Online Schools In North Dakota
A 2023 Job Service North Dakota report projects that jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree will grow 9.17% from 2022 to 2032, while jobs requiring a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree will grow 10%.
The best online colleges in North Dakota offer a quality education at affordable prices. Our ranking considers factors such as tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratios, and graduation rates. The availability of financial support, career counseling services, and job placement support also affects rankings.
Top Online Bachelor Colleges in North Dakota
Dickinson State University
- Dickinson, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
63%
$7,770
67%
$7,770
- Acceptance Rate
- 37%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,410
- Institution Type
- Public
Mayville State University
- Mayville, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
65%
$6,579
67%
$8,208
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,025
- Institution Type
- Public
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
64%
$7,598
66%
$7,598
- Acceptance Rate
- 65%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,751
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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%
43%
$19,084
83%
$19,084
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,794
- Institution Type
- Private
Valley City State University
- Valley City, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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%
53%
$ 6,619
71%
$11,583
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,806
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Choose North Dakota for Online Higher Education?
In the fall of 2024, 60.2% of students in North Dakota enrolled exclusively in online courses, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These distance education programs benefit students who work full time, single parents, and other nontraditional students who need help balancing school with personal obligations.
Cost of Attending an Online College in North Dakota
North Dakota’s cost of tuition for in-state students is close to the national average, while tuition for out-of-state students is slightly lower than the national average. However, tuition costs vary depending on the type of school (public schools are generally more expensive than private ones) and the degree students pursue.
In-state tuition
$9,728 – public, four-year institution
$5,610 – public, two-year institution
Out-of-state tuition
$14,687 – public, four-year institution
$6,642 – public, two-year institution
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.
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 out-of-state students no more than 150% of in-state tuition.
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).
Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about the rates that apply to you specifically as a potential member of that 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, ensuring the answers below favorably apply to your program of choice.
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, out-of-state students looking to complete an online program in the state can attend at in-state tuition rates, 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.
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.
North Dakota Native American Scholarships
Applicants must be residents of North Dakota and members of a recognized Native American 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.
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
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: $2,500
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