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Return-to-Learn Scholarship

The Office of Return to Learn offers a variety of program supports and resources that may include a scholarship for students who meet the following criteria. Scholarship recipients will have unlimited access to career coaches, financial coaches, success advisors, free tutoring, and more.

Apply Today to be Considered for a Fall 2026 Scholarship!

Eligibility

Students applying for the scholarship need to meet the criteria below: 

  • Applicant must be seeking their first undergraduate bachelor’s degree or certificate/associate's degree from Gallatin College. 
  • Applicant must be returning to MSU after an absence of at least one semester. 
  • Applicant must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to apply and mustmaintainthe minimum credits for their enrollment throughout the semester. Students may enroll as Part Time (6-11 credits) or Full Time (12+ credits).  

Selection and Awarding

Return-to-Learn Scholarship awards are awarded based on:

  • Your personal growth as demonstrated by your scholarship essays. 
  • Commitment to comply with scholarship requirements and MSU policy.
  • Creating an Academic Success & Career Plan during your first semester back.

If awarded a scholarship, you will receive an offer letter via DocuSign email to the address on the application with instructions on the steps required to receive your award.

To receive award funds, students must: 

  • Sign and accept the DocuSign offer. 
  • Accept the award and write a Thank You letter in the Cat Scholarships portal. 

Once the steps above have been taken, the award will be applied directly to the student’s account. Funds may be used to pay the semester bill or be refunded to cover room/board, books or other related expenses. 

If awarded a scholarship, we will send an offer letter to the email entered on the scholarship application via DocuSign, with additional instructions on steps required to receive your scholarship award.

R2L Scholarship Program Opportunities and Resources  

  • The Return-to-Learn Scholarship offers: 
    • A scholarship award based on the need and merit expressed in the scholarship application and depending on number of credits. 
    • Free tutoring through graduation 
    • Free Career Assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and NACE Competencies. 
    • Events and workshops  
    • A bi-monthly newsletter 
    • Appointments with:  
      • R2L advisors to streamline and improve your academic experiences. 
      • Financial Coaches for support in paying for school and building a strong personal budget that fits your needs. 
      • Career Coaches to improve your resume, interview skills, find mentors and internships and prepare for your career after college. 

R2L and Other Scholarships

The Return-to-Learn Scholarship CAN be combined with Premier Scholarships, Achievement Awards, WUE, outside scholarships, and departmental Cat Scholarships. It can also be combined with military, American Indian, and other tuition waivers. 

The Scholarship CANNOT be combined with: 

  • Hilleman Scholars Program 
  • Montana 10 Scholars Program 
  • 1893 Scholars Program 
  • Montana’s Own Scholars Program.