NDSU vs. UW

Comparable Facts

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

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than UW based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 10,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NDSU vs. UW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NDSU or UW? 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 Wyoming than NDSU ($14,872 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 27.6% lower than at University of Wyoming ($9,928 vs. $13,710).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 43% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW (about $3,342 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $7,768.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.4% higher at UW than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $8,414 more per year; $24,178.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Wyoming than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (90% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Wyoming students is 59.3% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($10,212 vs. $6,409).

NDSU vs. UW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NDSU or UW? 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 UW and NDSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Wyoming (1140) is 50 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming UW students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 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 Wyoming 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25; University of Wyoming 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NDSU - Test optional; UW - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027; UW Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have the same average high school GPA (3.53) as students at UW (3.53).
• UW has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than NDSU (95%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32% at NDSU vs. 23.8% at UW.

NDSU vs. UW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NDSU and UW? 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 University of Wyoming's (53%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than UW graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $51,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wyoming graduates have a $4,800 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($18,500 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, UW graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($191 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UW students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 75%)

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.