College Costs in Dickinson, ND 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Dickinson, North Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$20,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$795
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Dickinson Overview
Population
22,186
Student Population
1,858 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
93.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
College Cost Calculator for Dickinson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,864
Total After Financial Aid
$96,864
Annual Cost
$24,216
Annual After Aid
$24,216
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,864 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,100 |
| Total Interest | $35,121 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,985 |
Universities in Dickinson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dickinson State University | Public | $10,071 |
| Dickinson Community College | Community | $5,436 |
Dickinson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dickinson vs. National Average
| Category | Dickinson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $795 | $1,050 | -$255 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.5 | 100 | -6.5 |
Dickinson's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Dickinson
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,858 students
Dickinson has a total population of 22,186, with approximately 1,858 college students (8.4% of the population). Dickinson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dickinson
$37,154
Starting Salary
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~45 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dickinson earn a median starting salary of $37,154, which is $2,154 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,864 (including room and board), it would take approximately 45 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,880 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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