Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2026

Badge for BEST IN NORTH DAKOTA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in North Dakota in 2026

  1. University of North Dakota
  2. North Dakota State University
  3. University of Mary

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

There are no changes to our ranking of the best grad schools in North Dakota for 2025.

There are 3 doctorate-granting graduate schools in North Dakota. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the North Dakota is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in North Dakota

  1. #1

    University of North Dakota

    Grand Forks , ND
    #1 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2026 #5 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #1 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2026 #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $10,951
    Expenses: $15,292
    Starting Salary: $67,456
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Dakota known for?

    University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    North Dakota State University

    Fargo , ND
    #2 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Dakota State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,857
    Expenses: $13,841
    Starting Salary: $65,925
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is North Dakota State University known for?

    North Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Mary

    Bismarck , ND
    #2 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in North Dakota 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mary

    Cost of Degree: $21,468
    Expenses: $12,790
    Starting Salary: $62,839
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mary known for?

    University of Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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North Dakota’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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