North Dakota College Costs 2026
Compare tuition at ND public universities, private schools, and community colleges. Estimate total costs with financial aid and loan payments.
Public Tuition
$9,400
Private Tuition
$22,800
Student Debt
$32,600
Starting Salary
$49,200
Cost Calculator
Loan Estimate
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$78,400
Total After Financial Aid
$78,400
Annual Cost
$19,600
Annual After Aid
$19,600
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $78,400 |
| Monthly Payment | $890 |
| Total Interest | $28,426 |
| Total Loan Cost | $106,826 |
North Dakota College Costs Overview
North Dakota is home to 5+ major colleges and universities offering diverse educational opportunities. The average in-state tuition at ND public universities is $9,400 per year, which is 14% below the national average of $10,940. When you add room and board ($10,200/year), the total annual cost of attending a public university in North Dakota reaches $19,600.
Private universities in North Dakota average $22,800 per year in tuition alone, making a 4-year private degree approximately $132,000 including room and board. For students seeking a more affordable path, North Dakota community colleges charge an average of just $4,800 per year, offering significant savings for the first two years before transferring to a four-year institution.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in North Dakota
| Category | Annual Cost | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Public In-State Tuition | $9,400 | $37,600 |
| Public Out-of-State Tuition | $24,440 | $97,760 |
| Private University Tuition | $22,800 | $91,200 |
| Community College | $4,800 | $9,600 |
| Room & Board (all types) | $10,200 | $40,800 |
Out-of-state students at North Dakota public universities typically pay 2-3x the in-state rate. Establishing residency in ND before enrollment can save $60,160 over four years.
Top Colleges & Universities in North Dakota
PTop Public Schools
- •University of North Dakota — ~$9,400/yr (in-state)
- •North Dakota State University — ~$9,400/yr (in-state)
- •Minot State University — ~$9,400/yr (in-state)
RTop Private Schools
- •University of Mary — ~$22,800/yr
- •University of Jamestown — ~$22,800/yr
North Dakota Financial Aid Programs
North Dakota offers the North Dakota State Grant providing need-based aid up to $1,050/semester. The ND Scholars Program awards full tuition for top high school graduates. The ND Academic and Career and Technical Education Scholarship provides additional merit aid.
Beyond state programs, North Dakota students can access federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for 2025-2026), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and federal work-study programs. Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility. Use our FAFSA EFC Calculator to estimate your expected family contribution.
Student Outcomes in North Dakota
52%
Graduation Rate
$49,200
Avg Starting Salary
$32,600
Median Student Debt
93
Cost of Living Index
The average college graduate in North Dakota earns $49,200 in their first year after graduation, with a cost of living index of 93 (the national average is 100). This means your salary stretches further in North Dakota compared to many other states, making the debt-to-income ratio more manageable. With a 52% graduation rate at public universities, students who choose North Dakota schools should leverage academic support resources and careful major selection to maximize their chances of completing their degree.
Tips for Reducing College Costs in North Dakota
- 1Start at a community college. At $4,800/year, completing your first two years at a ND community college before transferring can save $9,200 compared to starting at a public university.
- 2Apply for state financial aid early. North Dakota state aid programs have limited funding. File your FAFSA as soon as it opens on October 1 to maximize your eligibility.
- 3Earn credits in high school. AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs let you earn college credit before enrolling, potentially saving a full semester or more of tuition.
- 4Graduate on time. Each extra year costs $19,600 at a public school. Only 52% of students at ND public universities graduate in 4 years—plan your course schedule carefully.
- 5Consider living off-campus. Room and board averages $10,200/year. Off-campus housing or living at home can significantly reduce this expense depending on local rental markets.
Compare with Neighboring States
| State | Public Tuition | Room & Board | Student Debt | Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota (ND) | $9,400 | $10,200 | $32,600 | $49,200 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $14,400 | $11,400 | $33,200 | $52,400 |
| South Dakota (SD) | $9,400 | $9,200 | $32,400 | $46,400 |
| Montana (MT) | $7,600 | $11,000 | $30,800 | $45,400 |
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