15 Best Affordable Schools in North Dakota for Bachelor’s Degree 2020

In the following ranking, we examine the top 15 best affordable colleges in North Dakota for bachelor’s degrees. From the University of North Dakota’s massive campus to the rigorous academic offerings of Minot State, colleges and universities in North Dakota work hard to bring the very best to their students — at a fraction of the cost of other institutions elsewhere in the country. Thanks to its plentiful natural resources, North Dakota also boasts a thriving labor market, a low cost of living, and some of the friendliest citizens you will find in the U.S. The 15 schools listed below are fantastic examples of what North Dakota has to offer, and each was chosen based on its ability to meet the demands of prospective students across three categories, namely affordability, class size, and student success.

Methodology

We understand that the process of narrowing down a college can be time-consuming and confusing, particularly for students who are just beginning to think about pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, we decided to help by developing the following ranking of the top 15 best affordable colleges in North Dakota based on three key metrics: affordability, class size, and student success. We conducted a search for colleges in North Dakota offering bachelor’s degrees using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in order to get our initial list of institutions, and we awarded points as outlined below in order to provide students with a solid understanding of each school’s tuition rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates.

Average Cost of Attendance

The average cost of attendance is likely at the forefront of every prospective student’s mind, particularly if they are worried about being able to afford a certain program. Although it is certainly tempting to choose the cheapest college in North Dakota just to save money, you will also want to compare the quality of the school’s programs as well as the accreditation, extracurriculars, and other features of the school. For the purpose of the following ranking, we awarded points based on the cost of tuition for in-state students for one full year of study as reported by NCES. We also felt it helpful to provide out-of-state tuition rates, although these were not used in the ranking itself.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Consider your academic background, personal priorities, and learning style as you compare student-to-faculty ratios. In other words, are you looking to attend a small private college that will provide greater accountability, or do you thrive in the hustle and bustle of a large classroom? Are you excited about hundreds of student-run clubs, organizations, and extracurriculars, or do you place more value on opportunities to build relationships with your peers and professors? Although there is no one-size-fits-all school, for this ranking, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities that offer low student-to-faculty ratios and, in most cases, the smallest class sizes, according to NCES data.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

Finally, we used each school’s graduation rate as a measure of student success. After all, the ultimate goal is to choose a school, complete its program requirements, and earn your degree. Therefore, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities that reported high graduation numbers from NCES. Although there are always exceptions, in most cases, these institutions are doing something right to retain their students, whether that be employing experienced professors, offering academic support, or providing affordable tuition rates. Whatever the reason may be, we can assume that most students are satisfied with their experience and therefore remain at that particular school and graduate with their degrees.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 15 Best Affordable Colleges in North Dakota

15. University of Jamestown

Jamestown, North Dakota

Points: 5
School Website

The University of Jamestown is a private liberal arts institution of higher education located in Jamestown. Founded in 1883 by the Presbyterian Church, the school enrolls around 1,000 students each year from 37 states and 17 countries in more than 30 areas of study. As one of the top affordable universities in North Dakota, students can choose from a diverse range of economical undergraduate degree programs, including teacher education, kinesiology, computer science and technology, and business, accounting, and economics. The school approaches higher education as a “Journey to Success” in which students are encouraged to view their college experience from outward, inward, forward, and beyond perspectives. With a four-year graduation guarantee, a promised internship, career resources, mentoring personalized advising, and self-assessment, the University of Jamestown helps its students through every step of their journey.

In-State Tuition: $21,976
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,976
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent

14. Rasmussen College

Fargo, North Dakota

Points: 5
School Website

Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College is an affordable private college in North Dakota that is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota with a campus in Fargo. With an emphasis on general education skills, a dynamic curriculum, and innovative programs, Rasmussen is committed to being a pioneer in the field of career-focused education. Rasmussen offers a number of cheap on-campus and online bachelor’s degrees in areas such as business, education, design, technology, nursing, and justice studies. Outside of the classroom, the school prides itself on its community involvement, whether that be serving as the hub for a neighborhood fundraiser, hosting a free virtual career fair to the public, donating meeting space to local organizations, or dedicating time to local volunteer opportunities.

In-State Tuition: $10,935
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,935
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent

13. University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1959 as Mary College, the University of Mary is a best-value affordable North Dakota university located in Bismarck, and the largest degree-granting institution in the region. Known for academic excellence, Mary offers students an inexpensive private Catholic college education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Mary provides professionally focused, values-based academic degrees grounded in servant leadership, the liberal arts, and robust experiential learning opportunities. Low-cost undergraduate areas of study include Catholic studies, coaching and sport studies, engineering science, nursing, pastoral ministry, radiologic technology, and 10 pre-professional concentrations, including a unique option in wildlife management and conservation biology. Student life at Mary consists of 16 NCAA Division II athletic teams, more than 30 student organizations, and a variety of volunteer experiences, intramural sports, music ensembles, and campus-based ministry and worship.

In-State Tuition: $18,444
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent

12. Trinity Bible College

Ellendale, North Dakota

Points: 6
School Website

Located in Ellendale, Trinity Bible College and Graduate School is a private institution of higher education and one of the most affordable colleges in North Dakota. Established in 1948, TBCGS is affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA and offers a number of economical undergraduate and graduate programs to around 200 students. Prospective students will find that each low-cost Bachelor of Arts degree at TBCGS consists of a major in biblical studies combined with a second major or a minor. Secular areas of study include business administration, exercise science, general studies, intercultural studies, international entrepreneurship, teacher education, and marketing and communications, while nonsecular options are offered in children’s, pastoral, worship, and youth ministry. Campus life includes a number of fun events, including Homecoming Week, as well as intramural sports, choir concerts, floor fellowship, and Friday evening worship services in the on-campus chapel.

In-State Tuition: $16,320
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,320
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent

11. North Dakota State University

Fargo, North Dakota

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1890 as North Dakota Agricultural College, North Dakota State University is a public land-grant institution that enrolls nearly 13,800 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students each year. NDSU is recognized among the top 100 public research universities in the country for development and research in social sciences, psychology, and agricultural sciences. Students across the campus have opportunities to help NDSU’s experienced faculty with their research, applying what they have learned in the classroom to solve real-world problems. In addition to offering exceptional yet affordable degrees in science that are recognized by the National Science Foundation, other unique undergraduate options range from strategic communication to biosystems and agricultural engineering. With consistent campus events, an NCAA Division I athletic program, and more than 270 student organizations, this affordable college in North Dakota offers endless opportunities for students to get involved in the NDSU community.

In-State Tuition: $9,414
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,393
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent

10. University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Points: 6
School Website

Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota is considered a leader among all institutions of higher education in the state. UND has a reputation for instilling in its students the pursuit of lifelong learning and a sense of global citizenship. With more than 225 cheap undergraduate degrees and graduate programs as well as the only law and medical schools in the state, students have plenty of opportunities to pursue their passion. This best-value affordable university in North Dakota offers several low-cost programs, including electrical engineering, nursing, and music education, as well as several unique programs in aviation studies, aeronautics, and airport management. UND students benefit from a variety of services to help them be successful, including international programs, military and veteran services, counseling, career services, and academic support. UND is home to more than 275 student clubs and organizations, ranging from recreational groups focused on hobbies and special interests to professional groups in which students can choose to interact with prospective employers or participate in community service initiatives.

In-State Tuition: $8,695
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,759
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent

9. Valley City State University

Valley City, North Dakota

Points: 6
School Website

Valley City State University is a public land-grant institution of higher education and a member of the 11-campus North Dakota University System. Founded as a normal school in 1890, VCSU, one of the most affordable colleges in North Dakota, offers more than 80 cheap undergraduate degrees in areas such as business administration, communication, elementary education, and library and information technologies as well as cutting-edge programs in computer information systems and software engineering, the only program of its kind in the state. The school’s technology fee covers a personal laptop computer as well as smart classrooms and campus-wide internet access. Situated just 60 miles west of Fargo, VCSU’s 55-acre campus is complete with landscaped woodlands and a vibrant mixture of modern and historic buildings. Students can choose from more than 30 student organizations and Greek life as well as honor societies, special interest clubs, and intramural sports.

In-State Tuition: $7,626
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,166
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent

8. Mayville State University

Mayville, North Dakota

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1889, Mayville State University is a public institution of higher education located in Mayville. A member of the North Dakota University System, MSU offers more than 77 cheap majors, minors, and programs to more than 1,100 undergraduate students. Undergraduates can pursue a low-cost Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Applied Science, and a Bachelor of University Studies. MSU offers 11 inexpensive undergraduate teaching majors as well as 18 non-teaching majors in areas such as business, medical laboratory science, sports management, psychology, and nursing. MSU is known as one of the most affordable North Dakota universities, offering some of the lowest tuition rates in the state. Opportunities for campus involvement include student clubs and organizations as well as intramural athletics.

In-State Tuition: $6,666
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,399
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 28 percent

7. Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College

New Town, North Dakota

Points: 6
School Website

Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, located in New Town, is a Native American tribal community college and a land-grant institution of higher learning. Established in 1973, the college also operates branches in White Shield and Mandaree. NHSC offers seven cheap certificates, 10 associate programs, and three bachelor’s degrees to more than 500 students each year, including a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies. On-campus and off-campus internship opportunities are available through partnerships with entities such as Elbowoods Memorial Health Center and First Nations Women’s Alliance. With the second-lowest tuition on our list, NHSC is ranked among the most affordable colleges in North Dakota with high-quality academic programs to boot.

In-State Tuition: $3,870
Out-of-State Tuition: $3,870
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: N/A

6. Minot State University

Minot, North Dakota

Points: 7
School Website

Founded as a normal school in 1913, Minot State University is the third-largest institution of higher learning in the state. MSU is comprised of three academic colleges, including the College of Education and Health Sciences, the College Business, and the College of Arts and Sciences, and students can choose from more than 100 areas of study. Unique affordable program options at the undergraduate level include interpreting sign language studies, bioinformatics, and addiction studies, and all degrees emphasize student research and experiential learning. MSU is home to the Center for Applied Study of Cognition and Learning Sciences (CASCLS) in which undergraduate and graduate students have opportunities to learn, apply, and test research regarding the brain and behavior. Outside of the classroom, student life is inclusive and diverse, consisting of more than 60 student organizations and clubs. MSU is recognized among the top affordable colleges in North Dakota, primarily because it offers in-state tuition rates for all students, regardless of residence, as well as a new freshman four-year award of up to $12,000.

In-State Tuition: $7,064
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,064
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent

5. United Tribes Technical College

Bismarck, North Dakota

Points: 7
School Website

Located in Bismarck, United Tribes Technical College is an affordable accredited college in North Dakota that provides high-quality education to nearly 900 students, including Native American Indians from around the region and across the nation. For more than five decades, UTTC has served more than 10,000 American Indian students from more than 75 federally recognized Indian Tribes as well as students from other backgrounds nationwide. UTTC offers a variety of cheap degree programs ranging from certificates to four-year programs. Students considering a low-cost bachelor’s degree may choose from four areas of study such: business administration, criminal justice, elementary education, and environmental science and research. UTTC was also the first tribal college in the U.S. authorized to provide fully online degrees. UTTC recognizes the importance of students having a voice and encourages students to participate in the Student Government Association.

In-State Tuition: $4,252
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,252
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 23 percent

4. Sitting Bull College

Fort Yates, North Dakota

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1973 by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, Sitting Bull College is a public tribal college located in Fort Yates. SBC serves as the primary educational institution on the Standing Rock Reservation and enrolls around 300 students each year. This low-cost college in North Dakota offers both career and technical education training as well as cheap academic programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Students may pursue either an affordable Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in eight areas of study: social work, general studies, environmental science, Native American studies, business, secondary science education, elementary education, and early childhood education. Clubs and activities at SBC include the Student Government Organization, the American Indian Business Leaders (AIBL) Chapter, and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) as well as clubs devoted to the rodeo, ecology, anime, and Native American culture.

In-State Tuition: $4,010
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,010
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 13 percent

3. Bismarck State College

Bismarck, North Dakota

Points: 7
School Website

Located in Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, Bismarck State College is a public institution of higher education that was established in 1939. It is the third-largest college by enrollment in the North Dakota University System, and students may pursue more than 80 affordable two- and four-year degrees both on-campus and online. This low-cost college in North Dakota is known for offering 12 in-demand degrees in energy-related fields such as renewable energy, electric power technology, nuclear power technology, and power and process plant technology. Students may also choose from two cheap four-year degree options in cybersecurity and information technology or energy management. Students have many opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom, including Mystic athletic teams, intramural sports, a student-run newspaper, various clubs and organizations, and a “frolf,” or frisbee golf, course.

In-State Tuition: $3,992
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,588
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent

2. Dickinson State University

Dickinson, North Dakota

Points: 8
School Website

Dickinson State University is a public university that is recognized as a top public school by U.S. News & World Report. Founded as Dickinson State Normal School in 1918, it received full university status in 1987. Today, this most affordable university in North Dakota is a member of the North Dakota University System and enrolls around 1,400 students in cheap undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students may choose from more than 50 economical academic options in areas such as the fine and performing arts, business and entrepreneurship, agriculture and technical studies, language and literature, health and physical education, mathematics and computer science, the social sciences, nursing, teacher education, and the natural sciences. Students enjoy a personalized and innovative education, thanks to the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Professors know their students by name, and they offer one-on-one academic support as needed. With state-of-the-art technology in classrooms and laboratories across campus, students are able to develop the skills they need to succeed after graduation.

In-State Tuition: $6,768
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,546
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent

1. Turtle Mountain Community College

Belcourt, North Dakota

Points: 8
School Website

With the cheapest tuition on our list of less than $2,300, Turtle Mountain Community College has rightfully earned its place as the best affordable college in North Dakota. Established in 1972, this tribal college in Belcourt is located just eight miles from the Canadian border within the boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Reservation. Although the school has a history of nearly four decades of educating the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, it has since opened up its institution to any student looking for an inexpensive college in North Dakota. The school enrolls around 600 part- and full-time certificate-, and degree-seeking students each year. Students can choose from 20 certificates, more than 10 associate programs, and two bachelor’s options, including a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management. Student support services include tutoring, academic assessments, full-time career counseling, support groups, and referral services to agencies outside of TMCC.

In-State Tuition: $2,250
Out-of-State Tuition: $2,250
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most In-Demand Careers in North Dakota for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?

Students looking to work in North Dakota after earning a bachelor’s degree may wish to consider the job outlook for their future occupations. For those who have not yet decided on a major, learning a little bit about the fastest-growing, most in-demand careers can be helpful when it comes time to choose a career path. When looking at employment projections, keep in mind that what was in-demand 10 years ago might not be as popular today, and jobs that are in great demand today might not be needed 10 years from now.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, we consulted the North Dakota Labor Market Information (LMI) website, where we identified employment and wage projections by occupation. Below are the 10 in-demand careers that one can obtain with a bachelor’s degree in North Dakota as well as the projected percentage change of employment between 2016 and 2026:

• Wind Turbine Service Technicians: 7.20 percent
• Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas: 5.10 percent
• Extraction Workers, All Other: 4.80 percent
• Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining: 4.40 percent
• Wellhead Pumpers: 3.90 percent
• Information Security Analysts: 3.50 percent
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers: 3.30 percent
• Operations Research Analysts: 3.20 percent
• Petroleum Engineers: 3.20 percent
• Personal Care Aides: 3.0 percent

As we can see based on the figures above, prospective students should have no trouble finding employment in the skilled trade industry. We did leave out several other occupations within this industry on the list above in order to provide prospective students with several fast-growing occupations in other industries, but even so, the need for skilled trade workers is expected to significantly increase in North Dakota through 2026.

What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in North Dakota?

Understanding the highest-paying jobs in North Dakota is important for all prospective students, regardless of whether you have a major in mind. For example, a student who knows the occupation he or she would like to pursue may find that the job does not pay as much as anticipated, leaving the student time to switch majors if he or she wishes. Similarly, a student who is deciding between several majors may ultimately make his or her choice based on that occupation’s estimated annual salary. We have consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, who calculated occupational employment and wage estimates using data collected from employers in all industries across all regions of North Dakota. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage for all occupations was $49,620 as of May 2018. The top five highest-paying jobs as of this date include:

• Anesthesiologists: $273,120
• Physicians and Surgeons, All Other: $266,510
• Dentists, All Other Specialists: $263,240
• Surgeons: $219,390
• Dentists, General: $212,380

However, we also wanted to take a look at jobs that undergraduates could pursue if they choose to enter the workforce immediately after graduating from an affordable North Dakota college. Below are 10 high-paying, six-figure occupations that require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s degree and additional certification, licensure, training, and/or experience in the field.

• Chief Executives: $172,900
• Purchasing Managers: $133,280
• Petroleum Engineers: $124,880
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: $124,450
• Financial Managers: $123,890
• Architectural and Engineering Managers: $122,500
• Human Resources Managers: $118,130
• Natural Sciences Managers: $115,540
• Marketing Managers: $111,880
• Construction Managers: $109,640

What are the Best Schools in North Dakota for Bachelor’s Recipients?

Before you select a school to attend for your bachelor’s degree in North Dakota, it is important to consider which schools produce the highest-paid graduates. Although the state may be sparsely populated, it is home to a number of colleges and universities that offer great value for their cost. Below, we have ranked the top five schools in North Dakota and provided information pertaining to each institution’s 20-year net return on investment (ROI), calculated for on-campus students who pursued a degree without financial aid, as well as early- and mid-career earnings for students who only pursued an undergraduate degree and immediately entered the workforce,  according to PayScale. The schools are listed below in order from the highest ROI to the lowest ROI.

• 1. North Dakota State University
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $413,000
  – Early Career Pay: $53,200
  – Mid-Career Pay: $95,500
• 2. University of North Dakota
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $361,000
  – Early Career Pay: $52,600
  – Mid-Career Pay: $92,200
• 3. University of Mary
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $207,000
  – Early Career Pay: $47,400
  – Mid-Career Pay: $73,700
• 4. Dickinson State University
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $202,000
  – Early Career Pay: $46,700
  – Mid-Career Pay: $75,800
• 5. University of Jamestown
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $183,000
  – Early Career Pay: $47,200
  – Mid-Career Pay: $83,000

North Dakota might be known for being one of the most rural states in the U.S., but it is home to a number of high-quality, affordable institutions such as North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, and the University of Mary. Those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree from these three schools are among the highest-paid graduates in the state, earning more than $200,000 over a 20-year period. Nicknamed the Peace Garden State, it is no wonder that the main industries in North Dakota include agriculture and energy. Alumni from these top-value colleges in North Dakota also find lucrative careers in the legal and medical fields as well.

Although small in size, North Dakota is mighty when it comes to higher education, and the above numbers can help prospective students identify a college that is not only a solid educational opportunity but also a real investment in his or her future. Whether you have an institution in mind or you are just beginning the process of searching for the perfect school through which to earn a bachelor’s degree, we hope our list of the top 15 best affordable colleges in North Dakota for bachelor’s degrees can help ease some of the stress and confusion that often accompanies the college search process.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable colleges in North Dakota for bachelor’s degrees in 2020.

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