University of North Dakota vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

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

University of North Dakota is larger than NDSU based on total student enrollment (15,019 students vs. 11,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• University of North Dakota 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 North Dakota 17:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

University of North Dakota vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of North Dakota 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 North Dakota ($15,596 vs. $18,076).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 12.8% lower than at University of North Dakota ($9,928 vs. $11,390).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of North Dakota (about $159 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $10,951.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.2% higher at NDSU than at University of North Dakota (about $194 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $15,570.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of North Dakota than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (86% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of North Dakota students is 4% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($6,663 vs. $6,409).

University of North Dakota vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of North Dakota 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 North Dakota.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Dakota (1200) is 110 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming University of North Dakota 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 North Dakota 1110/1290; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Dakota 20/26; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of North Dakota - Test-free; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027; NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at University of North Dakota (3.5).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than University of North Dakota (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.7% at University of North Dakota vs. 32% at NDSU.

University of North Dakota vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of North Dakota 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).

• The graduation rate at University of North Dakota is the same as at North Dakota State University Main Campus (54% vs. 54%).
• Graduates from University of North Dakota earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than NDSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,700 vs. $53,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than University of North Dakota graduates ($23,300 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of North Dakota graduates ($240 vs. $253).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of North Dakota 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.