NDSU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester

Comparable Facts

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

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than University of Minnesota-Rochester based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 578 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Dakota State University Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting); University of Minnesota Rochester is in Rochester, MN (Midsize City setting).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Rochester is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1; University of Minnesota Rochester 13:1.

NDSU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NDSU or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 Minnesota Rochester than NDSU ($14,953 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 29.1% lower than at University of Minnesota Rochester ($9,928 vs. $13,994).
• University of Minnesota Rochester is 35.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $3,906 more per year; $15,016.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at NDSU than at University of Minnesota Rochester (about $748 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Dakota State University Main Campus than at University of Minnesota Rochester (81% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Minnesota Rochester students is 119.3% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($14,057 vs. $6,409).

NDSU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NDSU or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 Minnesota-Rochester and NDSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Rochester (1170) is 80 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming University of Minnesota-Rochester students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at NDSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216; University of Minnesota Rochester 950/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25; University of Minnesota Rochester 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NDSU - Test optional; University of Minnesota-Rochester - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027; University of Minnesota-Rochester Jul 31, 2027.
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than University of Minnesota-Rochester (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32% at NDSU vs. 20.3% at University of Minnesota-Rochester.

NDSU vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NDSU and University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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).

• Graduates from University of Minnesota Rochester earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than NDSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $53,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Rochester graduates have a $3,115 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($20,185 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($208 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Minnesota-Rochester students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.