University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in North Dakota.
By the numbers, each college and university in North Dakota is achieving its goals. At Bismarck State University, 97% of its graduates either advance to post-graduate school or are employed.
At the University of North Dakota, faculty educate their students so that, once they graduate, they will be leaders in their communities and careers. Students who need an online option will find it here.
Dickinson State University also uses numbers to express its excellence to students. For instance, it has a 10:1 student to faculty ratio; per-semester tuition for North Dakota residents is well under $3,500; and this small college has a total of 1,392 students enrolled in its educational programs.
At North Dakota State University, students can choose from more than 100 undergraduate majors, 86 master’s degrees and 50 doctoral degrees. This means you have a wide range of choices.
Minot State University offers business, education, health sciences, arts and sciences, interdisciplinary programs and graduate school majors. Again, you’ll have a full menu of choices.
Featured Online Programs
What are the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degrees Offered in North Dakota?
Choose your major at the school of your preference. From business, music, education, and engineering, you’ll be able to embark on preparation and education for your desired career. Faculty and advisors will guide and assist you so that your time at school will be as productive as possible.
If you choose to advance into a graduate or a doctoral program, you’ll have that opportunity. This will serve to help you advance your career, and your eventual annual salary.
The most popular Degrees in North Dakota:
- Accounting - You’ll begin to learn about analyzing and interpreting financial information for the organization that employs you or as a CPA for other organizations, or even government agencies.
- Business Administration and Management - Your Management major will equip you to generate strategies, lead teams, make decisions, motivate employees, manage current technology, and examine and analyze data so you can make the best decision.
- Elementary Education and Teaching - With this unique degree, you’ll know not only about teaching, but every aspect of child development so that you’ll be a skilled advocate for your students. You’ll learn that every child is highly individual in how they develop cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally. This will equip you to be the most effective teacher you can be.
- General Studies – A degree in General Studies equips you for more than 60% of the jobs requiring a college education. It’s best suited to returning students and students who have already earned a large percentage of the credits needed for graduation. However, it’s not intended for first-time freshmen.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Get Matched With North Dakota Programs
Top 5 Best Associate Degree Programs in North Dakota
Bismarck State College
Score: 88.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,195
- Out-of-State: $7,279
- Net Price: $11,309
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 3,771
- Undergrad Students: 3,771
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $50,300
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
North Dakota State College of Science
Score: 84.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,928
- Out-of-State: $6,926
- Net Price: $11,419
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 2,942
- Undergrad Students: 2,942
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $46,200
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Rasmussen University-North Dakota
Score: 80.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,715
- Out-of-State: $12,715
- Net Price: $17,412
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 496
- Undergrad Students: 467
- Graduate Students: 29
- Grads Salary: $45,700
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Dakota College at Bottineau
Score: 77.22
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,347
- Out-of-State: $7,613
- Net Price: $9,946
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 1,080
- Undergrad Students: 1,080
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $41,200
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Lake Region State College
Score: 77.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,478
- Out-of-State: $5,478
- Net Price: $10,765
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,679
- Undergrad Students: 1,679
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $41,500
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Top 10 Best Bachelor's Programs in North Dakota
Bismarck State College
Score: 79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,195
- Out-of-State: $7,279
- Net Price: $11,309
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 3,771
- Undergrad Students: 3,771
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Mary
Score: 75.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,468
- Out-of-State: $21,468
- Net Price: $18,369
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,652
- Undergrad Students: 2,506
- Graduate Students: 1,146
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Minot State University
Score: 75.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,634
- Out-of-State: $8,634
- Net Price: $12,360
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,777
- Undergrad Students: 2,530
- Graduate Students: 247
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
North Dakota State University
Score: 75.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,857
- Out-of-State: $15,511
- Net Price: $15,962
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 12,242
- Undergrad Students: 10,096
- Graduate Students: 2,146
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of North Dakota
Score: 73.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,951
- Out-of-State: $15,570
- Net Price: $17,359
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 13,876
- Undergrad Students: 9,928
- Graduate Students: 3,948
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Valley City State University
Score: 71.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,514
- Out-of-State: $13,478
- Net Price: $12,164
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,658
- Undergrad Students: 1,521
- Graduate Students: 137
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Jamestown
Score: 70.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,820
- Out-of-State: $24,820
- Net Price: $19,950
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,242
- Undergrad Students: 978
- Graduate Students: 264
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Rasmussen University-North Dakota
Score: 70.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,715
- Out-of-State: $12,715
- Net Price: $17,412
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 496
- Undergrad Students: 467
- Graduate Students: 29
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Score: 68.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,762
- Out-of-State: $18,762
- Net Price: $15,628
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 289
- Undergrad Students: 170
- Graduate Students: 119
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Dickinson State University
Score: 66.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,118
- Out-of-State: $11,218
- Net Price: $14,971
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 1,473
- Undergrad Students: 1,411
- Graduate Students: 62
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Top 10 Best Master's Programs in North Dakota
Minot State University
Score: 76.73
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,352
- Out-of-State: $9,352
- Net Price: $12,360
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 2,777
- Undergrad Students: 2,530
- Graduate Students: 247
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
North Dakota State University
Score: 75.86
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,585
- Out-of-State: $11,377
- Net Price: $15,962
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 12,242
- Undergrad Students: 10,096
- Graduate Students: 2,146
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Mary
Score: 75.6
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,620
- Out-of-State: $10,620
- Net Price: $18,369
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,652
- Undergrad Students: 2,506
- Graduate Students: 1,146
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of North Dakota
Score: 74.26
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,963
- Out-of-State: $17,944
- Net Price: $17,359
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 13,876
- Undergrad Students: 9,928
- Graduate Students: 3,948
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Valley City State University
Score: 72.69
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,605
- Out-of-State: $6,605
- Net Price: $12,164
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 1,658
- Undergrad Students: 1,521
- Graduate Students: 137
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Rasmussen University-North Dakota
Score: 70.66
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,667
- Out-of-State: $3,667
- Net Price: $17,412
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 496
- Undergrad Students: 467
- Graduate Students: 29
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Jamestown
Score: 70.23
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,410
- Out-of-State: $11,410
- Net Price: $19,950
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 1,242
- Undergrad Students: 978
- Graduate Students: 264
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School
Score: 69.27
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,600
- Out-of-State: $12,600
- Net Price: $15,628
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 289
- Undergrad Students: 170
- Graduate Students: 119
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Dickinson State University
Score: 67.84
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,060
- Out-of-State: $6,060
- Net Price: $14,971
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 1,473
- Undergrad Students: 1,411
- Graduate Students: 62
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Mayville State University
Score: 66.9
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,226
- Out-of-State: $8,226
- Net Price: $14,347
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 1,123
- Undergrad Students: 1,077
- Graduate Students: 46
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Scholarships for North Dakota College Students
Scholarships and grants are absolute lifesavers for college students who have a demonstrated financial need. Students don’t have to repay grants unless they have special conditions attached to them. Conditions may include working in an underserved population for a set number of years as a way of “repaying” the grant funds without having to make actual cash payments. Scholarships are funds intended only for education and education-related materials, such as books and supplies. They, too, don’t have to be repaid. Obtaining grants and scholarships can often mean the difference between completing a college education or having to drop out.
UNDA
University of North Dakota Aerospace Undergraduate Scholarship
The North Dakota Space Grant provides scholarships to outstanding students who are attending public, two-year and four-year universities in North Dakota These scholarships are designed for STEM-majoring students (STEM is “science, technology, engineering and mathematics”). These degrees support NASA research and technology needs and are awarded for fall and spring semesters.
Interested students who are majoring in a STEM field should contact the financial aid office at their university. They will be required to obtain one letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Students should also fill out and submit the application form to the Office of Financial Aid. Students from Lake Region State College should submit a one-page essay about themselves and their current and future educational goals and how they relate to this scholarship.
MSUH
Minot State University Honor Scholarships
Minot State University awards several scholarships for freshman honor students and transfer students. These awards are made based on high school GPA, ACT and SAT scores. The higher the entrance exam scores and GPAs, the higher the scholarship amounts will be. For instance, an incoming student with a GPA between 3.50 and 4.00, an ACT of 30+ and an SAT between 1280 and 2210 may receive a renewable scholarship award of $2,500. Students with a GPA between 3.00 and 3.49, an ACT of 18-19 and an SAT of 1270 to 1380 will receive a one-year only award of $500.
VTC
Varsity Tutors College Scholarship
Contest At the University of Mary, Varsity Tutors schedules a monthly $1,000 college scholarship contest. Competing students write an essay in response to the prompt-of-the-month. Each entry is reviewed by the Varsity Tutors at the end of the month. The winning student will be chosen to receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
North Dakota State University has a guaranteed awards program that is similar to Minot State University’s program. First-year students with high ACT scores (above 32) and high SAT scores (1420+) who also have high GPAs will win freshmen award scholarships. The GPA is unweighted. The higher the GPA and entrance exam scores, the higher the award will be.
For instance, an incoming freshman with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, an ACT of more than 32 and an SAT of more than 1420 will be awarded $3,000 per year, for four years, for a total of $12,000 cumulative.
A student with an ACT of 29 to 31 and an ACT of 1330 to 1410 and a 3.5 GPA will will $2,500 per year for four years (a total of $10,000 cumulative).
A student with a GPA of more than 3.0, an ACT of 22 to 24 and an SAT of 1020 will win a one-time award of $2,000.
Incoming students to NDSU who have an ACT of 22 or higher and an SAT equivalent to 1100, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA are eligible to compete for named scholarships. They should be admitted to NDSU to apply; but they can review criteria before applying to NDSU. Some of these scholarships include:
AG Dean’s Freshman Scholarship. Award total varies; it is available to incoming freshmen who are enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources.
The Albert and Celeste Brauer Scholarship, with a varying award total, is awarded to current or incoming freshmen who are in good standing. To be considered, these students should have either the maiden name or surname of Brauer.
The Annexstad Family Foundation Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship is awarded to students with a demonstrated financial need. Students should demonstrate exceptional potential for leadership within their chosen field after they complete their undergraduate studies. It is open to students in all majors and the award amount will vary. Every student who wants to qualify for this scholarship should be able to show that they have persevered through a family or personal hardship. As an example of a “personal hardship,” the student may suffer from a physical disability, severe illness or injury, severe poverty or they may have been victimized by a serious crime. A serious hardship may also include loss of one or both parents, substance abuse, foster care or physical abuse.
The Charles and Bonnie Ulmer Leadership Scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman student who has demonstrated strong leadership qualities.