North Dakota has several prestigious colleges and universities, making it a great destination for students seeking higher education. The state has a variety of public and private institutions that offer diverse academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced faculty. North Dakota’s colleges and universities are known for their exceptional quality of education, which prepares students for successful careers and future endeavors.
When it comes to choosing the best college or university in North Dakota, there are several factors to consider, such as academic programs, location, campus life, and affordability. Fortunately, several reputable ranking systems can help students make informed decisions. These rankings take into account various metrics, such as graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, academic reputation, and post-graduation outcomes, to determine the best colleges and universities in North Dakota. Whether you’re a resident of North Dakota or an out-of-state student, these rankings can be a valuable tool in your college search.
North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public research university in Fargo, North Dakota. It is the largest university in the state and has a reputation for excellence in academics and research. NDSU offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 80 graduate programs across eight colleges, including the College of Engineering, Business, and Health Professions.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attendance for in-state students at NDSU is $10,601, while out-of-state students pay $20,268. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board.
Enrollment and SAT Range
NDSU has an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1070-1290.
Majors
NDSU offers a wide range of majors across many academic fields, including engineering, business, nursing, and law. Some of the most popular majors at NDSU include mechanical engineering, nursing, and business administration.
NDSU is also known for its rural medicine program, which trains doctors to work in rural areas of the state. The university strongly focuses on research, offering undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge research projects.
Overall, NDSU is a top choice for students seeking a high-quality postsecondary education in North Dakota. With a diverse range of majors, strong research programs, and a commitment to excellence in academics and leadership, NDSU is a great option for students looking to further their education and career prospects.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university in Grand Forks, North Dakota. With a total enrollment of over 12,000 students, UND offers 225+ highly accredited on-campus and online degrees across a wide range of academic fields.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attendance for in-state students at UND is around $21,000, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $27,000 per year. However, UND offers a variety of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of tuition, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Enrollment and SAT Range
UND has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 and a graduation rate of 55%. The average SAT score range for admitted students is between 1000-1230.
Majors
UND offers a diverse range of majors across its academic departments, including law, nursing, business, engineering, and healthcare programs. The university also offers a rural medicine program designed to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas.
Overall, UND is a highly respected public institution with a strong focus on academics and research. Its leadership, including President Sally Smith, is committed to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed in their postsecondary education. With its semester-based academic calendar, graduate programs, and satellite locations, UND is a top choice for students seeking a high-quality education in North Dakota.
Minot State University
Minot State University is a public institution in Minot, a city in North Dakota. The university offers a variety of academic fields, including undergraduate and graduate programs, through its five colleges. It is also a semester-based academic calendar.
Annual Cost
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the in-state tuition and fees for Minot State University are $8,508, while the out-of-state tuition and fees are also $8,508. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
Enrollment and SAT Range
As of Fall 2021, Minot State University has a total enrollment of 2,843 undergraduate students and 191 graduate students. The university has an acceptance rate of 68% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The SAT range for admitted students is 930-1130.
Majors
Minot State University offers over 60 undergraduate majors, minors, and several graduate programs. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Education, Business, Nursing, and Criminal Justice. The university also offers online offerings and satellite locations across North Dakota.
Overall, Minot State University is a great option for students seeking postsecondary education in North Dakota. The university has a diverse student body and a graduation rate of 35%, according to BestColleges.com. Sally Smith currently serves as the President of Minot State University, providing strong leadership for the institution. The university is also one of the research universities in North Dakota, providing students with opportunities to engage in research and other scholarly activities.
University of Mary
The University of Mary is a private, Catholic institution in Bismarck, North Dakota. It was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery and is named after Mary, the mother of Jesus. The campus covers over 200 acres and is home to over 3,800 students.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending the University of Mary for the 2023-2024 academic year is approximately $34,100 for tuition and fees, with an additional estimated cost of $11,000 for room and board. The university offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students cover the cost of attendance.
Enrollment and SAT Range
The University of Mary has an enrollment of over 3,800 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1010-1230.
Majors
The University of Mary offers over 60 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs across various academic fields, including business, education, healthcare, and the arts. Some of the most popular majors are nursing, business administration, and elementary education.
The university also offers online offerings and has satellite locations across North Dakota, including Fargo, Grand Forks, and Watford City.
Academics
The University of Mary follows a semester-based academic calendar and offers degrees up to the doctoral level. It is known for its strong academic programs in healthcare, particularly in nursing and physical therapy.
Diversity
The University of Mary is a predominantly white institution, with a student body that is 88% white. However, efforts are being made to increase diversity on campus through initiatives such as the Multicultural Student Association and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Acceptance Rate and Graduation Rate
The acceptance rate at the University of Mary is approximately 90%, making it a moderately selective institution. The university has a graduation rate of 57%, which is slightly lower than the national average for private institutions.
Leadership
The current president of the University of Mary is Dr. Sally Smith, who has held the position since 2020. Under her leadership, the university has continued expanding its academic offerings and increasing its research and innovation focus.
Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is a public institution located in the city of Bismarck, North Dakota. The college offers a range of academic fields, including healthcare, business, and engineering. It is a semester-based academic calendar, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Bismarck State College is $6,196 for in-state students and $8,776 for out-of-state students. The college offers financial aid to eligible students, and the graduation rate is 42%.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Bismarck State College has an acceptance rate of 100%, and the college has a total enrollment of 3,774 students. The SAT range for admitted students is between 960 and 1170.
Majors
Bismarck State College offers a variety of majors, including nursing, business administration, petroleum production technology, and cybersecurity. The college also offers graduate programs in energy management and cybersecurity.
Bismarck State College has satellite locations in Hazen, ND, and Fort Yates, ND. The college also offers online offerings for students who prefer distance learning. President Larry C. Skogen leads the college and has a diverse student body.
Overall, Bismarck State College is a great option for students seeking postsecondary education in North Dakota. According to BestColleges.com, it is ranked #48 in Regional Colleges Midwest.
Rasmussen University – Fargo
Rasmussen University – Fargo is a for-profit university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It offers over 50 career-focused programs in nursing, business, technology, and more. The university is part of the Rasmussen College system, which has campuses in several states across the United States.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Rasmussen University – Fargo varies depending on the program of study. According to the university’s website, the average estimated cost for undergraduate programs is $11,520 per year. This includes tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Enrollment and SAT Range
As of 2023, Rasmussen University – Fargo has an undergraduate enrollment of 337 students. The SAT range for admitted students is not available, as the university does not require SAT scores for admission.
Majors
Rasmussen University – Fargo offers a variety of majors in several fields, including nursing, business, technology, and more. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Nursing, Early Childhood Education, and Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN).
The university also offers several online programs for students studying remotely. These programs include online Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in several fields, including Business Management, Criminal Justice, and Healthcare Management.
Size and Diversity
Rasmussen University – Fargo is a small institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 337 students. The student-to-faculty ratio at the university is 16:1, which means that students receive individual attention from their instructors.
The university has a diverse student body, with students from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. According to National Center for Education Statistics data, the student body at Rasmussen University – Fargo is 57% White, 18% Black or African American, 11% Hispanic or Latino, and 5% Asian.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate at Rasmussen University – Fargo is not available, as the university is not required to report this data to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, the university has a strong track record of helping students achieve their career goals through its career-focused programs and supportive academic environment.
Academics
Rasmussen University – Fargo is known for its career-focused programs in several fields, including nursing, business, and technology. The university’s programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
The university also offers a variety of support services to help students succeed academically, including tutoring, academic advising, and career services. These services are designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals, both during their time at the university and after graduation.
Online Offerings
In addition to its on-campus programs, Rasmussen University – Fargo also offers several online programs for students who prefer to study remotely. These programs allow students to earn their degrees from anywhere in the world, while still receiving the same high-quality education as on-campus students.
The university’s online programs are designed to be flexible and convenient, allowing students to balance their academic and professional responsibilities. Online students have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services.
Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University is a public institution located in Dickinson, North Dakota. It is a semester-based academic calendar and offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has satellite locations in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks and offers online offerings.
Annual Cost
In-state tuition and fees for Dickinson State University are $9,118, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $11,218. The university offers financial aid to eligible students.
Enrollment and SAT Range
As of 2023, the university has an enrollment of 1,441 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The SAT range for admitted students is 940-1140.
Majors
Dickinson State University offers a range of academic fields, with popular majors including Business, Education, and Health Professions. The university offers undergraduate degrees in over 75 majors and graduate programs in Education and Business.
Diversity
According to Niche, Dickinson State University is ranked 5 out of 8 for Most Diverse Colleges in North Dakota. The university has a diverse student body and offers resources and support for underrepresented groups.
Graduation Rate
Dickinson State University has a graduation rate of 35%, according to BestColleges.com. The university is committed to supporting students through graduation and offers academic advising, career services, and other resources to help students succeed.
Leadership
Sally Smith is the current President of Dickinson State University. Under her leadership, the university has made strides in expanding academic offerings, improving campus facilities, and increasing student support services.
Research and Healthcare
While not a public research university, Dickinson State University offers undergraduate research opportunities and has partnerships with local healthcare providers to provide hands-on learning experiences for students in health professions programs.
University of Jamestown
The University of Jamestown is a private Christian university in Jamestown, North Dakota. It offers more than 40 areas of study, led by experienced faculty, and combines liberal arts with professional preparation. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranked the university as one of the best regional colleges in the Midwest.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending the University of Jamestown is $24,200. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. The university offers financial aid to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.
Enrollment and SAT Range
As of 2023, the University of Jamestown has an undergraduate enrollment of 875 students. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1020-1220.
Majors
The University of Jamestown offers a wide range of majors across various fields of study, including Business, Education, Nursing, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and more. The university also offers graduate programs in Education and Leadership.
In conclusion, the University of Jamestown is a well-respected private Christian university in North Dakota. It offers eligible students a diverse range of majors, experienced faculty, and financial aid.
