Best jmcomicÂþ»s in North Dakota
Online degrees in North Dakota offer flexible and accessible higher education for diverse populations. These institutions provide competitive tuition rates and financial aid options, making online education an attractive and viable option for many individuals wishing to study remotely.
Key Takeaways:
- All of our affordable North Dakota colleges have tuition costs below $8,300.
- The schools listed below have high high Salary Scores, with median graduate earnings between $62,000 and $65,000.
- The average online enrollment for schools in North Dakota is notably high, with the University of North Dakota serving over 4,500 distance learners.
Our methodology for organizing the best colleges in North Dakota focuses on affordability and alumni earnings.
Best by Salary Score
These lists show online colleges based on alumni salary outcomes, using a Salary Score to identify schools that produce the highest-earning graduates across different majors. Salary Scores, shown as letter grades, use data from the College Scorecard to evaluate salaries about four years after graduation. Schools must have earnings data from the College Scorecard and a significant number of online students according to IPEDS data to be included. In North Dakota, the top schools with the best Salary Scores have median earnings of over $61,600.
University of Jamestown
Why We Like Them:
UJ produces impressive financial outcomes for its graduates. With median salaries of $65,492, UJ it is in the top 22% of institutions nationwide for alumni earnings. Coupled with the online division's strong average financial aid package of $17,022, which puts it in the top 24% nationally, UJ demonstrates a commitment to student success and financial support. Additionally, the university boasts a commendable faculty-to-student ratio of 12:1, ensuring you receive individualized attention from your professors. UJ's online offerings span bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, allowing you to advance your career with ultimate flexibility and access to the same support services as on-campus students.
University of North Dakota
Why We Like Them:
UND excels in post-graduation earnings, with a median salary of $64,412, which places it in the top 23% of universities. It also has strong online enrollment figures, with 4,511 students engaged in distance learning. These metrics make it clear that UND offers online programs that produce successful career outcomes. Additionally, a retention rate of 79% — which lands in the top 24% — indicates that students are generally satisfied and find value in continuing their education at UND. These benefits are further underscored by a recommendation rate of 91%, suggesting that the majority of graduates had a positive experience and would advise others to enroll. UND offers a variety of online degrees, encompassing undergraduate and graduate levels. From bachelor's degrees in communication, nursing, and business to master's degrees in cybersecurity, early childhood education, and public health, UND ensures you have numerous options to tailor your education to your career aspirations.
What Students Say:
"I love the distance learning program. It would have been impossible for me to work full time and try to attend graduate school right now... It is a definite value."
Cheryl Glazier, Graduated 2014
North Dakota State University - Main Campus
Why We Like Them:
NDSU boasts median graduate earnings of $63,894, placing it in the top 24% for alumni salaries. This is the type of strong return on investment you can expect after graduation. Moreover, the university holds a high recommendation rate of 92%, showing a significant majority of graduates find value in their education and are likely to suggest the institution to others. NDSU offers positive student experiences with an overall review rating of 3.96 out of 5. Together, these metrics highlight the strong support system at NDSU, making it a top choice for your online education in North Dakota.
What Students Say:
"NDSU is where I did my undergraduate degree, and I looked no further for my graduate program. The faculty is amazing, with structured classes to make you think and learn. The students are motivated and friendly. I recommend NDSU to everyone."
Hannah Stevens, Graduated 2019
University of Mary
Why We Like Them:
UMary is in the top 27% of schools nationwide with high graduate salaries, boasting a median earnings figure of $61,682. This significant earning potential is underscored by its high graduation rate of 63%, positioning it similarly in the top 24%. The school not only excels in these outcome-based metrics but also offers substantial financial support. Students can expect to receive an average financial aid package of $13,371. Additionally, 100% of the students benefit from financial aid. For those exploring flexible learning paths, the UMary offers more than 50 online and evening programs, covering diverse fields such as business, education, and health sciences. With over 25 years of experience in serving adult learners, the UMary ensures that you benefit from their extensive expertise in online education.
What Students Say:
"University of Mary was an excellent college experience. They have wonderful instructors and they were very accommodating with my military schedule."
Anonymous, Graduated 2012
Best by Affordability
To identify the best colleges by affordability, we focused on annual tuition rates for bachelor’s programs. We ensured that included institutions provide a standardized global tuition rate across programs at the undergraduate degree level, manually verifying these costs through official school websites. Our most affordable online schools in North Dakota have tuition costs below $8,300.
Minot State University
Why We Like Them:
MSU makes our affordability list with a competitive tuition fee of $7,168, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious learners. Additionally, the university delivers personalized instruction, boasting a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, placing it among the top 17% of institutions in this category. This favorable ratio means you receive focused academic support that's sure to enhance your educational experience. Online learners at MSU can choose from a variety of degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Each curriculum is designed to meet the needs of diverse fields, offering flexibility and rigorous academic standards.
Dickinson State University
Why We Like Them:
Noted for its affordability, DSU offers an online degree program with a competitive tuition rate of $7,470, placing it among the top 20% of the most cost-effective institutions. Another impressive statistic is that 96% of DSU students receive some form of financial aid, highlighting the university's dedication to making higher education accessible. Regarding its online offerings, DSU provides a wide selection of programs that you can complete entirely online through DSUliveâ„¢, which allows for real-time participation in live classes. This remote learning system allows you flexibility without compromising the benefit of interacting with instructors and peers. DSU offers online undergraduate degrees, including certificates, in the fields of science and education.
Mayville State University
Why We Like Them:
MSU stands out in affordability for its low tuition of $8,146, making higher education accessible without compromising on quality. Combining this with the fact that every student receives financial aid, situating the school among the top 18% nationally for student financial aid, further amplifies its financial appeal. MSU's commitment to accessible education is evident, with 100% of its student population benefiting from financial aid. You can choose from a variety of online degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in business administration, accounting, and nursing, as well as specialized education programs such as a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education and Special Education. The institution also offers several graduate certificates, a Master of Education, and a Master of Arts in Teaching, making it a versatile option for both undergraduate and graduate studies in various fields.
Valley City State University
Why We Like Them:
VCSU's annual tuition of $8,273 makes it an excellent choice for students studying on a budget. Every student attending VCSU receives financial aid, positioning them within the top 18% for this metric. The online learning programs are flexible enough to allow you to join lectures in real time or learn at your own pace. This system improves accessibility and allows VCSU to meet the needs of a diverse student body. There are a variety of online programs available, including undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, business administration, and education. You can also pursue graduate programs like the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Education with various concentrations.
Higher Education in North Dakota
North Dakota's include 14 public schools. North Dakota's community colleges make up more than half of the state's higher education institutions. It ranks 47th in state population density, so it's not surprising that three-quarters of its colleges are in rural areas or small towns.
In terms of the most bachelor's degrees conferred in North Dakota, the disciplines in the top three were engineering, business, and healthcare, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (). As with many states, North Dakota is experiencing a shortage of trained and educated healthcare workers. The health professions as a whole are among the most popular majors in the state, but there is still plenty of opportunity for graduates of health-related programs.
North Dakota also encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in its major industries, which include agriculture, natural resource extraction, and aerospace and defense. However, the state's Innovate ND grant to fund business projects ran over budget and had to be paused.
A number of North Dakota colleges have fully online degree programs. Distance learning can provide a convenient route to earning a degree in a state as sparsely populated as North Dakota, helping balance school with work and other responsibilities.
Be sure to read our lists of online MSW programs in North Dakota and online nursing programs in North Dakota if you're considering a social work or nursing career.
FAQs About jmcomicÂþ»s in North Dakota
How Many Colleges Are in North Dakota?
There are 20 colleges in North Dakota that offer associate degrees at minimum. The largest institution is the University of North Dakota, which has hundreds of online certificate and degree programs.
How Many Tribal Colleges Are in North Dakota?
(TCUs) call North Dakota home. These are mainly community and trade schools, some of which offer bachelor's degree programs.
How Many Public Colleges Are in North Dakota?
Fourteen of North Dakota's colleges are publicly funded. These range from a tribal college with fewer than 300 students to a larger university with nearly 14,000.
How Much Is College in North Dakota?
Each college charges a different amount, but we can look to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for average costs. We've listed the average annual during the 2022-2023 academic year (the latest with available data).
- Public four-year college, in-state resident: $9,728
- Public four-year college, out-of-state resident: $14,687
- Private four-year college: $16,990
- Public two-year college, in-state resident: $5,610
- Public two-year college, out-of-state resident: $6,642
For context, to attend a public, four-year college in North Dakota, it's almost exactly the same price tag as the U.S. average for annual tuition across the board, with a difference of about $30 per year. However, out-of-state residency prices are significantly more affordable than the U.S. average, which is almost double the figure listed above — $28,297. The same is true for private college, which is less than double the U.S. average.
Tuition policies vary, with many institutions charging distinct rates for online programs. Some colleges have a flat rate for all online students, while others might offer discounts for in-state residents. Prospective online students should carefully research each college's tuition policies to understand the costs involved.







