North Dakota's Top Affordable Online Colleges
Today, more employers require a college-level education from their employees. In North Dakota, jobs requiring a postsecondary education will rise to 72% by the year 2020; careers mandating a minimum of a bachelor's degree will increase to 24%. This guide details the specifics of earning a degree in North Dakota and explains the needs of the state's economy. Both in-state and out-of-state students should consider North Dakota higher education, as its affordability and flexibility meet individual student needs.
We've ranked these online schools in North Dakota according to a series of quantitative and qualitative metrics, such as accreditation status, degree options, student-teacher ratio, job placement services, and graduation rates. Our metrics focus on the affordability of each school's programs compared to the value of the education received.
The best online colleges in North Dakota offer a quality education at affordable prices. Our ranking of the top online colleges in Washington considers factors such as tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratios, and graduation rates. Availability of financial support, career counseling services, and job placement support also affect rankings. These factors contribute to the program's overall accessibility and value.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Top Online Bachelor Colleges in North Dakota
#1 Online Schools In North Dakota
Valley City State University
- Valley City, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ranking among the best online schools, Valley City State University's online programs are top-ranked. At the public institution, distance learners choose from programs in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science. Many programs feature a 100% virtual path to earning a college degree. Completing coursework from home saves remote enrollees from needing to travel to the campus in Valley City, North Dakota.
Online students interact with their peers and teachers through a virtual learning environment during their remote degree. Participants leave the program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the many experiential learning opportunities offered by the institution. The school supports online degree-seekers with services like academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.
The accredited online institution meets the needs of diverse students by offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Degree-seekers can complete the requirements for graduation more easily because of the flexible format.
Valley City State University Facts:
Students Enrolled in Online Programs: 915
Online Bachelor's Programs: 13
Online Master's Programs: 2
Students Awarded Financial Aid: 98%
Learners Receiving Student Loans: 30%
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online Schools In North Dakota
The University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ranking among the best online schools, the University of Mary's virtual programs are top-ranked. Distance learners at the private institution choose from programs in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science. Many programs allow enrollees to earn a degree 100% remotely. Students can earn a degree from the comfort of their own home rather than commuting to class on the Bismarck, North Dakota campus.
Participants in online programs communicate with teachers and peers in virtual classroom settings. The institution also offers several experiential learning opportunities to help degree-holders transition into the workforce. Remote enrollees at the school get access to academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.
The accredited online institution's undergraduate and graduate program offerings meet the different needs of a diverse group of students. Degree-seekers can complete the requirements for graduation more easily because of the flexible format.
The University of Mary Numbers:
Online Enrollment: 1,682
Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Total Number of Online Master's Programs: 10
Percentage of Students Awarded Aid: 98%
Students Receiving Loans: 55%
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Schools In North Dakota
Dickinson State University
- Dickinson, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
One of the top online schools in North Dakota, Dickinson State University features many program options for all types of degree-seekers. Distance learners can enroll in liberal arts and professional studies programs offered at the nonprofit school. Remote enrollment allows working professionals to conveniently earn accredited degrees while juggling obligations.
The school offers 120-credit bachelor’s programs that students complete in four years or less. Online enrollees can complete a master’s program in about 24 months. Nontraditional students use live and recorded classes to earn their degree. Program participants complete assignments within a set timeframe. Faculty blend classroom instruction and experiential learning, such as internships or practicums.
Degree-seekers can begin a bachelor’s program at the school with certificates or associate degrees. Distance learners receive support from online services, such as tutoring and career advising. Competitive tuition makes virtual degrees affordable. The school awards an average total aid of $5,053 per enrollee. The school accepts 100% of applicants. Dickinson State University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Schools In North Dakota
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Minot State University is among some of the best U.S. online colleges. The accredited institution enrolls remote students in 12 online bachelor's programs. The academic catalog for graduate students at the school includes six virtual master's programs. A total of 1,328 distance learners enroll at the school.
Located in Minot, North Dakota, the public school enrolls around 776 degree-seekers. Remote learners across the country attend their classes virtually. The institution tailors some of its student services just for online enrollees. The school provides its students with academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Degree-seekers from all different backgrounds choose from programs in some of the most popular disciplines. The school's accredited degrees meet the requirements for diverse career paths. Offering a low-cost education is one of the institution's top priorities.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Schools In North Dakota
Mayville State University
- Mayville, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution located in Mayville, North Dakota, Mayville State University ranks among the best online schools. Online enrollment for the institution's distance-learning courses totals 765 degree-seekers.
Remote learners complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment during an online degree. Program advisors help arrange for students to complete internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements in their local area. Online enrollees benefit from students services tailored specifically for them, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring. Experiential learning opportunities at the institution help graduates transition to the workforce.
Online degrees from the school charge an affordable tuition rate. Financial aid, including federal aid programs and scholarships, are available to qualified online students at the accredited institution.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why Choose North Dakota for Online Higher Education?
North Dakota offers several online college degrees, 28 of which function completely online with no on-campus requirements. Almost 9,000 students are currently enrolled in fully online undergraduate- and graduate-level programs in the state. These distance education programs benefit students who work full time, individuals who work in shrinking labor-based industries, and parents who raise their children alone.
- Number of programs offered completely online in North Dakota: 28
- Undergraduate students enrolled exclusively online in North Dakota: 6,406
- Graduate students enrolled exclusively online in North Dakota: 2,488
- Total international students enrolled exclusively online in North Dakota: 121
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Cost of Attending an Online College in North Dakota
When considering a school, look at the cost of in-state vs. out-of-state tuition. In North Dakota, out-of-state tuition is, on average, more expensive than attending in state. That said, many online programs offer lower tuition to out-of-state learners. Additionally, it is common for schools in neighboring states to be part of reciprocity agreements, allowing students from participating states to receive in-state tuition at an array of out-of-state schools. Reciprocity agreements vary by state and will be addressed more thoroughly below.
In-state tuition
$7,208 – public, four-year institution
$4,506 – public, two-year institution
Out-of-state tuition
$17,727 – public, four-year institution
$8,719 – public, two-year institution
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
According to the NCES, North Dakota's cost of tuition for in-state and out-of-state tuition resembles the national average.
The cost of tuition also depends on whether a school is public or private and what degrees it offers. Two-year vocational schools, for example, will cost less per credit than a private, four-year undergraduate or graduate institution. The examples below represent current tuition rates at colleges and universities in North Dakota.
Considering a North Dakota School as an Out-of-State Student
Nonresident students looking to earn an online degree in North Dakota need to consider various factors: in-state vs. out-of-state tuition, reciprocity agreements, and attendance restrictions for distance learners. The chart below details the 2016 IPEDS data for students attending online programs out of state.
Out-of-State Undergraduate Students Studying Exclusively Online in North Dakota: 2,768
Out-of-State Graduate Students Studying Exclusively Online in North Dakota: 1,330
Tuition Discounts
Participating "good neighbor" states commonly offer students tuition breaks. States with such agreements are often broken into regional interstate compacts, or groups of states with reciprocity agreements. North Dakota schools, for example, partner with Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin as members of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC). The MHEC improves access to higher education through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). Established in 1994, the MSEP assures affordable access to higher education. Under the MSEP, public schools agree to charge no more than 150% of in-state tuition to out-of-state students.
State Authorizations for Online Learning
Like traditional on-campus programs, online degrees must uphold a certain standard of education to be accredited. For any program, online or on-campus, colleges must be approved by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. As each state may have different standards of education, all schools participating in a reciprocity agreements must be authorized by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
Check with an admissions or financial officer.
Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about what rates apply to you specifically as a potential member of a specific program.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota's Online Schools
This section answers common questions from prospective students selecting a college program. Consider your potential schools from all angles, making sure the answers below apply favorably toward your program of choice.
Do online credits cost more or less in North Dakota?
The cost of online tuition varies depending on the tuition rates of the school. On average, tuition in North Dakota equates to or is lower than tuition in other states. As North Dakota is a member of the MHEC, tuition for out-of-state students looking to complete an online program in the state will be able to attend for in-state tuition, or close to it.
Traditionally, distance learning is more affordable per credit than traditional on-campus education, both in price per credit hour and in associated costs, such as housing, textbooks, and lab fees. Distance learners in North Dakota and other MHEC member states can complete their online education for an average of $200 per credit hour.
Which North Dakota schools accept the most transfer credits?
Most nationally or regionally accredited schools will accept transfer credit from other accredited institutions, but see if any stipulations exist. In addition to transferring directly to the school, students often seek to apply credits from a two-year college or vocational school to a four-year undergraduate program. Typically, public schools are willing to accept more credits from transfer students than private institutions. For example, large schools such as the University of Mary and Minot State university will accept up to 60 credits, while small schools, such as the University of Jamestown, evaluate transfer applications on a case-by-case basis.
Through the North Dakota University System (NDUS), students attending an online college in North Dakota find many options for transferring credits. The General Education Requirements Transfer Agreement (GERTA) allows students to apply general education credits to any other North Dakota four-year school. Through articulation agreements between online universities in North Dakota, students may also transfer credits to schools in other participating states, such as Illinois, Minnesota, or Wisconsin.
Will any online colleges in North Dakota accept a GED?
Many online schools in North Dakota consider students with a GED for admission. To apply for a GED, a student does not necessarily need to have completed previous study or prerequisite coursework, though adult learning centers across the state offer prep courses. To enroll for any GED testing, applicants must be at least 16 years old; most online universities in North Dakota require students to be at least 18.
Students with their GED undergo testing to prove their competency in four primary academic fields: computer literacy, keyboarding, college readiness, and career orientation. While not all colleges accept applications from students with a GED in place of a high school diploma, most institutions, such as the University of North Dakota, consider students with a GED score of at least 145 to be considered college-ready.
How many academic terms per year do online colleges in North Dakota offer?
Online students often have the option to begin their program at multiple start dates throughout the year. By necessity, traditional on-campus classes are structured with one start date per term. While some online programs follow cohort models, requiring all students to begin instruction at once, many online degrees in North Dakota provide asynchronous courses, which can be completed at any time, students still receive instruction from professors, but specified student-faculty interaction is limited. Distance learners should also see if their asynchronous program can be accelerated; often, multiple start dates allow students to complete a larger course load, thus completing their degree more quickly.
Many online schools in North Dakota, such as the University of North Dakota, Minot State University, Bismarck State College, and North Dakota State University, offer online courses with multiple start dates throughout each term. However, note that some programs require more interaction between students and faculty than others. Such programs may not have as much flexibility.
Which online colleges in North Dakota will accept the FAFSA?
Most public and private schools in North Dakota accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students in need of financial aid should fill out their FAFSA application annually to determine their eligibility for federal financial support. To be eligible for FAFSA, students must be a U.S. citizen, be seeking higher education, and have obtained either a high school diploma or GED. Aid money is granted in terms of loans, scholarships, research grants, and through work-study programs. The FAFSA differs from a College Scholarship Service (CSS) profile. Many schools accept both the FAFSA and CSS, but almost all online colleges in North Dakota accept one or the other.
Are there any free online classes I can take from North Dakota colleges?
Unlike attending classes on-campus, online courses do not often have the flexibility for "sitting in." It is common for large colleges to allow non-students to sit in on lectures and class discussions, even going so far as to contribute to the lesson. Online classes, alternatively, require students to purchase a login in order to access lectures and other course materials. Distance students must be assigned a username and password to take part in any classwork. In some cases, students may attend a sample of an online course available on a school's website. These sample courses often include lectures and assignment examples, but are created with the intent of garnering a potential student's interest in the program. Any course materials completed without being an officially enrolled student will not count toward any degree, nor will the time be applicable as transfer credit to any accredited institution.
How can I find the online program options at North Dakota colleges?
Look into your school's FAQ page and the North Dakota University System (NDUS), which covers topics relating to colleges and universities, academics, applications, and the state board of education. Students can find answers to questions about scholarship opportunities, academic support, applications for transfer, career training, and articulation agreements. On the NDUS site, students can also find information regarding internships and professional organizations available in North Dakota and neighboring states.
North Dakota Grants and Scholarships
In addition to the previously discussed FAFSA, several scholarships for students completing an online degree in North Dakota exist. Students may seek scholarships and financial aid from their school or community; they may also apply for a Pell Grant. See the list below for potential scholarships available to students completing an online program in North Dakota
- North Dakota Career & Technical Education Scholarships
Awarded by the North Dakota Legislature, this scholarship targets high school seniors looking to pursue a college degree in North Dakota. University students also qualify to receive funds as long as they are enrolled full time and seeking a degree in technology. Applicants must maintain a high school GPA of at least 3.0 and a college GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $6,000 total.
VIEW DETAILS - North Dakota Indian Scholarships
Applicants must be residents of North Dakota and members of a recognized Indian tribe. To apply, students must be accepted into an accredited program for higher education or a verified vocational program. Scholarship awards are based on need as well as merit.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $2,000 per year.
VIEW DETAILS - North Dakota Scholars Program
To apply, students must be North Dakota residents enrolled in a two-year or four-year higher education program in North Dakota. Applicants must rank in the 95th percentile of ACT scorers in the year of their scholarship application. Students receive scholarships in descending order until funds are exhausted.
Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
VIEW DETAILS - Medical Group Management Association Midwest Section Scholarship
Students living in any MGMA section states, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, and seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in the medical field may apply for this scholarship. Eligible degrees include public health, healthcare administration, medicine, and business.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000-5,000
VIEW DETAILS
