Do you want to attend one of the best colleges in North Dakota? If so, you’ll want to check out our list of the top schools in the state. So, whether you’re looking for a large public university or a small private college, you’re sure to find the right school. Check out our list of the best North Dakota universities ranked by student-teacher ratio and graduation rates.
What Are the Best Universities in North Dakota?
The best universities in North Dakota include North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, University of Mary, University of Jamestown, and Minot State University. These universities have the highest graduation rates among North Dakota universities.
How Many Universities Are in North Dakota?
There are nine universities in North Dakota. These include public and private four-year degree-awarding institutions. University of North Dakota (UND) is the state’s flagship university located in Grand Forks. There are also several community colleges and educational institutions in the state.
What Are the Biggest Universities in North Dakota?
The biggest universities in North Dakota are University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, University of Mary, Minot State University, and Valley City State University. They have the largest student population, with University of North Dakota boasting a student enrollment of 13,615 students, 9,796 of which are in undergraduate programs.
Largest North Dakota Universities by Enrollment
- University of North Dakota | 13,615
- North Dakota State University | 12,846
- University of Mary | 3,799
- Minot State University | 2,920
- Valley City State University | 1,676
North Dakota University Rankings: What Are the Top Universities in North Dakota?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota State University | Fargo | 65% |
| 2 | University of Mary | Bismarck | 64% |
| 3 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks | 62% |
| 4 | University of Jamestown | Jamestown | 56% |
| 5 | Valley City State University | Valley City | 53% |
| 6 | Minot State University | Minot | 46% |
| 7 | Dickinson State University | Dickinson | 36% |
| 8 | Mayville State University | Mayville | 32% |
| 9 | Rasmussen University | Fargo | 15% |
How We Defined North Dakota University Rankings
Our ranking of the best North Dakota universities is based on the graduation rates, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of North Dakota universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in North Dakota, Explained
There are many great universities in North Dakota. The overview of each university below was sourced from each university’s official website. In addition, we’ve included data from US News & World Report and Times Higher Education rankings.
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North Dakota University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in North Dakota vary between schools. The requirements will also vary according to the type of academic study you’re doing. Requirements for undergraduate programs are different from graduate programs. Students should always check the specific requirements for each school before applying.
However, the most common admission requirements for a freshman are an application fee, a high school diploma or general education certificate (GED), standardized test scores, and a minimum high school GPA between 2.0 to 2.75.
For admission to a graduate school, you will be required to present a bachelor’s degree. Some schools require a graduate record exam (GRE) or graduate management admission test. English language proficiency will be needed for international students.
Admission Requirements for Universities in North Dakota
- Application form and fee
- High school diploma or GED
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores
- Minimum GPA score
- Letters of recommendation
- Admission essay/statement of purpose
- English language proficiency test (for international students)
How to Apply to North Dakota Universities
Completing an application form, uploading a high school diploma or GED, and submitting academic transcripts and other relevant papers are the most frequent processes in applying to a university in North Dakota.
You are expected to check if you meet all of the requirements for the program you wish to enroll in. If not, go back and make sure that you meet all of the prerequisites before applying. Some schools require an application fee, while some don’t. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for admissions to universities in North Dakota.
North Dakota Universities Admissions Process
- Complete an online application form and pay the fee
- Submit official transcripts
- Send official SAT or ACT scores
- Submit letters of recommendation
- Write entrance essay/statement of purpose
- Apply for financial aid
- Receive acceptance letter
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Why Study in North Dakota?
You should study in North Dakota for several reasons. First of all, plenty of financial aid options are available to help students pay for tuition. There are lots of scholarships and grants offered by the government to help students pay for college.
Many universities in North Dakota also do not require the payment of an application fee and provide free tuition for low-income families. Finally, the cost of living in North Dakota is relatively affordable compared to other states.
Cost of Living
Compared to other parts of the country, living is very cheap in North Dakota. However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for teachers in North Dakota is $54,850. This means that even though the cost of living may be cheap in North Dakota, the salaries earned there are still comparable to areas with higher costs of living.
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Financial Aid Options
Most North Dakota universities offer merit-based scholarships and grants awarded to deserving students. These awards usually cover the majority of a student’s tuition costs. In addition, most North Dakota universities offer loans that can be used to pay for books and supplies.
Quality Education
The quality of education provided at North Dakota universities is high. There are many accredited institutions throughout the state. Some of these include the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Minot State University, Jamestown College, and University of Mary.
More North Dakota University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in North Dakota?
The best universities in North Dakota are great places to study and offer a wide variety of degree programs and other educational opportunities that can help you find your perfect fit. The following list includes highly-ranked North Dakota universities, ranging from public to private institutions.
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Top North Dakota Universities by Major
Top North Dakota universities are classified below according to major. Most universities in the state are known for programs in nursing, computer science, business administration, engineering, education, and agriculture.
Tuition Costs for North Dakota Universities
The cost of tuition at North Dakota universities varies widely based on several criteria, including the kind of university, degree level, and residency status of the student. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition at a public institution in North Dakota is $17,449 for in-state students. Out-of-state students pay more.
Students in private institutions in North Dakota pay higher fees. The average tuition fee for private universities in North Dakota is $23,702. Most universities offer financial aid to ease the burden of the high cost of tuition.
Most Affordable Universities in North Dakota
- Valley City State University | Tuition: $221/Credit. Valley City State University is the most affordable university in North Dakota. In-state students pay a tuition fee of $6,619 per year, while out-of-state students pay $11,583 per year.
- Dickinson State University | Tuition: $249/Credit. The cost of tuition for in-state undergraduate students is $249, while out-of-state undergraduates are required to pay $319 per credit hour. Graduate students are expected to pay $337 per credit.
- Rasmussen University | Tuition: $260/Credit. Full-time undergraduate students are expected to pay $260 per credit hour. It could be higher depending on your program of study. Part-time undergraduate students pay $310 per credit hour. Graduate students pay an average of $155 per credit hour.
- Minot State University | Tuition: $287/Credit. At Minot State University, all students pay the in-state tuition rate, even if they come from other states. The annual undergraduate cost is $8,164. Students in graduate school pay $375 per credit unit.
- Mayville State University | Tuition: $318/Credit. Undergraduate in-state students are expected to pay $318 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $442. Online students will pay $326 for general courses, while specialized courses have varying fees.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in North Dakota
A degree from the best universities in North Dakota can be expensive. You may be asking how to pay for graduate or undergraduate education. North Dakota universities provide outstanding financial aid options to assist you with paying for your education.
Grants, scholarships, work-study programs, assistantships, and loans are all available to students who wish to study at one of the most prestigious schools in North Dakota. All institutions have particular alternatives available, so contact the school directly to learn about the possibilities and the requirements for financial assistance consideration.
Financial Aid for North Dakota Universities: A Summary
- Grants. A grant is money given by a government agency or private organization without any expectation of repayment. The amount of a grant may vary depending on the program offered. Most grants require an application process with specific criteria that applicants must meet before funding is awarded.
- Scholarships. Scholarships are awards based on merit. They do not need to be repaid, but some conditions are attached to them. For example, scholarship recipients may be required to maintain a certain GPA, participate in activities sponsored by the institution, or complete a certain number of hours of community service.
- Assistantships. An assistantship is similar to a fellowship in that it does not involve payment for services rendered. However, unlike fellowships, assistantships usually provide tuition reimbursement and other benefits such as health insurance. Some assistantships also include stipends for living expenses.
- Loans. Student loans are another way to finance education costs. They can be either federal or private. Federal loans are administered through the US Department of Education. Banks and other lending institutions issue private loans. Before applying for either kind of loan, students should consult with their academic advisor and financial aid officer at their college or university.
North Dakota University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at North Dakota Universities?
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid social security number
- Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Must be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student, or professional student
- Must be able to provide proof of financial need
- Must not have had any unpaid balance on their account with the University
- Must agree to maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for continued financial assistance
- Must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
Private North Dakota Universities With Good Financial Aid
- University of Mary. UMary offers its students five types of financial aid options. They can apply for scholarships, loans, grants, and employment or work-study jobs. Military personnel and veterans can apply for aid through Veterans Affairs.
- University of Jamestown. Students at University of Jamestown have various options for financial aid while enrolled. Students can apply for scholarships, loans, and work-study programs through the federal government. Military service benefits, online payment plans, and grants are some other financial help choices.
- Rasmussen University. Students can apply for institutional and private scholarships, loans, federal grants, and state awards at this great college. Rasmussen University offers reduced tuition rates as employer or military benefits.
Universities in North Dakota That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- University of North Dakota. UND is one of the top universities in North Dakota that offers financial aid to out-of-state universities. It offers a Cultural Diversity Scholarship for out-of-state students. You must be a US citizen and an in-person student at UND to be eligible for the scholarship.
- North Dakota State University. As an out-of-state student at NDSU, you can apply for various financial assistance opportunities. Federal loans, private loans, scholarships, tuition discounts, and work-study programs are all available choices.
- Minot State University. Out-of-state students can receive good financial help at this university. Tuition waivers, institutional scholarships, donor scholarships, and federal student help are all available.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for North Dakota State Universities
- Complete the university’s application form.
- Complete and submit the FAFSA form.
- Submit all required documents.
- Look through the financial aid awards on your school’s website.
- Accept your financial assistance awards and accept the terms and conditions.
Demographics of Universities in North Dakota
Demographics of universities in North Dakota are characterized by a predominantly white population. Native American and Hispanic students follow the lead, while Asians and Pacific Islanders have the least number of students.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in North Dakota
- White: 82.6%
- Black: 3.5%
- Hispanic: 4.0%
- Asian: 1.5%
- Pacific Islander: 0.1%
- American Indian: 4.3%
- Two or More Races: 3.9%
North Dakota Employment Outlook for University Students
The employment outlook for university graduates varies widely across different fields. However, most jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree tend to pay less. North Dakota has a healthy employment rate. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that from September 2020 to September 2021, employment in Cass, North Dakota, increased by 3.8 percent. BLS also found eight of North Dakota’s 52 smaller counties reported average weekly incomes above the national average of $1,251.
5 In-Demand North Dakota Jobs
The most in-demand jobs in North Dakota after graduation include nursing, social work, computer and information science, education and childcare, and mechanical engineering jobs. There is a strong demand for workers in these fields, and graduates from North Dakota universities are well-prepared to meet the challenge.
Is a University in North Dakota Right for You?
Yes, a university in North Dakota is right for you. This article features a list of the most prestigious schools in North Dakota. The best universities in North Dakota are affordable, and the classes are usually small, which makes it easier for students to interact.
The next step in furthering your education is usually an advanced degree or a bootcamp. The bootcamps prepare you with hands-on experience that will fully equip you with skills to effectively handle technical jobs. They are usually very immersive and interactive. They help to upscale your career.
There’s no doubt that the schools on this list are the best universities in North Dakota. With top-notch education, lots of extracurricular involvement, and strong alumni networks, these schools will set you up for success no matter what your chosen field may be. So if you’re looking for a great school to attend in North Dakota, be sure to check out one of these universities.
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Best Universities in North Dakota FAQ
North Dakota has a lot to offer when it comes to higher education. The state is home to several top-ranked universities, including University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and University of Mary. These schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, competitive athletics, and vibrant campus life.
The most popular majors at universities in North Dakota include business, education, engineering, and nursing. However, students can find programs in various subjects, from the arts and humanities to sciences and mathematics. These programs are found in the best colleges in North Dakota.
Admission requirements vary from school to school, but most universities in North Dakota require students to submit an application, a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED), transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. Some schools may also require letters of recommendation and essays.
The student population at universities in North Dakota includes students coming from all over the United States, and even from several countries, worldwide. The universities in North Dakota offer a supportive and welcoming environment for all students.
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