Skip to content
  • Best Colleges 2026
  • Colleges of Distinction Award Lists
  • Advice for Students
  • About
Find Schools
2025-2026 Colleges of Distinction
2025-2026 Public Colleges of Distinction
Colleges of Distinction: North Dakota

North Dakota State University

Fargo, North Dakota

APPLY NOW REQUEST INFO
Visit the School Website »

At North Dakota State University, located in Fargo, North Dakota, students experience a world-class education in an environment that values hard work, discovery, and connection. As a student-focused, land-grant research university, NDSU blends the accessibility of a public institution with the opportunities of a nationally recognized research powerhouse. With more than 100 undergraduate majors and a vibrant, forward-looking community, NDSU’s mission is to provide a transformational education that prepares graduates to lead with integrity, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Get to know North Dakota State University

9,471
Degree-Seeking Undergraduates
Enrolled female students
51%
 
Enrolled male students
49%
 
Gender Ratio
Full-time students
92%
 
Part-time students
8%
 
Full-time to Part-time Ratio
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Retention rate
Full-time faculty
81%
 
Adjuncts
19%
 
Faculty Ratio
17:1
Student/teacher ratio
$9,868
In-state tuition cost
$14,802
Out-of-state tuition cost
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
6-year graduation rate
Aug. 1
Application deadline
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Acceptance rate
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Out-of-state students
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Full-time faculty w/ terminal degree

College Highlights

Engaged Students
Great Teaching
Vibrant Communities
Successful Outcomes
Admission & Aid
2025-2026 Career Development Colleges of Distinction
2025-2026 Business Colleges of Distinction
2025-2026 International Colleges of Distinction
2024-2025 Education Colleges of Distinction badge
2025-2026 Military Support Colleges of Distinction
2025-2026 Engineering Colleges of Distinction
Engaged Students

NDSU students are known for their initiative and curiosity. From day one, hands-on learning is central to the experience. Undergraduate research opportunities abound across disciplines—from agricultural innovation and engineering design to behavioral health and sustainability studies. Students work directly with faculty on projects that address real-world challenges in the region and beyond, gaining valuable experience that sets them apart in graduate programs and the job market.

Learning also extends beyond campus through internships, cooperative education programs, study abroad, and community engagement. Fargo’s growing economy offers students the chance to collaborate with startups, healthcare providers, and major corporations. Through service-learning courses and student organizations, NDSU students apply their classroom knowledge to improve the lives of others, demonstrating that meaningful education comes from both study and action.

Learn more about the Bison Life: https://www.ndsu.edu/student-life

CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 93 | 10-19: 208 | 20-29: 189
30-39: 88 | 40-49: 70 | 50-99: 150 | 100+: 58

ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident: 1%
Hispanic/Latine: 4%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 3%
White, non-Hispanic: 84%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%

Great Teaching

NDSU’s faculty are dedicated teachers and mentors who combine scholarly expertise with a genuine investment in student success. Small class sizes in many programs ensure that undergraduates benefit from close attention and personal guidance, even within a large research university setting. Professors bring cutting-edge research into their classrooms, helping students see how theory connects to practice and how innovation can be used to solve everyday problems. New in 2026, NDSU will launch the Honors College, which will provide opportunities for students to think boldly, collaborate generously and see possibilities everywhere.

The university’s academic approach reflects its land-grant heritage—uniting practical application with academic rigor. Programs in agriculture, health professions, business, and engineering are nationally respected, while strong liberal arts and sciences offerings cultivate critical thinking and communication skills. Through mentorship and collaboration, NDSU’s faculty prepare students to think independently, ask bold questions, and contribute thoughtfully to their fields.

SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cooperative education program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Independent study
Internships
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Undergraduate research

Vibrant Communities

Life at NDSU is shaped by a powerful sense of community and pride. The Bison spirit unites students, faculty, and alumni through shared traditions, academic collaboration, and athletic excellence. With more than 300 student organizations, leadership programs, and service opportunities, every student can find a place to belong and make their mark. Campus events, intramural sports, and cultural celebrations create an atmosphere of energy and inclusion year-round.

Fargo itself is a city on the rise—welcoming, innovative, and full of Midwestern warmth. Students enjoy a balance of small-town friendliness and big-city opportunity, with thriving arts, technology, and business scenes just minutes from campus. Whether exploring downtown coffee shops or cheering on the Bison at the Fargodome, students experience a community that values resilience, collaboration, and ambition.

SCHOOL LOCATION
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is located in Fargo, North Dakota, a vibrant city known for its welcoming community and growing cultural scene. The campus sits near the Red River and is minutes from downtown Fargo, where students can explore local shops, restaurants, and the popular Red River Market. Nearby attractions include the Fargodome, Fargo Air Museum, and Scheels Center, offering entertainment and sports year-round. Fargo also borders Moorhead, Minnesota, forming a dynamic metro area with access to arts, parks, and regional events.

ATHLETICS
North Dakota State University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with 16 varsity teams—8 men’s and 8 women’s sports. These include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, softball, golf, track and field, cross country, and more. NDSU’s cheer and dance teams are not NCAA Division I varsity sports, but they compete and perform at the Division I level in their respective circuits. NDSU is known as the Bison and their mascot is Thundar, a powerful bison figure that energizes fans at games. NDSU’s official school colors are green and yellow, proudly worn by students and alumni alike.

RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 89%
Undergraduates: 37%

Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for married students
Apartments for single students
Living-learning communities

Successful Outcomes

With a 95% success rate, NDSU graduates are known for their strong work ethic and readiness to lead. The university’s Career and Advising Center helps students explore career pathways, secure internships, and build networks with regional and national employers. Many programs integrate practical experience directly into the curriculum, ensuring that every graduate leaves with both knowledge and hands-on expertise.

NDSU’s reputation for excellence opens doors across industries. Alumni are leaders in agriculture, healthcare, business, education, and engineering, contributing to advancements that strengthen communities around the world. With a degree from NDSU, students gain more than an education; they join a legacy of innovation, integrity, and impact that continues to shape the future of the Great Plains and beyond.

Admission & Aid

Admission

NDSU’s application requirements vary by student type and can be reviewed at https://www.ndsu.edu/admission.Several scholarship opportunities are available, and NDSU encourages students to complete the FAFSA to maximize financial aid options. Learn more about NDSU costs and aid at https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid.

TEST SCORES
Optional

FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 1130 | 75th Percentile: 1430
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 540 | 75th Percentile: 670
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 550 | 75th Percentile: 690
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT Science
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT Reading
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 27

Tuition & Cost

North Dakota Residents: $9,868
Minnesota Residents (Tuition Reciprocity): $11,052
Contiguous States (MN, SD, MT, WI, IL, Manitoba, Saskatchewan): $11,842
Other Out-of-State Residents: $14,802

Contact North Dakota State University

Contact Admissions

www.ndsu.edu/admission

Campus Location

1340 Administration Ave.
Fargo, ND 58102

(701) 231-8011

Find NSDU Online

www.ndsu.edu

Colleges of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction was founded on the premise that there are hundreds of remarkable colleges across the United States, each with a unique strength to offer the next generation of college-bound students. We connect these colleges to curious, talented students.

Best Colleges in the US
Top Affordable Colleges
Best Career Services Colleges
Best Public Colleges
Top Private Colleges
Nursing Colleges of Distinction
Business Colleges of Distinction
Engineering Colleges of Distinction
Colleges in California
Colleges in Illinois
Colleges in New York
Colleges in Pennsylvania

  • Contact Us
  • Nominate a School
  • Media & Release
  • Privacy & Terms
© 2025 Colleges of Distinction

Website made by the MAC

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinedIn
  • TikTok

Are you an adult degree seeker?

Discover Abound