10 Best Colleges in North Dakota
What’s Covered:
North Dakota’s economy is tied to farming and energy production. The federal government, through the U.S. Postal Service and Social Security Administration, is the state’s largest employer. North Dakota is the second least-populous state in the U.S. but has a lot of colleges in the northern part of the state which are known for their strong business, nursing and engineering programs.
Our Ranking Methodology
Our list of the 10 best colleges in North Dakota was constructed with a focus on school quality, outcomes, and return on investment (ROI). It also considers a host of other factors such as retention rate, selectivity, endowment per student, student-faculty ratio, median earnings, and cost of attendance. You can find CollegeVine’s rankings in their entirety here.
Best Colleges in North Dakota
1. University of North Dakota
Location: Grand Forks, ND
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Middle 50% SAT: 980-1230
Middle 50% ACT: 21-27
Undergrad Enrollment:10,500
The University of North Dakota was established in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1883 and now has about 13,500 students attend each year. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in subjects such as American Indian studies, biological sciences, criminal justice, and geological engineering. The university also offers a wide range of entirely online courses and programs, allowing working professionals and students in rural parts of the state to further their education. UND students may get assistance from academic counseling, in-person and online tutoring, as well as career exploration and counseling, resulting in a recent 38% rise in the school’s four-year graduation rate..
Learn more about the University of North Dakota and what it takes to get accepted.
2. University of Mary
Location: Bismarck, ND
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Middle 50% SAT: 1047-1272
Middle 50% ACT: 20-25
Undergrad Enrollment: 2,500
The University of Mary is a Catholic institution with students from various religious and cultural backgrounds. While the University adheres to a Catholic perspective, all visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend. The university’s main campus is in Bismarck, but it also has five other locations across the United States as well as many online courses for distance learners. Subjects include management, business, education, biological sciences and online software engineering. The university’s mission statement is “To serve the religious, academic and cultural needs of the people in this region and beyond“.
Learn more about the University of Mary and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Minot State University
Location: Minot, ND
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Middle 50% SAT: 920 – 1130
Middle 50% ACT: 18-23
Undergrad Enrollment: 2,900
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. There are nearly 3,000 students enrolled at Minot State, where they can choose to pursue degrees in areas like finance, liberal arts, business administration and the natural sciences. Minot State also offers online degrees for students who are unable to attend classes on campus. Students in the MSU honors program complete a set of courses that lead to a minor and honors distinction on their transcript. Study sessions, seminars, independent research and research possibilities, and service-learning tasks are all included in the program
Learn more about Minot State University and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Bismarck State College
Location: Bismarck, ND
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,700
Bismarck State College is a public institution that provides associate degrees in subjects like music, nursing, business and technology. A few bachelor’s degree programs are also available on campus. Associate degrees can be earned at the college online through an interactive distance program. Approximately 35 technical programs are offered and more than 150 courses are offered online.
Learn more about Bismarck State College and what it takes to get accepted.
5. University of Jamestown
Location: Jamestown, ND
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Middle 50% SAT: 950-1130
Middle 50% ACT: 19-24
Undergrad Enrollment: 800
The University of Jamestown is a private christian liberal arts school which was founded in 1883 by the Presbyterian Church. The university offers several undergraduate degree programs, including degrees in education, nursing and business. Online degree programs are available for students who would like to earn their bachelor’s degree without attending classes on campus. The school is located on 110 acres and has 27 buildings, including ten classroom buildings and six dormitories.
Learn more about The University of Jamestown and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Dickinson State University
Location: Dickinson, ND
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: 18-23
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,300
Dickinson State University is a public university founded in 1918. The university offers bachelor’s degrees, associates degrees, and post-secondary certificates, as well as unique dual mission career training. Undergraduate students can pursue subjects like agriculture and technical studies, liberal arts, business and entrepreneurship, education and natural sciences.
Learn more about Dickinson State University and what it takes to get accepted.
7. North Dakota State University | NDSU
Location: Fargo, ND
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Middle 50% SAT: 1083-1275
Middle 50% ACT: 21-26
Undergrad Enrollment: 11,400
With over $150 million in annual research spending, North Dakota State University is a well-funded public research university that provides opportunities for students to learn in and contribute to the agricultural, educational, scientific and technological development of North Dakota, the United States and the world. All of NDSU’s degree programs are offered online as well as on campus. Most coursework can be completed entirely online or a student may choose to attend classes on campus.
Learn more about North Dakota State University and what it takes to get accepted.
8. Valley City State University
Location: Valley City, ND
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Middle 50% SAT: 900-1090
Middle 50% ACT: 18-23
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,400
Valley City State University is a small, public liberal arts college that was founded in 1890. The school offers more than 65 majors and pre-professional programs. The university is located in the town of Valley City, which has a population of about 6,500. The school is known for its music and theater department. VCSU’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Vikings and compete in NCAA Division II athletics.
Learn more about Valley City State University and what it takes to get accepted.
9. Mayville State University
Location: Mayville, ND
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: 18-25
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,100
Mayville State University, the state’s first institution since its foundation through the constitution of North Dakota in 1889, is one of the state’s original schools and is a public university. The university offers a number of undergraduate degrees, including majors in education and various liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Mayville State University also offers two-year Associate of Arts degrees in Business Management, Early Childhood Associate, and Liberal Arts University Studies. Students enrolled in the Dakota Nursing Program are allowed to attend classes on the Mayville State campus.
Learn more about Mayville State University and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Sitting Bull College
Location: Fort Yates, ND
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 200
Sitting Bull College is a tribal college in Fort Yates, North Dakota. The school was founded to serve the Lakota Sioux people of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. It offers a range of undergraduate degrees in business administration, Native American studies and liberal arts. Sitting Bull was a well-known 19th century Sioux Chief who led the Indian resistance at Little Bighorn. The name of the college commemorates his legacy. The school is affiliated with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
Learn more about Sitting Bull College and what it takes to get accepted.
What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?
Wondering what your odds are of admission at one of the 10 best colleges in North Dakota? CollegeVine can help. Our free chancing engine uses a variety of factors—like grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities—to calculate your odds of acceptance at hundreds of schools in the Sunflower State and across the country.
Our chancing engine can also help you build a balanced school list. By providing you with your odds of acceptance, you can strategically assign safety, target, and reach schools and put yourself in the ideal position to get into a great fit school. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!
