MSU vs. University of North Dakota

Comparable Facts

Compare Minot State University in Minot, 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 MSU based on total student enrollment (15,019 students vs. 2,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minot State University is located in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting); University of North Dakota is in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting).
• Minot 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: Minot State University 11:1; University of North Dakota 17:1.

MSU vs. University of North Dakota Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU 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 Minot State University than University of North Dakota ($13,092 vs. $18,076).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minot State University are 25.1% lower than at University of North Dakota ($8,534 vs. $11,390).
• University of North Dakota is 25.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $2,249 more per year; $10,951.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.9% higher at University of North Dakota than at Minot State University (about $6,868 more per year; $15,570.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minot State University than at University of North Dakota (90% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of North Dakota students is 10.8% larger than aid received by Minot State University students ($6,663 vs. $6,016).

MSU vs. University of North Dakota Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU 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.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Dakota (1200) is 160 points higher than at MSU (1040).
• Incoming University of North Dakota students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minot State University 930/1140; University of North Dakota 1110/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minot State University 18/24; University of North Dakota 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; University of North Dakota - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027; University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of North Dakota students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at MSU (3.42).
• University of North Dakota has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than MSU (64.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.9% at MSU vs. 34.7% at University of North Dakota.

MSU vs. University of North Dakota Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU 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 Minot State University's (34%).
• Graduates from University of North Dakota earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,700 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minot State University graduates have a $5,775 lower median loan debt than University of North Dakota graduates ($18,725 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of North Dakota graduates ($193 vs. $253).
• More University of North Dakota graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 74%)

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.