College Costs in Watford City, ND 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Watford City, 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
$624
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Watford City Overview
Population
7,589
Student Population
859 (11.3%)
Cost of Living Index
92.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
College Cost Calculator for Watford City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,892
Total After Financial Aid
$89,892
Annual Cost
$22,473
Annual After Aid
$22,473
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,892 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,021 |
| Total Interest | $32,593 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,485 |
Universities in Watford City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Watford City State University | Public | $9,660 |
| Watford City Community College | Community | $5,635 |
Watford City has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Watford City vs. National Average
| Category | Watford City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $624 | $1,050 | -$426 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.3 | 100 | -7.700000000000003 |
Watford City'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 Watford City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
859 students
Watford City has a total population of 7,589, with approximately 859 college students (11.3% of the population). Watford City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Watford City
$40,005
Starting Salary
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Watford City earn a median starting salary of $40,005, which is $5,005 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $89,892 (including room and board), it would take approximately 18 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,648 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Dakota
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