Rankings / By State

Best Colleges in North Dakota

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 16 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$47,249

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

46%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$11,708

Avg. Net Price

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When considering higher education in North Dakota, students and families often look for schools that not only offer solid programs but also provide a good return on investment. This list highlights 16 institutions across the state that share a commitment to student success and workforce readiness.

The top schools on this list are distinguished by their outcomes. Factors like post-graduation earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and mobility give a clearer picture of what students can expect after investing in their education. For example, schools with higher earnings and lower debt often indicate better financial stability for their graduates.

Take Bismarck State College and the University of North Dakota as examples. Bismarck State College has an average earning of $54,277 with a graduation rate of 48%, while the University of North Dakota shows higher earnings at $63,552 and a graduation rate of 62%. This difference highlights the trade-off between financial returns and completion rates, giving prospective students important factors to weigh.

Key Findings

The average earning for graduates in North Dakota is $47,249.

The University of North Dakota has the highest graduation rate at 62%.

Bismarck State College graduates have an average debt of $11,533, significantly lower than the $22,057 at the University of North Dakota.

Williston State College has the lowest net price at $5,932.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 16

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,249

Avg. graduation rate 46%

Avg. net price $11,708

Avg. median debt $17,515

How We Ranked

Composite score for institutions in North Dakota

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

Graduation62%

Earnings$63,552

Net Price$18,551

View full profile →

Minot State University

Minot, ND

Graduation46%

Earnings$51,759

Net Price$12,703

View full profile →

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND

Graduation48%

Earnings$54,277

Net Price$10,270

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND · 9,981 students · Public

At the University of North Dakota, students benefit from a larger campus experience with nearly 10,000 peers. The university boasts a graduation rate of 62%, demonstrating a strong commitment to student success. Graduates see median earnings of $63,552 ten years after leaving, which reflects the value of a degree from this institution in the job market. With a 77% acceptance rate, it welcomes a diverse range of students ready to pursue their academic and career aspirations.

77% accepted 62% graduate $63,552 earnings

University's full profile

Minot State University

Minot, ND · 2,062 students · Public

At Minot State University, located in Minot, ND, students can expect a diverse array of programs within a larger campus life, home to over 2,000 students. While the graduation rate is 46%, the school provides numerous resources for students to navigate their academic journeys, making it a good fit for those seeking both challenge and support.

65% accepted 46% graduate $51,759 earnings

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND · 2,839 students · Public

With a median earning of $54,277 a decade after graduation, Bismarck State College empowers its students to secure a solid financial footing. The school serves nearly 2,840 students, creating a close-knit community that fosters support and engagement. Its graduation rate of 48% reflects the dedication of both faculty and students to achieving educational goals, while the 15% of Pell Grant recipients indicates a commitment to accessibility for diverse backgrounds.

48% graduate $54,277 earnings

Bismarck's full profile

Williston State College

Williston, ND · 651 students · Public

Williston State College may be smaller in size, with just 651 students, but this intimate setting allows for personalized attention and support. Graduates earn a median of $44,017 ten years post-graduation, which highlights the potential return on investment for students. The college's graduation rate of 41% may seem modest, but it speaks to the challenges many face and the support systems that help students persist.

41% graduate $44,017 earnings

Williston's full profile

Mayville State University

Mayville, ND · 733 students · Public

Mayville State University invites students into a supportive academic environment with a student body of 733. This institution emphasizes personal connections and community involvement, which can enhance the college experience for those looking for a tight-knit atmosphere.

40% graduate $47,828 earnings

Mayville's full profile

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND · 2,416 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Mary in Bismarck is a private nonprofit school with a solid graduation rate of 67%. It emphasizes character development alongside academics, making it a good choice for students interested in a values-based education within a supportive community of 2,416 students.

75% accepted 67% graduate $60,909 earnings

University's full profile

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND · 958 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 99%, Valley City State University is an accessible option for many students seeking higher education. The small campus atmosphere, with just 958 students, fosters a close-knit community where individuals can thrive both academically and socially.

99% accepted 51% graduate $52,725 earnings

Valley's full profile

Dickinson State University

Dickinson, ND · 1,090 students · Public

Dickinson State University is known for its vibrant campus life and a commitment to student success. With 1,090 students, it strikes a balance between personalized attention and diverse opportunities, making it an inviting environment for those eager to learn and grow.

37% accepted 47% graduate $50,720 earnings

Dickinson's full profile

North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND · 1,909 students · Public

With a notable 52% graduation rate, North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton is a strong contender for those looking to enter the workforce quickly. The school emphasizes practical skills and has strong ties to local industries, making it an appealing option for students eager to start their careers right after graduation.

52% graduate $50,513 earnings

Lake Region State College

Devils Lake, ND · 611 students · Public

Lake Region State College in Devils Lake offers a unique community atmosphere with a smaller student body of just 611. This close-knit environment fosters personal connections between students and faculty, which can be beneficial for those who prefer more individualized attention in their education.

51% graduate $49,502 earnings

University of Jamestown

Jamestown, ND · 1,041 students · Private nonprofit

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 88%, the University of Jamestown attracts a diverse group of students eager for a supportive environment. The school’s focus on personal attention allows students to build strong relationships with faculty, which can enhance the learning experience and foster academic success.

88% accepted 47% graduate $56,621 earnings

University's full profile

#12

Dakota College at Bottineau

Bottineau, ND · 399 students · Public

For students considering a smaller institution, Dakota College at Bottineau is a unique option with just 399 students, promoting a close community feel. This college is a great fit for those who thrive in a more intimate setting, where personalized support can lead to meaningful academic journeys.

51% graduate $40,576 earnings

Dakota's full profile

#13

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · 9,471 students · Public

North Dakota State University is home to approximately 9,471 students, creating an environment rich in opportunities for collaboration and growth. With a graduation rate of 64%, many students successfully achieve their degrees, leading to median earnings of $62,203 after ten years. The university’s high acceptance rate of 95% suggests a welcoming atmosphere that encourages a diverse body of students to thrive together.

95% accepted 64% graduate $62,203 earnings

United Tribes Technical College

Bismarck, ND · 569 students · Private nonprofit

United Tribes Technical College offers a unique educational experience, particularly for students seeking a hands-on approach to learning. With 78% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college emphasizes accessibility and support for those who might face financial barriers to higher education.

28% graduate $25,292 earnings

United's full profile

#15

Sitting Bull College

Fort Yates, ND · 257 students · Public

Sitting Bull College is dedicated to providing education that respects and incorporates Indigenous culture, making it a compelling choice for students looking to connect their studies with their heritage. The college's community-focused approach not only fosters personal growth but also aims to uplift the surrounding areas through education.

23% graduate $28,488 earnings

Sitting's full profile

#16

Cankdeska Cikana Community College

Fort Totten, ND · 222 students · Public

Cankdeska Cikana Community College plays a vital role in serving its local community, focusing on education that empowers students through culturally relevant curricula. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention and support, which can be crucial for student success in their academic journeys.

22% graduate $17,008 earnings

Cankdeska's full profile

Looking closely at the data, the University of North Dakota outperforms Bismarck State College in earnings and graduation rates. Graduates from the University of North Dakota earn $63,552 compared to Bismarck State's $54,277, despite the latter having a lower net price. This suggests that while Bismarck State provides a more affordable education, the potential long-term financial benefits may favor the University of North Dakota.

Now that you've reviewed the rankings, it’s time to weigh this data against your own priorities. Think about what aspects matter most to you: Is it the financial aspect, like net price and debt load? Or is it more about program fit and campus culture? Each institution has its strengths, so consider visiting campuses or connecting with current students to get a true feel for what each school offers.

Ultimately, these metrics emphasize the critical link between education and economic stability. Choosing a college is a family decision that can influence financial well-being for years to come. Carefully assessing these options can lead to better outcomes and a more secure future for students.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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