DSU vs. University of North Dakota

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND with University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Dakota is larger than DSU based on total student enrollment (15,019 students vs. 1,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, ND (Remote Town setting); University of North Dakota is in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting).
• Dickinson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson State University 16:1; University of North Dakota 17:1.

DSU vs. University of North Dakota Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSU or University of North Dakota? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Dickinson State University than University of North Dakota ($14,698 vs. $18,076).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson State University are 24.8% lower than at University of North Dakota ($8,564 vs. $11,390).
• University of North Dakota is 20.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSU (about $1,833 more per year; $10,951.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.8% higher at University of North Dakota than at Dickinson State University (about $6,452 more per year; $15,570.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson State University than at University of North Dakota (92% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of North Dakota students is 17.6% larger than aid received by Dickinson State University students ($6,663 vs. $5,667).

DSU vs. University of North Dakota Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSU or University of North Dakota? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of North Dakota and DSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Dakota (1200) is 200 points higher than at DSU (1000).
• Incoming University of North Dakota students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at DSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 875/1130; University of North Dakota 1110/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 16/21; University of North Dakota 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSU - Test-free; University of North Dakota - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of North Dakota students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at DSU (3.11).
• University of North Dakota has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than DSU (37%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 51.8% at DSU vs. 34.7% at University of North Dakota.

DSU vs. University of North Dakota Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSU and University of North Dakota? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of North Dakota's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Dickinson State University's (26%).
• Graduates from University of North Dakota earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than DSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,700 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson State University graduates have a $5,719 lower median loan debt than University of North Dakota graduates ($18,781 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, DSU graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of North Dakota graduates ($194 vs. $253).
• More DSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of North Dakota students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.