North Dakota State University-Main Campus

95.7%Acceptance

$10,857Tuition

9,567Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$62,203Earnings

#8 in North DakotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State University has built a powerhouse reputation in engineering and agriculture while becoming an unexpected pipeline to the NFL. The 9,567-student campus in midsize Fargo has produced quarterback Carson Wentz and actor Josh Duhamel. This public research university accepts 96% of applicants, making it accessible to most students with average SAT scores around 1092.

Students pay an average net price of $16,334 after financial aid, with lower-income families paying just $10,647. Graduates earn a median of $62,203 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,199 manageable with monthly payments of $246. The 81% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni can handle their obligations. Out-of-state tuition runs $15,511, still reasonable for a research university.

The Bison compete in Division I athletics with 430 student-athletes across 12 sports, backed by over $5 million in athletic scholarships. The student body draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 35% from North Dakota. Campus housing accommodates 5,563 students in a community that's 85% white. The 77% retention rate and 98% employment rate show most students stick around and find work after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

North Dakota State operates as a major research university with particular strength in engineering and agriculture programs. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means students often find themselves in larger lecture halls, especially for introductory courses. Engineering students benefit from hands-on research opportunities and strong industry connections throughout the Midwest. The agriculture program leverages North Dakota's farming heritage to offer modern programs in crop science and agricultural engineering. With a 64% graduation rate, students who stay engaged typically succeed, though the research university environment requires more self-direction than smaller colleges. The university's research focus creates opportunities for undergraduates to work alongside faculty on meaningful projects.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.7%
Retention Rate: 76.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,203
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$117,751
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$101,072
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$72,828
Manufacturing Engineering.	Bachelor	$67,660
Agricultural Engineering.	Bachelor	$67,660
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$66,401
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$65,409
Construction Management.	Bachelor	$64,865
Civil Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,556
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$62,397

View all 232 programs →

Campus Life

Fargo sits about 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis, giving students access to a mid-sized city without big-city distractions. With 5,563 housing spots for 9,567 students, about 58% of undergraduates live on campus, creating a tight-knit community feel. You'll definitely need that winter coat - North Dakota winters are legendary, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero and snow lasting from November through March.

The Bison dominate campus culture, especially during football season when the team competes at the FCS level. Students pack the Fargodome for games, and the school's impressive 98% employment rate reflects the strong alumni network that extends from agriculture to the NFL. With 65% of students coming from out-of-state, the campus draws people from across the region. Weekend life centers around campus events, downtown Fargo's growing restaurant scene, and outdoor activities when weather permits. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, while the $16,334 average net price keeps student debt manageable at $23,199.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 5,563 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Rape	9	8	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0	4
Burglary	1	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 0°–18°F
July Avg: 59°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 24.0"
Annual Snowfall: 51.4"

Student Demographics

North Dakota State draws a mix of prairie pragmatists and ambitious achievers. Nearly two-thirds of students come from outside North Dakota, attracted by strong engineering and agriculture programs that build careers. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, reflecting the university's balance between traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and more diverse academic offerings. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working families alongside middle-class strivers. These students value practical education that leads to solid employment prospects in technical fields.

Men: 49.0%
Women: 51.1%
White: 85.4%
Black: 3.2%
Hispanic: 3.1%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 35.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.7%

Location

Fargo sits on North Dakota's eastern border, about 230 miles from Minneapolis. This city of 125,000 anchors the Red River Valley, a flat agricultural region known for sugar beets and soybeans. The 9,567 students make up nearly 8% of Fargo's population, giving the city a definite college town feel despite its size as North Dakota's largest metro area. Winters here are famously harsh, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero, while summers bring comfortable weather perfect for outdoor activities along the Red River. The campus spans 258 acres in the heart of downtown Fargo. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare North Dakota State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fargo, North Dakota 58108-6050

North Dakota State University Old Main; May 16

North Dakota State University Ceres Hall; May 16

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $62,203
Median Earnings (5 years): $65,321
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $45,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 81.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,199

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

North Dakota State admits 95.68% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 968-1216 on the SAT, with an average of 1092. This open admission policy reflects the university's mission to serve North Dakota residents and regional students.

How much does North Dakota State University-Main Campus cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,334 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,647, while those earning over $110,000 pay $19,218. In-state tuition starts at $10,857, making it affordable for North Dakota residents.

What academic programs is North Dakota State University-Main Campus known for?

North Dakota State operates as a major research university with particular strength in engineering and agriculture. The student-faculty ratio of 18:1 provides reasonable access to professors across programs. The university has gained national attention for developing NFL quarterbacks, including Carson Wentz and other professional players.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

The six-year graduation rate reaches 63.70%, while graduates earn a median salary of $62,203 ten years after graduation. With a 98.0% employment rate and median student debt of $23,199, most graduates find steady work. The monthly loan payment averages $246, making debt manageable relative to earning potential.

Where do North Dakota State University-Main Campus students live and what is campus life like?

The university houses 5,563 students on campus in Fargo, a midsize city setting with 9,567 total enrollment. About 65% of students come from out-of-state, creating geographic diversity despite the 85.39% white student population. Room and board costs $9,565, and the 76.90% retention rate suggests most freshmen stay engaged.

Does North Dakota State University-Main Campus compete in Division I athletics?

The Bison compete in NCAA Division I across 12 varsity sports with 430 total athletes. The athletic program awards $5,185,370 in scholarships annually, supporting competitive teams. North Dakota State has built a powerhouse football program that regularly competes for national championships at the FCS level, adding to the university's national profile.