Admission Requirements

Great Falls College is open admission. The only academic requirement is students must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a high school equivalency (per Montana Board of Regent policy 301 IB).

All students must apply for admission, be accepted to the college, have a completed admissions file and complete online orientation prior to registration in courses. Please note that any documents submitted to the College during the admissions process become the property of GFC MSU, and will remain a part of the student’s admission and/or conduct file.

Admissions Steps to Complete before Course Registration:

1. Complete an Application for Admission. 
2. Complete your Admissions File.
3. Complete Online Orientation.

1. Complete an Application for Admission: 

Applications for admission may be submitted by clicking on the application link above. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with an Admissions Representative if they have questions. Admissions Representatives can be reached at 406-268-3700 or you can schedule an appointment. 

• Per the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education Policy 940.2, GFC MSU may charge a non-refundable application fee of $30.

2. Complete your Admissions File:

A. Provide proof of completion of high school or equivalency.

1. Applicants to any program must submit copies of high school transcripts, high school diploma, HiSET/GED scores or copy of HiSET/GED diploma/certificate to Admissions. These records must be final and include the completion/graduation date. High schools must be accredited by the appropriate state office of public instruction.

High school equivalency may also be met if a student has successfully completed* college-level coursework** at an appropriately-accredited institution.  Official transcripts must be provided***.

*successfully completed coursework means earning a grade of C- or higher

**college-level coursework must have been completed after earning a high school diploma or GED/HiSET.

***please see section about official transcript

2. Home school students must furnish the same application materials as other applicants. If their diploma has not been issued by an accredited home school academy, then they must submit a diploma or final school transcript that is signed by the primary (home) instructor and notarized by an external entity. Home school academies must be accredited by the appropriate state office of public instruction.

B. Furnish immunization records: In order to be in compliance with Administrative Rules of Montana, students taking seven (7) or more credits OR enrolled in a certificate/degree/transfer program must submit proof of TWO vaccinations against measles (rubeola) AND TWO against rubella (German measles). Students must provide documentation that meets the following requirements:

• Two doses started after 12 months of age
• Must be at least 28 days between dose 1 and 2
• Can be as combined (MMR-Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or individual vaccines (Two Measles (Rubeola) and Two Rubella (German Measles)
• No measles vaccination given before 1967 is valid and no rubella vaccination given before 1969 is valid.
• Students born prior to January 1, 1957 are not required to submit documentation of immunization.

Official documentation must include the student’s name and date of birth. Types of official documentation include:

• Immunization record from doctor’s office
• State-certificate of immunization
• Record of immunizations from county health department
• High school transcript including immunizations
• Military immunization record
• Yellow Card immunization booklet
• Childhood immunization booklet
• Lab results of titers showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella

Students can submit blood draw (Titer test) results proving immunity for BOTH measles and rubella; or submit documentation (including dates of illness) of having contracted measles and rubella.

• Students are authorized to file a medical or religious exemption. Contact Admissions for the exemption form. 

C. Demonstrate readiness for college math and writing: Math and writing readiness is used to ensure placement into appropriate courses. Learn more about readiness.                             

• Math readiness: Students are required to provide proof of math readiness in order to complete their admissions file and move to advising and registration.
• Writing readiness: Students are encouraged to provide proof of writing readiness but it is not required to complete their admissions file.
• Students can provide proof of readiness by the methods below.

1. Students may take the Accuplacer placement assessment (for a fee) at Great Falls College MSU Testing Center. Accuplacer math scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. Accuplacer writing scores are valid for 10 years from the test date. Students are encouraged to prepare for the Accuplacer before scheduling their assessment. Learn more and schedule your assessment here. 

a. If you live outside of Great Falls, remote testing is available – contact the Testing Center for more information at etesting@gfcmsu.edu or 406.268.3711.

b. Special arrangements can be made for those applicants who take a placement test at Great Falls College MSU and who have a documented permanent or temporary disability.

2. Students may submit their ACT or SAT scores. Students may choose to have their ACT or SAT scores sent to the College when they test or provide copies of scores. ACT/SAT math scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. ACT/SAT writing scores are valid for 10 years from the test date. See more information about the ACT.  See more information about the SAT.  

3. Students may submit HiSET scores. HiSET math scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. HiSET writing scores are valid for 10 years from the test date. See information about the HiSET here. 

4. Successful completion of math and writing (within 15 years) at a previous institution may be used for placement. This can be provided via official or unofficial transcripts, as long as the student and institution names are on the documentation. Successfully completed coursework means earning a grade of C- or higher.

*Note about official transcripts:

• Official college transcripts must be issued directly from the college or university and must be sent directly to Great Falls College MSU. 
• An OFFICIAL [paper] transcript is printed on special, watermarked paper. Official paper transcripts are sent in a sealed, signature-stamped envelope.
• An electronic transcript is considered OFFICIAL if the intended party is the direct email recipient. If emailed to the requestor, then forwarded, it is then considered UNOFFICIAL.
• An electronic transcript which is printed then re-scanned in an email is considered UNOFFICIAL.

3. Complete Online Orientation All applicants must complete an online orientation prior to scheduling an advising appointment and registering for classes. The Admissions office will provide instructions about orientation once your admission file is complete.

Admission Types

First Time/Freshman Students

First Time/Freshman Students are degree seeking students, who have never attended college before* or have less than 12 credits of successful college level coursework that was not taken through dual enrollment. They are required to complete all admission requirements listed above.

*Even if you have completed dual enrollment courses, you are still considered a first-time student.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are required to complete all admission requirements listed above.  In addition, credits from other appropriately-accredited institution may be accepted as they apply to the established course requirements of Great Falls College MSU under the following guidelines:

• The transferring student must initiate the request for evaluation of credit during the admission procedure by furnishing an official transcript from the transferring institution(s) and the necessary materials, including copies of the appropriate catalog descriptions or course syllabi to the Registrar's Office. Official transcripts must be issued directly from the college or university, must be official, sealed documents, and must be sent directly to the following address:
  Office of the Registrar
  Great Falls College Montana State University
  2100 16th Ave S
  Great Falls, MT 59405
• Grades less than a “C-” for previous course work will not be considered for transfer credit. Course work taken more than 5 years prior to transfer request may not be accepted. If transfer credit cannot be granted, the student has the option of challenging a course or courses through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy 306.1.
• Transfer credit will be accepted only as it applies to the student’s declared program of study.
• Students will be awarded a certificate/degree upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements, provided 25% of the credits required in the degree- related program have been completed at Great Falls College MSU.
• Transfer credit will be posted on the transcript for accepted transferred course work.
• Transfer grades are not figured in the grade point average (GPA).
• Students who wish to appeal a decision regarding acceptance of transfer credit should contact the Registrar's Office to receive information on the appeal process. Students may be asked to provide course descriptions and/or syllabi for an appeal.
• For more information on transfer work: http://catalog.gfcmsu.edu/student-services/admissions/transfer-from-other-institutions/
• Transfer applicants may be admitted on academic warning based upon their academic standing at previous institutions.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree seeking students must complete and submit the Application for Admission. For students taking courses with prerequisite requirements, an appropriate placement exam score, a challenge exam, or transcripts demonstrating successful completion of prerequisite courses will be required. Non-degree students wishing to take more than 6 credits will be required to provide proof of immunization as listed above. Please note that non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.

Dual Enrollment Early Admission Students

High school students (age 16 or junior status) may be admitted and allowed to register for college-level courses provided they are academically prepared. This admission requires that the high school counselor or principal approve participation of a student in the college level courses. Additionally, students not yet 18 years of age must provide parental approval. Course records for students will be entered and maintained on a Great Falls College MSU transcript. For more information about dual enrollment, see https://gfcmsu.edu/home/admissions/dual-enrollment/.

Non-immigrant Foreign Students

Great Falls College MSU is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign students. Each non-immigrant foreign student is required to follow the steps outlined below.

The following must be submitted to make an admissions decision:

1. Completed Application for Admissions and non-refundable $30 application fee (paid in U.S. currency).
2. Proof of high school completion or college credit completion. 
   1. High school diploma or transcript showing proof of completion of the equivalent of an American high school education with satisfactory grades. 
   2. If the student has successfully completed college credits (after high school), they may satisfy this requirement by providing an official transcript(s) issued directly from the institution(s). 
3. Note: Great Falls College does not perform internal translations/evaluations of international transcripts for any individuals. If a high school or college transcript is not in English, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange and pay for translation and evaluation through one of the third-party evaluation agencies. Agencies approved for evaluation may be found here. Students must also arrange to have the official evaluation sent directly to the college from the agency.
4. International Student Financial Certificate and bank or financial statement showing the ability to pay one year of expenses (tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board). 
5. Color copy of passport.
6. Copy of any current Visa or other immigration documents.
7. Proof of English proficiency.
   1. If the student does not meet an exemption* for proof of English proficiency, they may demonstrate proficiency by obtaining a minimum required score on an English proficiency examination OR successfully completing an intensive English program. *Exemptions from providing proof of English proficiency are listed at the above link.
8. Furnish Immunization Records: See Immunization section above.

Once the above items are received, the admission file will be reviewed and an admissions decision made. Successful candidates will be sent a letter of acceptance. Great Falls College will work with Montana State University (Bozeman) to issue an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for non-immigrant F-1 status to apply for a Visa. The student is responsible for paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and securing their student Visa.

Prior to academic advising and course registration:

1. Required
   1. provide proof of readiness for college level math. Students must submit copies of placement testing (Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT taken within the past 5 years) or submit college transfer work showing proof of successful completion of math. 
   2. complete the online orientation.
2. Optional
   1. provide college transcripts. If the student would like previous college credits to be evaluated for use at Great Falls College, they must send official transcripts from each institution.

Re-Admission to the College

Students who have previously attended Great Falls College MSU must complete an Application for re-admission if they have been absent for one semester, excluding summer. Admissions documents are kept for only 5 years from the last year attended. Students applying for re-admission 5 years or more from last date of attendance will need to provide the required admissions documents.

Re-admitted students must follow the graduation requirements for the catalog under which they are re-admitted. Previously earned credits will be evaluated on the basis of the current degree or certificate requirements. Credits earned 5 or more calendar years earlier will be reviewed by the appropriate Division Director, program director and/or Registrar, who may require repetition of any course in which the content has substantially changed. Re-admitted students will be required to go through the new student registration processes.

Returning after academic suspension 

Those students applying for Re-Admission after serving at least one term of academic suspension must complete an Admissions Academic Progress Appeal Form along with the Application for Admission. Such appeals will be reviewed by the Registrar’s Appeal Committee before the student is informed in writing of the re-admission decision.

Returning from an approved leave of absence (military or other extenuating circumstances)

Students may sometimes face circumstances that prevent them from staying enrolled. Those who leave in good academic standing can simply complete the re-admissions process when they return. However, students who wish to return under the same academic catalog and be re-admitted to a competitive program must request an approved leave of absence before leaving. Students taking a leave due to military service or other extenuating circumstances must follow the steps outlined below.

Re-Admission Process for Active Military Students

Scope and Purpose

In accordance with federal regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.18 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Great Falls College (GFC) will promptly re-admit service members who seek re-admission to a program that was interrupted due to a uniformed service obligation.

Eligibility

The following applies to:

Service members who are unable to attend classes due to military service lasting more than 30 days

A student is eligible if, during an absence, the student performs uniformed service, voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training or full-time National Guard (under federal authority). The cumulative length of all absences for uniformed service (service time only) must not exceed five years.

Notification of Military Service and Intent to Return to School

The student must notify Great Falls College of their military service and intention to return to the college as follows:

Notification of Military Service - The student must give oral or written notice of such service to the GFC Registrar’s office as far in advance as possible, unless precluded by military necessity. This notice does not have to indicate whether the student intends to return to GFC. A form for written notice may be obtained from the student’s academic advisor.

Notification of Intent to Return – Once military service is completed; the student must give oral or written notice to the GFC Registrar’s office of an intent to return. Notice, with appropriate documentation, must be given within three years of service completion. Service members must provide documentation to establish that: the service member has not exceeded the cumulative five-year limit on absences from the institution AND the service member eligibility for Re-Admission has not been terminated.

A student who fails to apply for re-admission within these periods does not automatically forfeit eligibility for re-admission but is subject to the school’s established general practices.

Re-Admission Requirements

Great Falls College will promptly re-admit the student into the next class or classes in the program beginning after they provide Notice of Intent to Return, unless they request a later date or unusual circumstances require Great Falls College to admit them later.

Great Falls College will admit the student with the same academic status, which means:

• To the same program to which the student was last admitted or, if that exact program is no longer offered, the program that is most like that program, unless they choose a different program
• At the same enrollment status, unless the student wants to enroll at a different enrollment status
• With the same number of credit hours previously completed, unless the student is re-admitted to a different program to which the completed credit hours are not transferable
• With the same academic standing the student previously had

The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from the school for military service may not exceed five (5) years. Only the time the student spends performing service is counted.

If Great Falls College determines that a returning student is not prepared to resume the program or is unable to complete the program, the College must make reasonable efforts to enable the student to resume or complete the program at no additional cost to the student. If such efforts are unsuccessful or place an undue hardship on Great Falls College, the College is not required to re-admit the student.

In accordance with federal regulations, returning students who receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) are not eligible for re-admission under this program. However, service members who receive dishonorable or bad conduct discharge may remain eligible for re-admission even though they will not be entitled to the benefits outlined in this policy.

Tuition and Fees

A returning student must be charged the same tuition and fees in effect during the last academic year the student attended unless veterans’ education benefits or other service member education benefits will pay the amount in excess. For subsequent academic years, the returning student may not be charged tuition and fees more than what other students in the program are charged.

Re-Admission Process

When the student is prepared to re-enroll at Great Falls College, they should follow the process for other returning students outlined on the website. If there are any questions or issues with the process they should contact the Office of Admissions.

Re-Admission Process for other extenuating circumstances

The student should:

1. Contact the Executive Director of Student Services (406-771-5123) to schedule an appointment.
2. Meet with the Executive Director of Student Services to discuss process and eligibility requirements.
3. Submit a Leave of Absence application and supporting documentation.

• Within 4-6 weeks of submitting the complete application and required documentation, the student will receive an email notifying of approval or denial and the details of their Leave of Absence. 
• When a student chooses to return to Great Falls College after a Leave of Absence, they will complete the Application for Re-Admission and indicate on the application that they have an approved Leave of Absence on file.