Best Private Colleges in North Dakota 2024

Badge for BEST IN NORTH DAKOTA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in North Dakota.

Best Private Colleges in North Dakota

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  1. University of Jamestown
  2. University of Mary
  1. University of Jamestown
  2. University of Mary
  1. University of Jamestown 92%
  2. University of Mary 81%
  1. University of Mary 14 to 1
  2. University of Jamestown 12 to 1
  1. University of Jamestown $24,200
  2. University of Mary $21,062
  1. University of Mary $11,238
  2. University of Jamestown $11,128
  1. University of Mary
  2. University of Jamestown
  1. University of Mary
  2. University of Jamestown
  1. University of Mary 81%
  2. University of Jamestown 92%
  1. University of Jamestown 12 to 1
  2. University of Mary 14 to 1
  1. University of Mary $21,062
  2. University of Jamestown $24,200
  1. University of Jamestown $11,128
  2. University of Mary $11,238

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.

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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?

North Dakota’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

North Dakota's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 2 private universities in North Dakota. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in North Dakota, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in North Dakota

  1. #1

    University of Jamestown

    Jamestown , ND
    #15 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Mary

    Bismarck , ND
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025

    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: $21,468
    Expenses: $12,790
    Starting Salary: $53,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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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.

  1. University of Jamestown
  2. University of Mary

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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