Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 17 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$46,357

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

46%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$11,221

Avg. Net Price

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When considering options for higher education in North Dakota, affordability is a key factor that many families weigh. The colleges on this list share a common goal: providing quality education at a price that won't break the bank. For instance, the average net price across these institutions is significantly lower than the national average, making them appealing choices for budget-conscious students.

What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are their outcomes. We look at earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels to give a clearer picture of what students can expect after graduation. For example, while Williston State College has a net price of $5,932 and average earnings of $44,017, others like Valley City State University boast higher earnings at $52,725 but also come with a higher debt burden.

Two schools stand out: Turtle Mountain Community College offers the lowest net price at $3,428 and a graduation rate of 49%, while Cankdeska Cikana Community College, with a grad rate of only 22%, has a net price of $6,507. This contrast illustrates that lower prices do not always guarantee higher completion rates, making it crucial for students and families to consider both cost and outcomes as they explore their options.

Key Findings

Williston State College has a net price of $5,932 and average earnings of $44,017.

Turtle Mountain Community College features the lowest net price at $3,428 with a 49% graduation rate.

Valley City State University has average earnings of $52,725 but also a debt of $20,369.

The average graduation rate among these colleges is 46%, indicating room for improvement.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 17

Avg. earnings at 10yr $46,357

Avg. graduation rate 46%

Avg. net price $11,221

Avg. median debt $17,515

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price 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

Williston State College

Williston, ND

Graduation41%

Earnings$44,017

Net Price$5,932

View full profile →

Turtle Mountain Community College

Belcourt, ND

Graduation49%

Earnings$32,079

Net Price$3,428

View full profile →

United Tribes Technical College

Bismarck, ND

Graduation28%

Earnings$25,292

Net Price$3,569

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Williston State College

Williston, ND · 651 students · Public

With a median earnings figure of $44,017 a decade after graduation, Williston State College presents a promising outcome for many students seeking stable employment. The college serves a tight-knit community of 651 students, where personalized attention is commonplace, and a significant 21% of the student body receives Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting those with financial need.

41% graduate $44,017 earnings

Williston's full profile

Turtle Mountain Community College

Belcourt, ND · 543 students · Private nonprofit

Turtle Mountain Community College offers a strong graduation rate of 49%, which is notable for a private nonprofit institution. With a focus on serving its community, the college supports 58% of its students through Pell Grants, making education accessible to those who need it most. The intimate setting, with 543 students, fosters close relationships between students and faculty.

49% graduate $32,079 earnings

Turtle's full profile

United Tribes Technical College

Bismarck, ND · 569 students · Private nonprofit

United Tribes Technical College is dedicated to providing education that respects and incorporates Native American culture, making it a unique choice for students seeking a culturally relevant experience. Despite a lower graduation rate of 28%, the college serves a significant 78% of Pell Grant recipients, demonstrating its commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

28% graduate $25,292 earnings

United's full profile

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND · 958 students · Public

With a 99% acceptance rate, Valley City State University is an inviting option for students seeking a supportive learning environment. This public university, located in Valley City, North Dakota, has a well-rounded population of around 958 students who benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention. The median earnings for graduates ten years post-graduation are $52,725, indicating that students can find rewarding careers after completing their degrees.

99% accepted 51% graduate $52,725 earnings

Valley's full profile

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND · 2,839 students · Public

Bismarck State College, with a student body of 2,839, offers a vibrant campus life in Bismarck, North Dakota. This public institution provides a variety of programs that cater to diverse interests and career paths. Graduates can expect to earn a median income of $54,277 a decade after finishing their studies, indicating strong job prospects for those who complete their degrees.

48% graduate $54,277 earnings

Bismarck's full profile

Dakota College at Bottineau

Bottineau, ND · 399 students · Public

Dakota College at Bottineau may be a perfect fit for students looking for a close-knit community of just 399 students. Located in Bottineau, North Dakota, this school offers a unique atmosphere where students often form lasting friendships and receive individualized support. Graduates earn a median income of $40,576 after ten years, demonstrating that the education here can lead to solid job opportunities.

51% graduate $40,576 earnings

Dakota's full profile

Mayville State University

Mayville, ND · 733 students · Public

With a tight-knit community of just 733 students, Mayville State University in North Dakota cultivates a personalized learning environment. The median earnings of graduates reach $47,828 after ten years, suggesting that students can find rewarding career paths after completing their degrees here.

40% graduate $47,828 earnings

Mayville's full profile

Minot State University

Minot, ND · 2,062 students · Public

Minot State University enrolls over 2,000 students, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus life. Graduates earn a median income of $51,759 within a decade of finishing their degrees, reflecting the school's commitment to preparing students for successful careers in various fields.

65% accepted 46% graduate $51,759 earnings

North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND · 1,909 students · Public

Located in Wahpeton, this college serves nearly 2,000 students and boasts a graduation rate of 52%. Graduates see median earnings of $50,513 after ten years, illustrating the school's effectiveness in preparing students for meaningful employment opportunities in technical and applied fields.

52% graduate $50,513 earnings

Cankdeska Cikana Community College

Fort Totten, ND · 222 students · Public

Cankdeska Cikana Community College, with a small student body of 222, fosters a close community atmosphere that can be beneficial for students seeking personalized support. However, its graduation rate of just 22% raises questions about completion and success. The college heavily serves Pell Grant recipients, with 57% of students receiving financial assistance, indicating a need for affordability.

22% graduate $17,008 earnings

Cankdeska's full profile

#11

Sitting Bull College

Fort Yates, ND · 257 students · Public

Sitting Bull College, situated in Fort Yates, North Dakota, serves a unique purpose in its community, with 69% of its students receiving Pell Grants. This public college focuses on supporting Native American students and those from diverse backgrounds. However, the graduation rate is only 23%, signaling that many students face challenges in completing their programs, despite the school's commitment to accessibility and support.

23% graduate $28,488 earnings

Sitting's full profile

#12

Dickinson State University

Dickinson, ND · 1,090 students · Public

Dickinson State University, situated in the city of Dickinson, has around 1,090 students and a graduation rate of 47%. Graduates earn approximately $50,720 within ten years, which highlights the school's potential for providing valuable career opportunities to its alumni.

37% accepted 47% graduate $50,720 earnings

Dickinson's full profile

#13

Lake Region State College

Devils Lake, ND · 611 students · Public

With a close-knit community of just 611 students, Lake Region State College in Devils Lake offers a unique opportunity for personalized education. The school’s graduation rate sits at 51%, and while that may seem modest, it reflects a commitment to supporting students through their individual journeys toward success.

51% graduate $49,502 earnings

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · 9,471 students · Public

North Dakota State University in Fargo is a vibrant campus with nearly 9,500 students. It offers a wealth of programs and resources, contributing to a graduation rate of 64%, which indicates a solid track record of student success and support in achieving academic goals.

95% accepted 64% graduate $62,203 earnings

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND · 2,416 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Bismarck, the University of Mary is a private nonprofit institution that fosters a strong community feel with 2,416 students. The university’s commitment to student success is evident in its graduation rate of 67%, showing that many students find their path to graduation with the right support.

75% accepted 67% graduate $60,909 earnings

University's full profile

#16

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND · 9,981 students · Public

The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks is home to nearly 10,000 students and offers a diverse array of academic programs. A graduation rate of 62% reflects the university’s focus on helping students succeed, backed by a variety of resources and support systems.

77% accepted 62% graduate $63,552 earnings

University's full profile

#17

University of Jamestown

Jamestown, ND · 1,041 students · Private nonprofit

With a solid 88% acceptance rate, the University of Jamestown is welcoming to a wide range of students. Located in North Dakota, this private nonprofit institution has a tight-knit campus community of about 1,041 students, making it an appealing choice for those looking for personalized attention and a supportive environment. The graduation rate sits at 47%, indicating that while some students successfully complete their degrees, others may face challenges that impact their academic journey. It's worth considering how this environment aligns with your educational goals and personal circumstances.

88% accepted 47% graduate $56,621 earnings

University's full profile

Affordability trends can reveal surprising insights. For instance, despite having a lower net price, Cankdeska Cikana Community College has a graduation rate of only 22%, while Turtle Mountain Community College manages a much healthier 49% graduation rate at a similar low cost. This data suggests that while cost is a critical factor, it doesn't paint the full picture of a school's effectiveness in helping students graduate.

As you sift through the options, it's essential to weigh these numbers against what truly matters to you. Consider factors like location, the specific programs offered, and the overall campus atmosphere. A school with a slightly higher net price may offer a program that aligns perfectly with your career goals, which could pay dividends in the long run.

The journey from college to a stable life can hinge on the right choice. For one family, selecting Turtle Mountain Community College could lead to a smoother transition into the workforce with lower debt and a higher completion rate. The decision on where to enroll is more than just a financial one; it’s about laying the foundation for future success.

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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