Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024
Interested in attending a STEM school in North Dakota? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024
- University of North Dakota 17 to 1
- North Dakota State University 17 to 1
- University of Mary 14 to 1
- University of Mary $21,062
- North Dakota State University $9,309
- University of North Dakota $9,237
- University of North Dakota $11,963
- University of Mary $11,238
- North Dakota State University $7,585
- University of Mary 14 to 1
- University of North Dakota 17 to 1
- North Dakota State University 17 to 1
- University of North Dakota $9,237
- North Dakota State University $9,309
- University of Mary $21,062
- North Dakota State University $7,585
- University of Mary $11,238
- 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.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
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?
- 3 Research Universities
- 6 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 3 Graduate Schools
- 6 Public Colleges & Universities
- 2 Private Colleges & Universities
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 7 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 7 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 9 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
North Dakota’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 3 research universities in North Dakota. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2023
- #1 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #5 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Dakota
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota
- #1 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
- #6 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
63%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at University of North Dakota
Cost of Degree: $10,951Expenses: $14,416Starting Salary: $57,800Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Dakota known for?
University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
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: $10,792Expenses: $13,576Starting Salary: $55,500Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is North Dakota State University known for?
North Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Private Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in North Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
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: $20,900Expenses: $12,286Starting Salary: $53,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Mary known for?
University of Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Find the Best Research Universities in North Dakota for Your Area of Interest
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.
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.