Best Colleges in North Dakota of 2023

The University of North Dakota sits on an idyllic campus in Grand Forks. Its beautiful architecture, including the recently constructed Memorial Union and the newly renovated library, as well as the student-to-faculty ratio, make UND an attractive place to attend college. UND is the only school in North Dakota that offers medical and law schools and is the top graduate school in the state. Additionally, UND ensures students are ready for their careers after graduation by offering workforce-ready programs, including InternGF and Accelerate to Industry. Regarded as one of the top research institutions in the nation, with the National Science Foundation ranking it #151, UND offers over 225 academic programs.

Located in Fargo, North Dakota State University offers a best-in-class experience for a wide variety of disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. NDSU is classified as an R1 Research School, the highest classification status that is presented to schools. This student-focused university believes in educating students who will change the world for the better. They also offer a wide variety of merit-based scholarships for students throughout their academic career, including a Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver, making this an affordable choice in addition to its rigorous academic offerings. NDSU is an excellent choice for those pursuing agriculture, veterinary, and business degrees.

The University of Jamestown offers an incredible student-to-faculty ratio, with an average of only 12 students per class. This allows everyone to feel better connected to their professors and receive the one-on-one attention that creates lasting relationships with peers and faculty. U.S. News and World Report have also ranked the University of Jamestown as one of the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest. Additionally, this is one of the most affordable college picks as every one of their undergraduates receives some form of financial aid, resulting in over $10 million in scholarships given out by the school every year. If you plan to reside on campus, this is an even more affordable option, as every undergraduate who does so receives at least $8,000 in scholarships.

Minot State University, located in Minot, North Dakota, offers small class sizes for more direct learning relationships with professors. On average, there are 11 students for every faculty member. In addition to this more focused and student-centered learning community, their retention rate is over 70%. They focus on active learning environments for hands-on experiences and strongly cultivate a commitment to public service among their students. Their degrees for teaching are well known and offer two pathways to licensure with the state of North Dakota. These paths are a Bachelor of Science in Education for teaching in a variety of programs, from mathematics to early childhood education. They also offer a Master of Science in Special Education.

U.S. News has recognized Valley City State University as one of "America's Best Colleges" for 24 years. This regional college offers focused learning opportunities for a wide range of majors. Originally founded as a school for teachers, this remains an integral part of their academic program. The VCSU system is known throughout the region for the quality of its teachers. Additionally, VCSU offers a beautiful campus on 55 acres between a forest and the Sheyenne River. Buzzfeed recently rated VCSU as the Most Beautiful Campus in North Dakota. Students enrolled full-time receive laptop computers and advanced multimedia technology to enhance their educational experiences.

Currently, 22 neighboring states offer in-state tuition to students, which means that almost all students receive resident tuition rates. Dickinson State University has also frozen tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year in an effort to ensure that all students can afford a quality education. Additionally, they offer an extensive range of scholarships. These include athletic, academic, and arts-based scholarships, alongside specific scholarships for high-achieving high school students. Finally, their Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Scholarship offers scholarships for those looking to delve into building lifelong leadership skills during their time in school. They offer a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Dedicated to ensuring that students have the opportunity to foster and grow their faith, the University of Mary is open to students of all faiths while honoring its Benedictine heritage. Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, this university has a commitment to the greater good. Their professionally focused undergraduate and graduate programs offer affordable rates for every student. The University of Mary offers a variety of scholarships, including those aimed specifically at nursing students and working adults. Additionally, degrees can be accelerated to get you on your career path sooner by taking advantage of their Year-Round Campus Program, which offers full Summer semesters in addition to Spring and Fall.

Mayville State University offers affordable tuition costs, saving students an average of $5,650 per year compared to other public universities, alongside a rich range of academics and extracurricular activities. For adult learners, who may have children or careers in addition to their academics, there are a few particular benefits to learning at Mayville State University. In addition to offering online and in-person classes, there are many opportunities to gain business and industry connections. Finally, Mayville State University also offers an exceptional children's day program based on the Creative Curriculum. This gives any student with small children an opportunity to have their children be on the same campus.

Offering both two-year and four-year degree paths, Bismarck State College is a perfect choice for getting hands-on experience toward your desired career goals. Their lovely campus overlooks the Missouri river, offering scenic views to complement your education. It is possible to earn technical degrees in addition to Bachelor's degrees, short and long-term certificate programs in a wide range of fields, and transfer programs for students who wish to transfer after completing general education courses. You will find that they offer flexibility and versatility for achieving your degree at a cost that best suits your lifestyle and objectives. They also offer college credits for local high school students and courses specifically for non-degree-seeking students hoping to engage with select subjects.

Located on the Standing Rock Reservation, Sitting Bull College offers a focus on students and their communities. With a clear connection to Lakota/Dakota culture to guide their teaching and community-building, the college offers Associate's degrees, Bachelor's degrees, and certificate programs, including Welding and Electrical Certification. It is also affordable, as 99% of their students receive financial aid through a combination of scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. They are dedicated to working with students to create plans for graduating debt-free. Their practices reflect the values of Ochethi Sakowin, including diversity and inclusion to help students develop valuable life skills for engagement with their communities.