University of North Dakota vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND with Dakota State University in Madison, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Dakota is larger than Dakota State based on total student enrollment (15,019 students vs. 3,774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• University of North Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Dakota 17:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

University of North Dakota vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of North Dakota or Dakota State? 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 North Dakota than Dakota State ($18,076 vs. $20,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota State University are 14.5% lower than at University of North Dakota ($9,742 vs. $11,390).
• University of North Dakota is 13.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota State (about $1,297 more per year; $10,951.00 vs. $9,654.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at University of North Dakota than at Dakota State University (about $2,814 more per year; $15,570.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota State University than at University of North Dakota (88% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of North Dakota students is 24.1% larger than aid received by Dakota State University students ($6,663 vs. $5,371).

University of North Dakota vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of North Dakota or Dakota State? 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 Dakota State and University of North Dakota.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 120 points higher than at University of North Dakota (1200).
• Incoming University of North Dakota students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Dakota State (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Dakota 1110/1290; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Dakota 20/26; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of North Dakota - Test-free; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of North Dakota students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than University of North Dakota (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.7% at University of North Dakota vs. 18% at Dakota State.

University of North Dakota vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of North Dakota and Dakota State? 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 North Dakota's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from University of North Dakota earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Dakota State graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,700 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than University of North Dakota graduates ($23,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Dakota State graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of North Dakota graduates ($242 vs. $253).
• More University of North Dakota graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota State students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 67%)

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.