North Dakota Student Loans, Financial Aid & College Costs
North Dakota College Cost Snapshot (2025-26)
Published tuition and cost-of-attendance averages across North Dakota institutions.
Top North Dakota Colleges by Published Tuition (2025-26)
Tuition and fees only. Click any column header to sort.
| School ↕ | Type ↕ | In-state T&F ↕ | Out-of-state T&F ↕ | Undergrad Enroll. ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | Public 4-yr | $11,328 | $17,302 | 10,000 |
| North Dakota State University | Public 4-yr | $11,062 | $16,590 | 10,500 |
| Minot State University | Public 4-yr | $8,228 | $8,228 | 2,700 |
| Dickinson State University | Public 4-yr | $8,480 | $12,720 | 1,400 |
| Valley City State University | Public 4-yr | $8,950 | $8,950 | 1,200 |
| Mayville State University | Public 4-yr | $9,150 | $13,725 | 900 |
| North Dakota State College of Science | Community | $5,100 | $7,650 | 2,800 |
North Dakota State-Funded Aid Programs
Administered by the North Dakota University System Financial Aid and the Bank of North Dakota.
ND Academic Scholarship
For ND high school grads meeting GPA and coursework requirements at ND institutions.
ND Career & Technical Education Scholarship
For ND high school grads pursuing career and technical education at ND institutions.
ND State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG)
Need-based grant for ND residents at eligible ND institutions.
Student Loan Options for North Dakota Students
Start with federal aid before considering private loans. Federal borrower protections are stronger and rates are fixed.
Does North Dakota have a state student loan program?
Yes. North Dakota offers the DEAL Student Loan (Bank of North Dakota) — a state-affiliated nonprofit lender. The Bank of North Dakota — the only state-owned bank in the U.S. — offers the DEAL (Dakota Education Alternative Loan) at fixed rates. Available to ND residents nationwide and non-residents attending ND schools. North Dakota residents should still start with federal loans through the FAFSA, but the DEAL is worth comparing alongside national private lenders.
The order to follow
- File the FAFSA to unlock federal Pell Grants, North Dakota state grants, and Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans.
- Apply scholarships and 529 savings before borrowing a dollar. Every $1,000 in free aid saves roughly $1,400 in total loan cost over 10 years.
- Max federal Direct Loans next. Fixed rates, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness programs aren't available on private loans.
- Compare private student loans only for any remaining gap. Shop at least 3 lenders; cosigner rates typically run 1-3 points lower.
Private Student Loan Lenders We Recommend
If you've exhausted federal aid and still need to borrow, these are the lenders we track for rates and terms.
Credible
One form, prequalified offers from multiple private lenders. Shop rates without multiple hard credit pulls.
Compare Rates at Credible →College Ave
Flexible term lengths, no application or origination fees, and fast decisions.
Get A Quote At College Ave →Sallie Mae
Long-established lender with options for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs.
See Sallie Mae Rates →Advertiser disclosure: The College Investor earns a commission from some of the lenders listed above. Our rankings are independent — compensation does not influence order or editorial recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from North Dakota students and families.
How much does college cost in North Dakota?
Average in-state tuition and fees at North Dakota public four-year universities is about $10,500 for 2025-26. Total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses) averages roughly $21,900 on campus for North Dakota residents and $25,400 for non-residents.
What is the average student loan debt in North Dakota?
North Dakota borrowers carry an average federal student loan balance of roughly $30,400. Total outstanding federal student debt for North Dakota residents is approximately $2.3 billion.
Does North Dakota offer state-funded college grants?
Yes. ND administers the Academic Scholarship, CTE Scholarship, SSIG (need-based), and the ND Indian Scholarship. North Dakota has smaller state aid than many states but maintains low public tuition.
Does North Dakota have a state student loan program?
Yes. DEAL Student Loan (Bank of North Dakota) is a state-affiliated nonprofit lender serving North Dakota residents. The Bank of North Dakota — the only state-owned bank in the U.S. — offers the DEAL (Dakota Education Alternative Loan) at fixed rates. Available to ND residents nationwide and non-residents attending ND schools.
Which North Dakota colleges have the lowest in-state tuition?
NDSCS averages $5,100 per year. Minot State is the lowest four-year public at $8,228, followed by Dickinson State. UND is the highest in-state at $11,328.
What scholarships are available for North Dakota residents?
Key awards include the ND Academic Scholarship, CTE Scholarship, SSIG, and the DEAL Student Loan program through the Bank of North Dakota.
Related North Dakota Resources
How We Sourced This Data
- Institutional cost pages at North Dakota public universities (2025-26 published rates)
- Education Data Initiative state-level debt and cost tables
- NDUS and Bank of North Dakota program pages
- NCES IPEDS data for enrollment and institutional cost profiles
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Chris Muller