Best Colleges in North Dakota (2026)
26 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
26
Colleges
$42,678
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$12,994
Avg Net Price
73%
Avg Admit Rate
48%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
North Dakota is home to 26 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. University of North Dakota leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $42,678 on average ten years after enrollment. Whether you're looking for a flagship research university, a liberal arts college, or a career-focused program, North Dakota offers diverse options across all price points.
Quick Facts — North Dakota Colleges
Top 10 Colleges in North Dakota by Graduate Earnings
Ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Public and private nonprofit only.
Admit
96%
Net Price
$16,334
Grad Rate
63%
Earnings
$62,203
Admit
94%
Net Price
$20,318
Grad Rate
47%
Earnings
$56,621
Admit
N/A
Net Price
$10,802
Grad Rate
47%
Earnings
$50,513
Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota
Lowest average net price after grants and scholarships. Public and private nonprofit only.
Bismarck, ND
20% grad rate
Belcourt, ND
46% grad rate
Popular Majors
Compare the best colleges for top fields of study — ranked by graduate earnings nationwide.
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Find my North Dakota collegeAll Colleges in North Dakota
All 26 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck | Public | N/A | $10,725 | 50% | $54,277 |
| Cankdeska Cikana Community College | Fort Totten | Public | N/A | $9,197 | 11% | $17,008 |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | Bottineau | Public | N/A | $12,515 | 41% | $40,576 |
| Dickinson State University | Dickinson | Public | 60% | $15,270 | 44% | $50,720 |
| Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Fargo | Fargo | Private For-Profit | N/A | $14,285 | 63% | $27,987 |
| Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Grand Forks | Grand Forks | Private For-Profit | N/A | $14,324 | 66% | $27,987 |
| Lake Region State College | Devils Lake | Public | N/A | $10,989 | 48% | $49,502 |
| Lynnes Welding Training | Fargo | Private For-Profit | N/A | $23,093 | 87% | N/A |
| Lynnes Welding Training-Bismarck | Bismarck | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mayville State University | Mayville | Public | N/A | $14,454 | 37% | $47,828 |
| Minot State University | Minot | Public | 72% | $12,514 | 46% | $51,759 |
| North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton | Public | N/A | $10,802 | 47% | $50,513 |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo | Public | 96% | $16,334 | 63% | $62,203 |
| Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College | New Town | Public | N/A | $3,669 | 11% | N/A |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo | Private For-Profit | N/A | $18,227 | 56% | $39,080 |
| Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates | Public | N/A | $3,455 | 23% | $28,488 |
| The Hair Academy | Bismarck | Private For-Profit | N/A | $15,739 | 73% | $31,370 |
| The Salon Professional Academy-Fargo | Fargo | Private For-Profit | N/A | $14,714 | 78% | $31,497 |
| Trinity Bible College and Graduate School | Ellendale | Private Nonprofit | 36% | $20,396 | 40% | $35,604 |
| Turtle Mountain Community College | Belcourt | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $3,474 | 46% | $32,079 |
| United Tribes Technical College | Bismarck | Private Nonprofit | N/A | $2,010 | 20% | $25,292 |
| University of Jamestown | Jamestown | Private Nonprofit | 94% | $20,318 | 47% | $56,621 |
| University of Mary | Bismarck | Private Nonprofit | 78% | $18,568 | 66% | $60,909 |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks | Public | 77% | $18,998 | 63% | $63,552 |
| Valley City State University | Valley City | Public | 69% | $13,613 | 48% | $52,725 |
| Williston State College | Williston | Public | N/A | $7,164 | 36% | $44,017 |
Showing 26 of 26 schools