College Costs in Grand Forks, ND 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,008
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,110
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$705
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Grand Forks Overview
Population
56,588
Student Population
1,887 (3.3%)
Cost of Living Index
86 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Grand Forks
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$76,588
Total After Financial Aid
$76,588
Annual Cost
$19,147
Annual After Aid
$19,147
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $76,588 |
| Monthly Payment | $870 |
| Total Interest | $27,769 |
| Total Loan Cost | $104,357 |
Universities in Grand Forks
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | Public | $10,008 |
| Northland Community and Technical College | Community | $4,788 |
Grand Forks has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Grand Forks vs. National Average
| Category | Grand Forks | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,008 | $10,940 | -$932 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $705 | $1,050 | -$345 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 100 | -14 |
Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,887 students
Grand Forks has a total population of 56,588, with approximately 1,887 college students (3.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Grand Forks offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Grand Forks
$47,771
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Grand Forks earn a median starting salary of $47,771, which is $12,771 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $76,588 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,467 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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