Umary vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Mary in Bismarck, ND 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 Umary based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 3,861 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Mary is located in Bismarck, ND (Rural Fringe setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• University of Mary 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: University of Mary 14:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

Umary vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Umary 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 Umary ($15,596 vs. $20,156).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary are 6.6% lower than at North Dakota State University Main Campus ($9,276 vs. $9,928).
• University of Mary is 101.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $11,246 more per year; $22,356.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.8% higher at Umary than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $6,592 more per year; $22,356.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Mary than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Mary students is 112.2% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($13,601 vs. $6,409).

Umary vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Umary 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 Umary.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Mary (1230) is 140 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming Umary students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at NDSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mary 1110/1340; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mary 21/26; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Umary - Test optional; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Umary Sep 30, 2026; NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Umary (3.37).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than Umary (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.4% at Umary vs. 32% at NDSU.

Umary vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Umary 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 University of Mary's (52%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Umary graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary graduates have a $800 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, Umary graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($232 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Umary students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 76%)

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.