North Central University vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central University in Minneapolis, MN with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than North Central University based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central University is located in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central University 14:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

North Central University vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central University or NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus than North Central University ($15,596 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 1.3% lower than at North Central University ($9,928 vs. $10,054).
• North Central University is 190% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $21,110 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 104.4% higher at North Central University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $16,456 more per year; $32,220.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central University students is 182.6% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($18,112 vs. $6,409).

North Central University vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central University or NDSU? 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 NDSU and North Central University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 40 points higher than at North Central University (1050).
• Incoming NDSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at North Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central University 950/1148; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central University 18/24; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central University - Test-free; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027; NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at North Central University (3.4).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than NDSU (95%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.6% at North Central University vs. 32% at NDSU.

North Central University vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central University and NDSU? 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).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than North Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $20,300 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $1,700 lower median loan debt than North Central University graduates ($23,300 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central University graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Central University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 68%)

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.