Are you planning to attend the University of Montana in Missoula? If so, you might be wondering about the cost of living on campus. The average cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at the University of Montana is $5,108 and $3,414 per semester, respectively. However, there are different options available depending on your preferences and budget. In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the dorm costs at the University of Montana, as well as compare them with similar schools in the region.

Dorm Room Options at the University of Montana

The University of Montana offers 10 residence halls for single students, each with its own features and amenities. The residence halls are divided into three areas: Aber Hall, Craig Hall, and Duniway Hall in the East Campus; Elrod Hall, Jesse Hall, Knowles Hall, Miller Hall, Pantzer Hall, and Turner Hall in the West Campus; and Lewis and Clark Village in the South Campus. The residence halls provide furnished rooms, high-speed internet, cable TV, laundry facilities, study lounges, and access to dining centers. Some residence halls also have special features such as fitness centers, music practice rooms, computer labs, and kitchens.

The cost of a dorm room at the University of Montana varies depending on the room type and the residence hall. The table below shows the different room types and their costs per semester for the 2022-2023 academic year.

As you can see, the most affordable option is to share a room with two or three other people. However, if you prefer more privacy and space, you can opt for a single room or a double as single room. The most expensive option is to live in a 4-person suite in Pantzer Hall, which is one of the newest and most modern residence halls on campus.

Meal Plans at the University of Montana

Students living in the residence halls are also required to have a meal plan. The University of Montana offers two types of meal plans: the All-Campus Dining Plan and the Food Zoo Dining Plan. Both plans provide access to all campus dining locations, including the Food Zoo (the main dining center), the Food Court (a fast-casual dining area), Rise+Rooted (a pizza and coffee shop), Iron Griz (a bistro and golf course), The Market (a convenience store), and several coffee shops and cafes.

The All-Campus Dining Plan provides you with a weekly dining fund of $99.75 that is automatically reloaded onto your Griz Card every Monday. You can use this fund to purchase items at any campus dining location, including Food Zoo entry swipes at the residential dining plan rate. The All-Campus Dining Plan also allows you to buy convenience items such as testing supplies, toiletries, and more in the retail locations on campus. The cost of this plan is $3,414 per semester.

The Food Zoo Dining Plan provides you with exclusive access to the Food Zoo, where you can enjoy unlimited buffet-style meals. You can choose between two options: the 19-Meal Plan or the 14-Meal Plan. The 19-Meal Plan gives you access to 19 meals per week at the Food Zoo for $3,414 per semester. The 14-Meal Plan gives you access to 14 meals per week at the Food Zoo for $3,114 per semester. Both plans also include $100 flex dollars per semester that you can use at any campus dining location.

The table below summarizes the different meal plan options and their costs per semester.

As you can see, both types of meal plans have the same cost for the highest option. However, the All-Campus Dining Plan offers more flexibility and variety, while the Food Zoo Dining Plan offers more convenience and value. The best choice depends on your eating habits and preferences.

How Does the University of Montana Compare to Similar Schools?

The University of Montana is one of the leading public universities in the region, offering a wide range of academic programs and student services. However, how does it compare to similar schools in terms of dorm costs? To answer this question, we looked at some of the other public universities in Montana and neighboring states that offer on-campus housing and meal plans. The table below shows the average cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at these schools for the 2022-2023 academic year.

As you can see, the University of Montana has a slightly higher average dorm cost than most of the other schools in the region. However, it also has a slightly lower average meal plan cost. Overall, the University of Montana offers a competitive and reasonable price for on-campus living. Moreover, the University of Montana has some unique features and advantages that make it stand out from the other schools. For example:

• The University of Montana has a beautiful campus that is surrounded by mountains and rivers, offering plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
• The University of Montana has a diverse and inclusive community that celebrates American Indian culture and heritage.
• The University of Montana has a strong academic reputation and offers many programs that are nationally recognized and accredited.
• The University of Montana has a vibrant student life that includes over 150 clubs and organizations, Greek life, intramural and club sports, and varsity teams that compete in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference.
• The University of Montana has a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to campus dining that includes growing its own produce on a 10-acre farm and composting all post-consumer waste.

FAQs

Q: How can I apply for a dorm room at the University of Montana?

A: You can apply for a dorm room at the University of Montana through the online application portal¹. You will need to create an account and fill out the application form. You will also need to pay a $200 prepayment that will be applied toward your housing charge. The application is open throughout the year, but room assignments are made on a first-applied, first-assigned basis. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to secure your preferred room type and residence hall.

Q: What are some tips for saving money on dorm costs at the University of Montana?

A: There are some ways that you can save money on dorm costs at the University of Montana. For example:

• You can choose to share a room with two or three other people instead of opting for a single room or a double as single room. This will reduce your room cost by up to 50%.
• You can choose the Food Zoo 14-Meal Plan instead of the Food Zoo 19-Meal Plan or the All-Campus Dining Plan. This will save you $300 per semester on your meal plan cost.
• You can use your flex dollars wisely and avoid spending them on unnecessary items. You can also take advantage of discounts and promotions offered by campus dining locations.
• You can apply for financial aid and scholarships that can help you cover some or all of your dorm costs. You can also look for part-time jobs or work-study opportunities on or off campus.

Conclusion

The University of Montana is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue their academic goals in a scenic and supportive environment. Living on campus can enhance your college experience by providing you with convenience, comfort, community, and opportunities for personal growth. However, living on campus also comes with a cost that you need to consider and plan for. The average cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at the University of Montana is $5,