Final answer:
Montana State is an example of a land-grant university, which was established through the Morrill Acts to provide practical and accessible education. Unlike the Ivy League, land-grant universities were more focused on agriculture, mechanics, and the needs of the middle class.
Step-by-step explanation:
Montana State is an example of a land-grant university, which is a type of institution established on acreage donated to the states. These universities, such as Kansas State University and others, were established under the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. These acts intended to make higher education accessible to middle-class families, offering courses in practical fields such as agriculture, commerce, mechanics, medicine, and law, which distinguished them from private Ivy League schools.
The first Morrill Act focused on learning as related to agriculture and the mechanical arts, while the second required separate land-grant institutions for persons of color, leading to the creation of several historically Black colleges and universities. These land-grant colleges received federal support through the sale of donated federal land, allowing them to offer education that would boost the skills and knowledge necessary for the nation's economic and social development.
The concept of land-grant colleges played a significant role in the expansion of American higher education and helped create institutions that focused not only on academic pursuits but also on the practical application of knowledge in industries such as agriculture and mechanics.