Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024

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

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in North Dakota provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in North Dakota

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  1. University of North Dakota
  2. North Dakota State University
  3. Minot State University
  4. Dickinson State University
  5. Valley City State University
  6. Bismarck State College
  7. Mayville State University
  1. University of North Dakota
  2. North Dakota State University
  3. Minot State University
  4. Dickinson State University
  5. Bismarck State College
  6. Mayville State University
  7. Valley City State University
  1. North Dakota State University 96%
  2. Minot State University 93%
  3. University of North Dakota 83%
  4. Valley City State University 83%
  5. Dickinson State University 72%
  6. Mayville State University 71%
  1. University of North Dakota 17 to 1
  2. North Dakota State University 17 to 1
  3. Mayville State University 14 to 1
  4. Bismarck State College 14 to 1
  5. Dickinson State University 13 to 1
  6. Valley City State University 12 to 1
  7. Minot State University 10 to 1
  1. North Dakota State University $9,309
  2. University of North Dakota $9,237
  3. Minot State University $8,508
  4. Dickinson State University $7,470
  5. Valley City State University $6,619
  6. Mayville State University $6,517
  7. Bismarck State College $4,167
  1. University of North Dakota $11,963
  2. Minot State University $9,352
  3. Mayville State University $7,597
  4. North Dakota State University $7,585
  5. Valley City State University $6,605
  6. Dickinson State University $6,060
  1. Mayville State University
  2. Bismarck State College
  3. Valley City State University
  4. Dickinson State University
  5. Minot State University
  6. North Dakota State University
  7. University of North Dakota
  1. Valley City State University
  2. Mayville State University
  3. Bismarck State College
  4. Dickinson State University
  5. Minot State University
  6. North Dakota State University
  7. University of North Dakota
  1. Mayville State University 71%
  2. Dickinson State University 72%
  3. Valley City State University 83%
  4. University of North Dakota 83%
  5. Minot State University 93%
  6. North Dakota State University 96%
  1. Minot State University 10 to 1
  2. Valley City State University 12 to 1
  3. Dickinson State University 13 to 1
  4. Mayville State University 14 to 1
  5. Bismarck State College 14 to 1
  6. University of North Dakota 17 to 1
  7. North Dakota State University 17 to 1
  1. Bismarck State College $4,167
  2. Mayville State University $6,517
  3. Valley City State University $6,619
  4. Dickinson State University $7,470
  5. Minot State University $8,508
  6. University of North Dakota $9,237
  7. North Dakota State University $9,309
  1. Dickinson State University $6,060
  2. Valley City State University $6,605
  3. North Dakota State University $7,585
  4. Mayville State University $7,597
  5. Minot State University $9,352
  6. 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.

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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.

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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 7 public universities in North Dakota. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in North Dakota, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2023

  1. #1

    University of North Dakota

    Grand Forks , ND
    #1 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #5 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $10,951
    Expenses: $15,292
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    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: $10,857
    Expenses: $13,841
    Starting Salary: $55,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

    Minot State University

    Minot , ND
    #1 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Dickinson State University

    Dickinson , ND
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #4 Best Small 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:

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Valley City State University

    Valley City , ND
    #5 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Bismarck State College

    Bismarck , ND
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #6 Best Small 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Mayville State University

    Mayville , ND
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2025 #7 Best Small 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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North Dakota’s Best Public College in Your Area of 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 North Dakota
  2. North Dakota State University
  3. Minot State University
  4. Dickinson State University
  5. Valley City State University

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

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