parents in MT cities that think Missoula just isn’t the safest place anymore and it’s going downhill. Some of these people are family that graduated UM. Like I said we need to look from the outside in. We kinda get into a bubble in Missoula.

I have lived and worked in both places for a number of years. The only thing we have on them now is maybe the music scene and they are pretty much there. They now have the Elm, Armory, Emerson, Ellen theatre, The Brick fieldhouse sucks, but now they are using the stadium for concerts. Then you have Big Sky, Pine creek, The Old Saloon, Rockin the rivers and Bridger Brewings new venue all a short drive away. My point is that things are booming over there while we are just increasing in steady population with a crime rate of 58.87 vs the 33.37 national average while Bozeman sits at 33.79. People notice these things before they send their kids away to college.
But you are right Nick. We need to market the cool things Missoula has because it truly is a fun place especially for young adults. Maybe it can be turned around? I hope so

That’s pretty crazy that the crime rate in Missoula is now significantly higher than the national average. When I lived in Missoula 10 years ago it along with Bozeman definitely felt safer than the national average.

 

[grizfnz]

There is no question missoula has a somewhat unfavorable view point around the state based on many of these type of issues, including political extremism that doesnt align much around the state. HOWEVER, Bozeman has the same shit (less political extremism). They also have a phenomenally stronger student culture and vibe going currently simply because their enrollment is so much stronger and larger than ours currently.

Missoula has so much more going for it though. Outdoor opportunities equal if not overall better than bozeman, music scene that is FAR better and more robust than bozeman, and much more that needs to be marketed to draw students again.

People of Missoula, especially businesses, need to realize that a robust university with a strong enrollment and great athletic programs leads to prosperity in the community. One needs to look no further than the economic study the university put out last year. I heard a statistic several years ago, no idea if it is still true, that 2/3 of football season ticket holders come from outside a 200 mile radius of Missoula. We’ve been making the drive from Washington since 1997 and have missed maybe 6 games.

 

[UMGriz26]

I don’t buy the political excuse even for a second. A small minority of families may be turned off, sure. Two things offset that concern. (1)- Bozeman is just as liberal; (2)- college students are young people, ya know, a very liberal demographic.. This is just people on the opposite side of the aisle looking for a scapegoat. The real and true problems lie with this administration and their persistent lack of recruitment efforts, their complacency, and their pretty poor program cutting decisions.

The new president needs to be forward thinking. Prioritize programs that will soar with technological advancement (namely A.I). Prioritize social media outreach. And get out into these Montana communities and make our presence known.

 

[rgrizfan]

Guys. We have to quit lying to ourselves. Our enrollment numbers are absolutely red alert awful currently. For the sake of the future of our UM, we absolutely need our new president to understand how poorly these numbers actually are.

Are they moving in the right direction?

 

[Griz til I die]

Are they moving in the right direction?

Ya but not fast enough. We need to see bigger results rather than these small incremental increases.

 

[nicktaber58]

Ya but not fast enough. We need to see bigger results rather than these small incremental increases.

How can you say "ya"? Freshman enrollment dropped 18% from last year. We are not moving un the rught direction. Understand, the overall number is **slightly** up, but they're scratching and clawing every last number they can bring in (msla college ect).

Again, our grad school numbers are reasonable. But our metric of success should start and end with full time undergrad enrollment. This is the heartbeat of the campus, and the heartbeat, and the heartbeat of the vibe in this town. And it is absolutely abysmal and not turning a corner.

 

[nicktaber58]

I don’t buy the political excuse even for a second. A small minority of families may be turned off, sure. Two things offset that concern. (1)- Bozeman is just as liberal; (2)- college students are young people, ya know, a very liberal demographic.. This is just people on the opposite side of the aisle looking for a scapegoat. The real and true problems lie with this administration and their persistent lack of recruitment efforts, their complacency, and their pretty poor program cutting decisions.

The new president needs to be forward thinking. Prioritize programs that will soar with technological advancement (namely A.I). Prioritize social media outreach. And get out into these Montana communities and make our presence known.

You can buy it or not, but you're burying your head in the sand if you think its not reality. Bozeman in no way shape or form has the same reputation in this regard statewide as missoula. It definitely can be overcome, and doesnt not mean we need to lose our identity... its always been known for its funk. Lean into its funk, own the arts, culture and music we're known for, and recruit to it.

 

[nicktaber58]

People of Missoula, especially businesses, need to realize that a robust university with a strong enrollment and great athletic programs leads to prosperity in the community. One needs to look no further than the economic study the university put out last year. I heard a statistic several years ago, no idea if it is still true, that 2/3 of football season ticket holders come from outside a 200 mile radius of Missoula. We’ve been making the drive from Washington since 1997 and have missed maybe 6 games.

Absolutely agree, and especially the new president needs to understand the importance of overall enrollment and athletics success in the prosperity of the community.

 

[mthoopsfan]

I don’t buy the political excuse even for a second. A small minority of families may be turned off, sure. Two things offset that concern. (1)- Bozeman is just as liberal; (2)- college students are young people, ya know, a very liberal demographic.. This is just people on the opposite side of the aisle looking for a scapegoat. The real and true problems lie with this administration and their persistent lack of recruitment efforts, their complacency, and their pretty poor program cutting decisions.

The new president needs to be forward thinking. Prioritize programs that will soar with technological advancement (namely A.I). Prioritize social media outreach. And get out into these Montana communities and make our presence known.

Bodnar and his people did a very good job with recruitment and there was no complacency whatsoever. You either weren't paying attention or are just biased. Enrollment numbers reversed after Bodnar arrived, and have continued to go up.

 

[nicktaber58]

Bodnar and his people did a very good job with recruitment and there was no complacency whatsoever. You either weren't paying attention or are just biased. Enrollment numbers reversed after Bodnar arrived, and have continued to go up.

Freshman enrollment went down 18% last Fall. The only numbers sustaining us are grad school numbers and missoula college. Full time undergrad numbers are abysmal, and frosh enrollment was absolutely alarming this past fall.

 

[mthoopsfan]

This is what Gemini AI says about Missoula violent crime rate, which has been high for many years.

While Missoula is often ranked among Montana's more vibrant cities, it has historically struggled with a violent crime rate that exceeds both state and national averages. As of early 2026, data suggests that while overall crime trends have seen some decreases, specific localized factors keep Missoula's rates elevated.

The "high" rate is driven by a combination of socioeconomic pressures, reporting patterns, and a specific prevalence of certain crime categories.

---

1. High Rates of Assault and Family Violence​

The bulk of Missoula’s violent crime statistics is driven by aggravated and simple assaults, rather than homicides.

• Domestic Violence: Local officials, including the Missoula County Attorney’s Office, consistently report that family violence is the most common category of violent crime in the area.
  
  
  
  
• Relationship to Alcohol: Montana consistently ranks high for alcohol-related incidents. Many violent encounters in Missoula are classified as "situational," often occurring between people who know each other and involving alcohol or substance use.

2. The Drug Nexus (Methamphetamine and Opioids)​

Substance abuse is a primary engine for violent crime in Missoula.

• Methamphetamine: Law enforcement has identified meth trafficking as a significant driver of robberies and assaults. Though programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods have targeted dealers, the "demand" remains a persistent issue.
  
  
  
  
• Recent Shifts: There has been a recorded increase in the seizure of heroin and stimulants, which creates a "nexus" where drug distribution leads to increased violence, including weapon-related assaults and intimidation.

3. Socioeconomic Strains & "Deaths of Despair"​

Missoula has faced a severe cost-of-living crisis over the last several years, with housing prices rising significantly faster than local wages.

• Housing Pressure: This financial strain contributes to what sociologists call "deaths of despair" and associated crimes—alcohol abuse, domestic disputes, and mental health crises that often escalate into reportable violent incidents.
• Population Growth: Rapid growth without a corresponding increase in social services can lead to higher friction in urban centers compared to more stable rural areas.

4. Reporting and Data Accuracy​

Missoula has been more proactive than many other Montana jurisdictions in adopting the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

• Transparency: Higher "rates" can sometimes reflect better reporting and a more engaged police department rather than a purely more dangerous environment.
• The "University Factor": As a college town, Missoula has higher reporting of sexual assaults and alcohol-related incidents compared to smaller, more conservative towns where such crimes may go underreported.

 

[uofmman1122]

You can buy it or not, but you're burying your head in the sand if you think its not reality. Bozeman in no way shape or form has the same reputation in this regard statewide as missoula. It definitely can be overcome, and doesnt not mean we need to lose our identity... its always been known for its funk. Lean into its funk, own the arts, culture and music we're known for, and recruit to it.

It really has nothing to do with it outside some isolated examples. Bozeman is much more liberal now than it was back when we were dominating enrollment, and Missoula doesn't have the same hippy reputation it did at that same time.

It has everything to do with perceptions of each school. MSU is seen as the best school in the state by Montanans and out-of-staters, regardless of whether that's actually true major to major. Missoula is just flat out a more interesting and fun town to be a college student in, but that can't overcome the last 15 years of institutional reputational rot we've gone through and the surge of momentum the neighbors have experienced.

You're 100% right that the new leadership needs to figure out how to fight against this stigma directly, because I don't feel like we've done enough on that front over Bodnar's term.

 

[nicktaber58]

It really has nothing to do with it outside some isolated examples. Bozeman is much more liberal now than it was back when we were dominating enrollment, and Missoula doesn't have the same hippy reputation it did at that same time.

It has everything to do with perceptions of each school. MSU is seen as the best school in the state by Montanans and out-of-staters, regardless of whether that's actually true major to major. Missoula is just flat out a more interesting and fun town to be a college student in, but that can't overcome the last 15 years of institutional reputational rot we've gone through and the surge of momentum the neighbors have experienced.

You're 100% right that the new leadership needs to figure out how to fight against this stigma directly, because I don't feel like we've done enough on that front over Bodnar's term.

Agreed. Missoula has everything it needs to get back to being the premier school in the region and retain its historical position as the most robust student enrollment in the state. Just needs to be marketed as such.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Freshman enrollment went down 18% last Fall. The only numbers sustaining us are grad school numbers and missoula college. Full time undergrad numbers are abysmal, and frosh enrollment was absolutely alarming this past fall.

Okay, but numbers are still up. And retention is also very important and that has continued to be good. What got MSU going was attracting out of state students. More students and higher per capital revenue. Frosh in fall 2024 was a record and part of a multi-year upward trend, I believe. Frosh were down 236, from prior fall 1450. After 2 low years, Bodnar, who came in 2018, got the decline in the 2010's stopped and things going up with enrollment, even though last fall was way down.

Fall Term	Freshman Enrollment	Annual Change	Context
2025	1,214	-16.3%	Impact of national FAFSA delays
2024	1,450	+5.6%	9-year record high
2023	1,373	+6.9%	Sustained post-COVID recovery
2022	1,284	+0.6%	Stabilization of incoming classes
2021	1,276	+30.0%	Major rebound after pandemic lows
2020	982	-8.5%	Pandemic-era low point
2019	1,073	-14.2%	Period of administrative transition
2018	1,250	-1.5%	Shift in recruitment strategy
2017	1,269	+0.1%	Brief plateau in enrollment
2016	1,268	-9.3%	Continued decline from 2010 peaks

 

[nicktaber58]

Okay, but numbers are still up. And retention is also very important and that has continued to be good. What got MSU going was attracting out of state students. More students and higher per capital revenue. Frosh in fall 2024 was a record and part of a multi-year upward trend, I believe. Frosh were down 236, from prior fall 1450. After 2 low years, Bodnar, who came in 2018, got the decline in the 2010's stopped and things going up with enrollment, even though last fall was way down.

Fall Term	Freshman Enrollment	Annual Change	Context
2025	1,214	-16.3%	Impact of national FAFSA delays
2024	1,450	+5.6%	9-year record high
2023	1,373	+6.9%	Sustained post-COVID recovery
2022	1,284	+0.6%	Stabilization of incoming classes
2021	1,276	+30.0%	Major rebound after pandemic lows
2020	982	-8.5%	Pandemic-era low point
2019	1,073	-14.2%	Period of administrative transition
2018	1,250	-1.5%	Shift in recruitment strategy
2017	1,269	+0.1%	Brief plateau in enrollment
2016	1,268	-9.3%	Continued decline from 2010 peaks

MSU is dominating um on in state recruiting. AND theyre doing a great job out of state. MSUs Montana freshman enrollment only was more than UMs TOTAL freshman enrollment last Fall! Theybare dominating us in state. And sadly, I keep hearing about local families getting WAY more love and attention from msu for their children going through the college recruiting process.

I only say this because I know our potential and capacity. When I was in school in the early 2000s, our enrollment was way higher than msu, college campus and college life was electric, and missoula was rockin. We can get back there!!

 

[UMGriz26]

Bodnar and his people did a very good job with recruitment and there was no complacency whatsoever. You either weren't paying attention or are just biased. Enrollment numbers reversed after Bodnar arrived, and have continued to go up.

I don’t dispute the overall growth seen under Bodnar. I think our graduate schools and the Missoula college are in a good spot. Undergrad is, admittedly, in a better spot than it was a decade ago. That said, it’s simply not good enough. Freshman enrollment is down this year. It’s actually easy to park on campus, for the first year in a very long time, despite the removal of two lots in recent years for dorm construction and for the museum.

Bodnar did a good job of mitigation and recovery. The next Pres needs to do more for growth of our undergrad programs. I do think we have some complacency. Some members of this admin seem to expect fans to accept playing second fiddle in our own state, simply b/c we went 13-2. I’ll point you directly to a University administrator telling fans to “touch grass” after those fans expressed discontent (and asked for next steps) post Brawl 2.0. That is unacceptable, period.

 

[grizfnz]

I’ve heard there’s been a significant increase in PLS applicants at the DHC. While those who receive the award won’t be paying for school, it shows that interest in the University is trending upward.