About University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota builds pilots and produces professionals across its 9,296-student campus in Grand Forks. The school operates one of the largest flight training programs in the country, making it a magnet for aviation students nationwide. Notable graduates include legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson and author Chuck Klosterman. With an 83% acceptance rate, UND welcomes most applicants who apply. The small city setting provides a tight-knit college atmosphere without big city distractions.
Students pay an average net price of $19,000 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,552 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,057 manageable with monthly payments around $234. The return on investment works well for most students. In-state students get a particularly good deal with tuition under $11,000. Only 16% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families can afford the costs without significant need-based aid.
The Fighting Hawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 370 student-athletes across 13 sports. Men slightly outnumber women at 55% to 45%. Nearly 60% of students come from out of state, bringing geographic diversity to this northern campus. The 83% freshman retention rate shows most students stick around after their first year.
Students pay an average net price of $19,000 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,552 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,057 manageable with monthly payments around $234. The return on investment works well for most students. In-state students get a particularly good deal with tuition under $11,000. Only 16% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families can afford the costs without significant need-based aid.
The Fighting Hawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 370 student-athletes across 13 sports. Men slightly outnumber women at 55% to 45%. Nearly 60% of students come from out of state, bringing geographic diversity to this northern campus. The 83% freshman retention rate shows most students stick around after their first year.
Academics & Faculty
This public research university is famous for its aviation program, home to one of the largest flight training schools in the country. Students can learn to fly while earning degrees in commercial aviation, air traffic management, and unmanned aircraft systems. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally in smaller classes. With a 63% four-year graduation rate, about two-thirds of students finish on time. The university also offers strong programs in engineering, nursing, and business. As a research institution, undergraduates can work alongside faculty on projects ranging from energy research to space studies. The school's location provides unique opportunities for studying cold-weather engineering and atmospheric sciences.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 91.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,552
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $107,376 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,645 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,762 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,660 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,325 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,608 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
Campus Life
Grand Forks sits 80 miles south of the Canadian border, where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow covers the ground for months. You'll need serious winter gear here. The campus houses 2,986 students in residence halls, representing about 32% of the enrollment. Most upperclassmen move off-campus to apartments scattered throughout this city of 56,000 people.
The Fighting Hawks create a strong athletic culture, with 370 varsity athletes competing across 13 Division I sports. Hockey dominates campus conversations during the long winters. Students often gather at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, one of college hockey's top venues. The aviation program draws students from across the country to train at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. With 54.7% male enrollment, the gender balance reflects the engineering and aviation focus. Weekend activities revolve around hockey games, intramural sports, and the occasional trip to Minneapolis, three hours south. The 82.96% retention rate suggests students adapt well to the prairie lifestyle despite the harsh winters.
The Fighting Hawks create a strong athletic culture, with 370 varsity athletes competing across 13 Division I sports. Hockey dominates campus conversations during the long winters. Students often gather at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, one of college hockey's top venues. The aviation program draws students from across the country to train at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. With 54.7% male enrollment, the gender balance reflects the engineering and aviation focus. Weekend activities revolve around hockey games, intramural sports, and the occasional trip to Minneapolis, three hours south. The 82.96% retention rate suggests students adapt well to the prairie lifestyle despite the harsh winters.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,986 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1883
Campus Safety (2023)
64 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 9 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Burglary | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- -1°–15°F
- July Avg
- 58°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 22.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 48.7"
Student Demographics
The University of North Dakota draws a solid mix of in-state and out-of-state students, with nearly 60% coming from beyond North Dakota's borders. This reflects the school's national reputation, particularly in aviation where students travel from across the country to train at one of America's top flight programs. The student body skews slightly male, which aligns with UND's strength in traditionally male-dominated fields like aerospace and engineering. About one in six students receives Pell Grants, indicating the university serves a broad economic spectrum while maintaining its role as an accessible public institution.
- Men
- 54.7%
- Women
- 45.3%
- White
- 78.6%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.7%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 41.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.5%
Location
Grand Forks sits in eastern North Dakota, about 75 miles south of the Canadian border. The city of 56,000 residents is roughly 145 miles northwest of Fargo, the state's largest city. Grand Forks sits in the Red River Valley, known for its flat prairie landscape and agricultural economy. The University of North Dakota dominates this classic college town, where students make up about 17% of the total population. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers offer mild relief in the upper 70s. The Red River runs through downtown, providing recreational opportunities and occasional flooding concerns. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare University of North Dakota with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202-8193
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,552
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,538
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $234/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,057
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Dakota?
University of North Dakota accepts 83.28% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The school attracts students from across the region, with 58.24% coming from out-of-state to study in Grand Forks.
How much does University of North Dakota cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of North Dakota is $18,998 annually across all income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,914 on average, while out-of-state tuition runs $15,570 before aid.
What is University of North Dakota known for academically?
University of North Dakota operates one of the largest flight training schools in the country and maintains a well-known aviation program. The university has a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and serves 9,296 students across its research programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from University of North Dakota?
University of North Dakota graduates achieve a 96.7% employment rate within six years of graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $63,552 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $234.
Where do University of North Dakota students live on campus?
University of North Dakota houses students in facilities with a capacity of 2,986, serving a campus of 9,296 total students. The university charges $11,046 for room and board, contributing to a total attendance cost of $22,797 for residents.
Does University of North Dakota compete in Division I athletics?
University of North Dakota fields 13 varsity sports in NCAA Division I as part of The Summit League. The Fighting Hawks provide $5,690,351 in athletic scholarships to support 370 student-athletes across their programs.
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