Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota
- Minot State University
- Tuition: $9K
- University of Jamestown
- Tuition: $24K
- Dickinson State University
- Tuition: $9K
- Bismarck State College
- Tuition: $5K
- Mayville State University
- Tuition: $8K
- Valley City State University
- Tuition: $8K
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 6 liberal arts colleges in North Dakota. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in North Dakota, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best 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
Minot State University was founded in 1913 and was then called Minot Normal School. Today, this university offers 100+ areas of study in bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These include accounting, American sign language, art, bioinformatics, and technology management.
What we love about Minot State University:
Minot State has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, which is perfect for those who want a more personalized approach to education.
Minot State University is ideal for students who:
Are seeking a school that provides lots of internship and employment opportunities.
Minot State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a school located with milder climates since this university experiences harsh winters.
- #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 Small 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
The University of Jamestown is a liberal arts college committed to producing well-rounded students by increasing their knowledge and character development. It is a Christian school that fosters an atmosphere of concern for the continuing growth of its students.
What we love about the University of Jamestown:
This university offers academic programs in various formats combined with the best liberal arts tradition.
The University of Jamestown is ideal for students who:
Prefer a school that ensures a caring and friendly environment for its students, faculty, and staff.
The University of Jamestown might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for a university that offers a wider range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best 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:
Dickinson State University provides innovative and personalized education for all students. Here, students enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio, advanced technology in classrooms and laboratories, and new skills necessary to help them succeed.
What we love about Dickinson State University:
It is part of the North Dakota University System, ensuring that it contributes to the community’s social, economic, and cultural development.
Dickinson State University is ideal for students who:
Value a university that develops programs and delivery methods that meet their educational needs.
Dickinson State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Do not enjoy a school with a rural setting as this can lack the amenities they may be looking for.
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #8 Best 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
Bismarck State College is North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution. It is committed to offering opportunities that transform dreamers into doers. It also provides high-quality and affordable education for those who want to attend a semester and move on to a four-year degree program.
What we love about Bismarck State College:
It is passionate about being a leader in polytechnic education to improve lives and build sustainable communities.
Bismarck State College is ideal for students who:
Seek a school that provides them with the support they need to reach their goals.
Bismarck State College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a large four-year university that offers more resources and research opportunities.
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #9 Best 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
Mayville State University is a small university that offers quality education with the personal attention that all students deserve. It offers over 80 academic programs taught by top faculty with outstanding credentials.
What we love about Mayville State University:
This university provides hands-on research and networking opportunities to propel students to success.
Mayville State University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university that offers great scholarships to new students based on grade point average.
Mayville State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are interested in a university that offers accelerated bachelor’s programs to allow them to earn a master’s in less time.
- #5 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #7 Best 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
Valley City State University is one of the best public regional colleges in the Midwest. It offers over 65 bachelor’s degree programs in education, human performance, kinesiology, mathematics, and social science. It also has a few master’s programs to cater to the changing economic and workforce needs.
What we love about Valley City State University:
This university provides full-time students with their laptops to make education more accessible.
Valley City State University is ideal for students who:
Wish to study in a school with one of the most picturesque locations in North Dakota.
Valley City State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Think that this university’s population can mean fewer resources and networking opportunities.
North Dakota’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2023 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.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.