Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in North Dakota

Sitting Bull College offers the state's most affordable Liberal Arts and Sciences program at just $3,455 net cost, creating a dramatic $17,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options in North Dakota. The University of North Dakota graduates earn $37,208 annually, reflecting strong demand for liberal arts skills in the state's growing healthcare and government sectors. With North Dakota's energy boom requiring communication and analytical expertise, these broad-based programs prepare graduates for varied career paths across the state's expanding economy.

Programs

$3,455 – $20,396

Net Price Range

$33,273

Avg. Program Earnings

46.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Sitting Bull College Fort Yates, North Dakota	$3,455	$4,010	23.9%
2	Minot State University Minot, North Dakota	$12,514	$8,634	47.8%	93.2%
3	Valley City State University Valley City, North Dakota	$13,613	$8,514	48.1%	83.5%
4	Mayville State University Mayville, North Dakota	$14,454	$7,935	40.3%	71.2%
5	University of Mary Bismarck, North Dakota	$18,568	$21,468	68.2%	81.4%
6	University of North Dakota Grand Forks, North Dakota	$18,998	$10,951	63.3%	83.3%
7	University of Jamestown Jamestown, North Dakota	$20,318	$24,820	44.0%	92.0%
8	Trinity Bible College and Graduate School Ellendale, North Dakota	$20,396	$18,762	38.8%	44.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between North Dakota's cheapest and most expensive liberal arts programs?

Sitting Bull College's $3,455 net cost reflects its tribal college status and federal funding support, while private institutions like Trinity Bible College reach $20,396. The six-fold price difference shows how institutional type dramatically affects affordability, even within the same state.

How do graduation rates vary among North Dakota's most affordable liberal arts programs?

The University of Mary leads with a 68.2% graduation rate despite higher costs, while Sitting Bull College graduates just 23.9% of students. Mid-priced public options like Valley City State (48.1%) and Minot State (47.8%) offer better completion rates than the lowest-cost choice.

Where do North Dakota liberal arts graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Many graduates enter state government, healthcare administration, and education roles that value broad analytical skills. The state's $37,208 average earnings for University of North Dakota graduates reflect opportunities in Bismarck's government sector and the state's expanding healthcare systems serving rural communities.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.