MSU Moorhead vs. University of North Dakota

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN 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 MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (15,019 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); University of North Dakota is in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; University of North Dakota 17:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of North Dakota Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead 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 University of North Dakota than MSU Moorhead ($18,076 vs. $18,221).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minnesota State University Moorhead are 3.5% lower than at University of North Dakota ($10,994 vs. $11,390).
• University of North Dakota is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Moorhead (about $523 more per year; $10,951.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.3% higher at University of North Dakota than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $5,142 more per year; $15,570.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minnesota State University Moorhead than at University of North Dakota (91% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of North Dakota students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($6,663 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. University of North Dakota Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead 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 MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Dakota (1200) is 10 points higher than at MSU Moorhead (1190).
• Incoming University of North Dakota students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at MSU Moorhead).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; University of North Dakota 1110/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; University of North Dakota 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; University of North Dakota - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU Moorhead students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at University of North Dakota (3.5).
• University of North Dakota has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 34.7% at University of North Dakota.

MSU Moorhead vs. University of North Dakota Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from University of North Dakota earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,700 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $2,224 lower median loan debt than University of North Dakota graduates ($22,276 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of North Dakota graduates ($230 vs. $253).
• More University of North Dakota graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 65%)

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.