Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky

Student Loan Assistance Program

Montana Agriculture Student Loan Assistance Program

mortar-board-moneyThis program was developed to encourage Montana’s college-educated youth to pursue a primary career in farming or ranching; reduce financial stress on Montana’s farm and ranch operators; and promote succession planning to preserve interest in Montana’s agricultural future. Successful applicants may receive loan assistance for up to five years for qualified education loans.

A qualified farmer or rancher is eligible for student loan assistance for up to a maximum of five years. The total amount of loan repayment assistance may not exceed 50% of the total amount of educational loans outstanding. The minimum award amount under this program is $5,000 dispersed over a five-year period. 

An applicant must:
  • be a Montana resident;
  • have obtained an associate or baccalaureate degree from an approved Montana college or university;
  • have an outstanding balance on an eligible student loan from obtaining such degree;
  • be the primary owner, heir, successor or assignee of a farm or ranch in Montana;
  • participate in the day-to-day operations of the farm or ranch;
  • agree to operate a farm or ranch in Montana for at least five years; and
  • be in a non-default status on a student loan

For more information, please read the Program GuidanceClick here to apply.

Important Dates:
dates
Application Window Open April 8, 2022
Technical Assistance Call
Zoom Link
May 10, 2022
2:00 p.m.
Application Deadline May 23, 2022
Qualifying applications will be presented to Agricultural Development Council in Helena, MT Tentative June 9, 2022
Award Announcements made June 2022

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