University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Minnesota Duluth in Duluth, 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 University of Minnesota-Duluth based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 9,253 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Minnesota Duluth is located in Duluth, MN (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• University of Minnesota Duluth is a public, 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 Minnesota Duluth 16:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Minnesota-Duluth 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 University of Minnesota-Duluth ($15,596 vs. $20,128).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 10.6% lower than at University of Minnesota Duluth ($9,928 vs. $11,110).
• University of Minnesota Duluth is 31.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $3,500 more per year; $14,610.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.7% higher at University of Minnesota-Duluth than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $4,366 more per year; $20,130.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Minnesota Duluth than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Minnesota Duluth students is 12.1% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($7,186 vs. $6,409).

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Minnesota-Duluth 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 University of Minnesota-Duluth.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Duluth (1270) is 180 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming University of Minnesota-Duluth 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: University of Minnesota Duluth 1180/1350; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Duluth 23/28; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Minnesota-Duluth - Test optional; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Minnesota-Duluth Aug 1, 2027; NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at University of Minnesota-Duluth (3.51).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than University of Minnesota-Duluth (88.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. 32% at NDSU.

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Minnesota-Duluth 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).

• University of Minnesota Duluth's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than North Dakota State University Main Campus's (54%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $100 more per year than University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $53,500), 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 University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates ($23,300 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Minnesota-Duluth 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.