Best Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in North Dakota. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
Best Colleges in North Dakota
- University of North Dakota
- North Dakota State University
- Minot State University
- University of Jamestown
- University of Mary
- Dickinson State University
- Valley City State University
- Bismarck State College
- Mayville State University
- University of North Dakota
- North Dakota State University
- Minot State University
- University of Jamestown
- University of Mary
- Dickinson State University
- Bismarck State College
- Mayville State University
- Valley City State University
- North Dakota State University 96%
- Minot State University 93%
- University of Jamestown 92%
- University of North Dakota 83%
- Valley City State University 83%
- University of Mary 81%
- Dickinson State University 72%
- Mayville State University 71%
- University of North Dakota 17 to 1
- North Dakota State University 17 to 1
- Mayville State University 14 to 1
- University of Mary 14 to 1
- Bismarck State College 14 to 1
- Dickinson State University 13 to 1
- Valley City State University 12 to 1
- University of Jamestown 12 to 1
- Minot State University 10 to 1
- University of Jamestown $24,200
- University of Mary $21,062
- North Dakota State University $9,309
- University of North Dakota $9,237
- Minot State University $8,508
- Dickinson State University $7,470
- Valley City State University $6,619
- Mayville State University $6,517
- Bismarck State College $4,167
- University of North Dakota $11,963
- University of Mary $11,238
- University of Jamestown $11,128
- Minot State University $9,352
- Mayville State University $7,597
- North Dakota State University $7,585
- Valley City State University $6,605
- Dickinson State University $6,060
- Mayville State University
- Bismarck State College
- Valley City State University
- Dickinson State University
- University of Mary
- University of Jamestown
- Minot State University
- North Dakota State University
- University of North Dakota
- Valley City State University
- Mayville State University
- Bismarck State College
- Dickinson State University
- University of Mary
- University of Jamestown
- Minot State University
- North Dakota State University
- University of North Dakota
- Mayville State University 71%
- Dickinson State University 72%
- University of Mary 81%
- Valley City State University 83%
- University of North Dakota 83%
- University of Jamestown 92%
- Minot State University 93%
- North Dakota State University 96%
- Minot State University 10 to 1
- Valley City State University 12 to 1
- University of Jamestown 12 to 1
- Dickinson State University 13 to 1
- Mayville State University 14 to 1
- University of Mary 14 to 1
- Bismarck State College 14 to 1
- University of North Dakota 17 to 1
- North Dakota State University 17 to 1
- Bismarck State College $4,167
- Mayville State University $6,517
- Valley City State University $6,619
- Dickinson State University $7,470
- Minot State University $8,508
- University of North Dakota $9,237
- North Dakota State University $9,309
- University of Mary $21,062
- University of Jamestown $24,200
- Dickinson State University $6,060
- Valley City State University $6,605
- North Dakota State University $7,585
- Mayville State University $7,597
- Minot State University $9,352
- University of Jamestown $11,128
- University of Mary $11,238
- University of North Dakota $11,963
Colleges and Universities in North Dakota
The majority of the higher learning institutes in North Dakota are public schools and almost all of the schools could be considered small schools, serving less than 5,000 students. The state’s two largest schools, however, the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and North Dakota State University in Fargo, each have a student population around 12,000 students. Tuition at both of these schools comes in just below the national average at $9,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
At UND and NDSU, students can study fields such as engineering, chemistry, law, and education. Additionally, students can attend one of the state’s five private schools, three of which have religious affiliations. Students who attend these schools can pursue degrees in fields like nursing, religious studies, education, and earth sciences. North Dakota also offers a private tribal college, United Tribes Technical College, located in the state’s capital, Bismarck, where students can expect to pay around $4,000 in tuition fees.
As the country’s number one producer of honey and sunflowers, and home to part of the international Peace Garden, North Dakota’s landscape is a thing of natural beauty. This magnificent state also has its fair share of one-of-a-kind attractions, including the Badlands Dinosaur Museum, which features world-class minerals and fossils, and the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center, which gives an inside look at this Native American tribe’s unique culture and traditions. The state also boasts 19 colleges and universities for students hoping to earn a higher education degree.
Discover more about earning your degree in North Dakota by exploring some of the state’s top programs.
What are North Dakota’s Colleges & Universities?
- 3 Research Universities
- 6 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 3 Graduate Schools
- 6 Public Colleges & Universities
- 2 Private Colleges & Universities
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 7 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 7 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 9 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
North Dakota’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 9 colleges and universities in North Dakota that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in North Dakota below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in North Dakota.
Best Colleges in North Dakota 2023
- #1 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #5 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Dakota
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota
- #1 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
- #6 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
63%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Dakota
Cost of Degree: $10,951Expenses: $14,416Starting Salary: $57,800Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Dakota known for?
University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
63%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/22
Career Outlook for degree at North Dakota State University
Cost of Degree: $10,792Expenses: $13,576Starting Salary: $55,500Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Dakota State University known for?
North Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota
- #2 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2025
- #19 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
45%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/19
Career Outlook for degree at Minot State University
Cost of Degree: $8,508Expenses: $12,042Starting Salary: $46,900Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Minot State University known for?
Minot State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Private Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
49%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Jamestown
Cost of Degree: $24,200Expenses: $13,060Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Jamestown known for?
University of Jamestown’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Private Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
64%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1208/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary
Cost of Degree: $20,900Expenses: $12,286Starting Salary: $53,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Mary known for?
University of Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
44%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1002/18
Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson State University
Cost of Degree: $9,118Expenses: $12,440Starting Salary: $49,300Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dickinson State University known for?
Dickinson State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/20
Career Outlook for degree at Valley City State University
Cost of Degree: $8,458Expenses: $12,487Starting Salary: $41,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Valley City State University known for?
Valley City State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Sociology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Business
- Chemistry
- History
- Communications
- Psychology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
51%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Bismarck State College
Cost of Degree: $5,143Expenses: $12,330Starting Salary: $53,600Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bismarck State College known for?
Bismarck State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
35%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Mayville State University
Cost of Degree: $7,873Expenses: $13,622Starting Salary: $43,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mayville State University known for?
Mayville State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
North Dakota’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.