Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025

Q: Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Badge for BEST IN NORTH DAKOTA LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Key Takeaways

The best liberal arts colleges in North Dakota often foster close-knit campus communities with small class sizes, enabling personalized attention from faculty and a collaborative learning environment.
The colleges in our ranking emphasize programs and activities that celebrate North Dakota’s cultural and environmental heritage, providing unique opportunities for students to engage with local traditions and natural landscapes.
Many of the best liberal arts colleges in North Dakota prioritize keeping education accessible by offering competitive tuition rates and generous financial aid packages, appealing to students seeking value in their liberal arts education.

Table of Contents

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota in 2025

University of Jamestown
+1
Minot State University
–1
Dickinson State University
Bismarck State College
Mayville State University
Valley City State University

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 lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in North Dakota remained fairly stable. The University of Jamestown gained the top ranking position as the university is enhancing its appeal with several key initiatives, including record enrollment growth, the launch of new academic schools like the Foss School of Kinesiology, and the construction of the Reuben and Clarice Liechty Center for Faith and Life, set to open in August 2025. Additionally, UJ is transitioning to NCAA Division II, joining the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and introducing a women’s tennis program for the 2025-26 season.

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

Last Year’s Ranking:
1. Minot State University
2. University of Jamestown
3. Dickinson State University
4. Bismarck State College
5. Mayville State University
6. Valley City State University
#1
University of Jamestown
Jamestown , ND
#15 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
49%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Jamestown
Cost of Degree: $24,820
Expenses: $13,420
Starting Salary: $49,600
Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of Jamestown known for?

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

Philosophy
Education
Biology
Nursing
History
Literature
Business
Communications
Sociology
Criminal Justice

Most Influential Alumni

Alvin Plantinga
Dick Armey
Ralph R. Erickson
George W. Johnson
Barbara McClintock
Vernon Robert Pearson
Jasper Schneider
Jessica Haak
David Nething
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.
Compare school
#2
Minot State University
Minot , ND
#1 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $8,633
Expenses: $13,060
Starting Salary: $46,900
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Minot State University known for?

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

Social Work
Nursing
Criminal Justice
Mathematics
History
Sociology
Education
Business
Literature
Physics

Most Influential Alumni

Ernst Ising
Josh Duhamel
John Hoeven
Cord A. Scott
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.
Compare school
#3
Dickinson State University
Dickinson , ND
#4 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #6 Best Colleges in North Dakota 2024
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: $9,118
Expenses: $12,440
Starting Salary: $49,300
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Dickinson State University known for?

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

Nursing
History
Communications
Biology
Computer Science
Political Science
Business
Mathematics
Literature
Education
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.
Compare school
#4
Bismarck State College
Bismarck , ND
#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
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
51%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Bismarck State College
Cost of Degree: $5,195
Expenses: $12,800
Starting Salary: $53,600
Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Bismarck State College known for?

Bismarck State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Nursing
Medical
Education
Communications
Computer Science
Business
Criminal Justice
Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

Brock Lesnar
Larry Watson
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.
Compare school
#5
Mayville State University
Mayville , ND
#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
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
35%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Mayville State University
Cost of Degree: $7,935
Expenses: $13,188
Starting Salary: $43,300
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Mayville State University known for?

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

Psychology
Education
Nursing
Business
Biology
Literature
Medical
Communications
Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

Evelyn Gitau
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.
Compare school
#6
Valley City State University
Valley City , ND
#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
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: $8,514
Expenses: $12,616
Starting Salary: $41,700
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

Paul Fjelde
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.
Compare school

Build your own college rankings

North Dakota’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put 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.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025

Key Takeaways

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota

Last Year’s Ranking:

University of Jamestown

Career Outlook for degree at University of Jamestown

Most Influential Alumni

What we love about the University of Jamestown:

The University of Jamestown is ideal for students who:

The University of Jamestown might not be the best fit for students who:

Minot State University

Career Outlook for degree at Minot State University

Most Influential Alumni

What we love about Minot State University:

Minot State University is ideal for students who:

Minot State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Dickinson State University

Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson State University

What we love about Dickinson State University:

Dickinson State University is ideal for students who:

Dickinson State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Bismarck State College

Career Outlook for degree at Bismarck State College

Most Influential Alumni

What we love about Bismarck State College:

Bismarck State College is ideal for students who:

Bismarck State College might not be the best fit for students who:

Mayville State University

Career Outlook for degree at Mayville State University

Most Influential Alumni

What we love about Mayville State University:

Mayville State University is ideal for students who:

Mayville State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Valley City State University

Career Outlook for degree at Valley City State University

Most Influential Alumni

What we love about Valley City State University:

Valley City State University is ideal for students who:

Valley City State University might not be the best fit for students who:

North Dakota’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest