Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky

Student Loan Assistance Program

Montana Agriculture Student Loan Assistance Program

mortar board on 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 GuidanceApply

Important Dates

Important Dates
Important Dates
Event & Time Dates
Application Window Open April 18, 2024
Technical Assistance Call Zoom2pm MST May 14, 2024
Application Deadline 5:00 pm MST June 3, 2024
Qualifying applications will be presented
to Agriculture Development Council
Tent.
June 20, 2024
Award Announcements made June, 2024

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