Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in North Dakota

North Dakota's tribal colleges claim four of the five most affordable teacher education spots, with United Tribes Technical College leading at just $2,010 net cost. This reflects the state's commitment to training educators for tribal communities and rural districts facing chronic teacher shortages. Turtle Mountain Community College graduates earn $47,260 annually, the highest in the field statewide, while maintaining costs under $3,500. North Dakota's teacher shortage particularly affects rural areas and reservation schools, making these affordable programs essential for staffing classrooms across the state's 182 school districts.

Programs

$2,010 – $20,396

Net Price Range

$39,932

Avg. Program Earnings

43.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	United Tribes Technical College Bismarck, North Dakota	$2,010	$4,252	33.8%
2	Sitting Bull College Fort Yates, North Dakota	$3,455	$4,010	23.9%
3	Turtle Mountain Community College Belcourt, North Dakota	$3,474	$2,626	54.5%
4	Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College New Town, North Dakota	$3,669	$3,870	17.1%
5	Minot State University Minot, North Dakota	$12,514	$8,634	47.8%	93.2%
6	Valley City State University Valley City, North Dakota	$13,613	$8,514	48.1%	83.5%
7	Mayville State University Mayville, North Dakota	$14,454	$7,935	40.3%	71.2%
8	Dickinson State University Dickinson, North Dakota	$15,270	$9,118	43.4%	72.0%
9	University of Mary Bismarck, North Dakota	$18,568	$21,468	68.2%	81.4%
10	University of North Dakota Grand Forks, North Dakota	$18,998	$10,951	63.3%	83.3%
11	University of Jamestown Jamestown, North Dakota	$20,318	$24,820	44.0%	92.0%
12	Trinity Bible College and Graduate School Ellendale, North Dakota	$20,396	$18,762	38.8%	44.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes tribal colleges so affordable for teacher education in North Dakota?

Four tribal colleges offer net costs between $2,010 and $3,669, significantly lower than state universities. These institutions receive federal funding as tribal colleges and often provide additional support to Native American students pursuing teaching careers.

How do graduation rates compare between the most affordable and expensive programs?

University of Mary, at $18,568 net cost, achieves a 68.2% graduation rate compared to 17.1% at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College ($3,669). However, Turtle Mountain Community College maintains a solid 54.5% graduation rate while keeping costs under $3,500.

Does choosing the cheapest option affect earning potential?

Turtle Mountain Community College graduates earn $47,260 annually despite the program costing only $3,474 net. University of North Dakota graduates earn the lowest at $36,992, even though the program costs $18,998 net.

What acceptance rates do these affordable programs maintain?

Minot State University accepts 93.17% of applicants while charging $12,514 net cost. Trinity Bible College has the most selective admission at 44.44% acceptance, though it costs $20,396 annually.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 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.