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Rural Colleges in North Dakota

8 schools in North Dakota. See our methodology.

Rural North Dakota colleges serve students across vast agricultural landscapes where graduation rates span from 9.1% to 68.2%. The University of Mary in Bismarck leads with a 68.2% graduation rate and $60,909 median earnings, reflecting strong connections to the state's energy and healthcare sectors. At the opposite end, several tribal colleges including Sitting Bull College and Cankdeska Cikana Community College offer education at remarkably low costs, with net prices as low as $3,455. These institutions serve Native American communities while providing pathways into North Dakota's growing job market. Dakota College at Bottineau combines affordability with solid outcomes, graduating 53.4% of students who earn $40,576 annually. The state's Academic Scholarship program supports high achievers across these rural campuses, where small enrollment numbers ranging from 138 to 2,280 students create intimate learning environments. Agriculture, energy production, and healthcare drive employment opportunities for graduates throughout the state.
8
Schools
$10,716
Avg. Net Price
$37,499
Avg. Earnings
38.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in North Dakota

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Remote 417 $12,515 53.4%
2 Rural-Fringe 2,280 $18,568 68.2%
3 Rural-Remote 613 $3,474 54.5%
4 Rural-Remote 704 $14,454 40.3%
5 Rural-Remote 138 $20,396 38.8%
6 Rural-Remote 226 $3,455 23.9%
7 Rural-Distant 278 $9,197 9.1%
8 Rural-Remote 139 $3,669 17.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Mary stand out among rural North Dakota colleges?

University of Mary achieves a 68.2% graduation rate with 2,280 students, the highest completion rate among rural North Dakota institutions. Graduates earn $60,909 annually, connecting effectively to the state's energy and healthcare job markets through strong industry partnerships.

How affordable are tribal colleges in rural North Dakota?

Tribal colleges offer strong affordability with Sitting Bull College costing just $3,455 annually and Turtle Mountain Community College at $3,474. These institutions serve 226 and 613 students respectively, providing accessible higher education to Native American communities.

Does Dakota College at Bottineau provide good value for students?

Dakota College at Bottineau delivers strong value with a 53.4% graduation rate at $12,515 net cost. The college's 417 students benefit from small class sizes while graduates earn $40,576 annually, well above many regional competitors.

What career prospects exist for graduates in rural North Dakota?

Graduates enter North Dakota's energy, agriculture, and healthcare sectors with earnings ranging from $17,008 to $60,909. The state's low cost of living amplifies purchasing power while Academic Scholarship programs support student success across rural campuses.

How do acceptance rates vary among these rural institutions?

Acceptance rates range from 44.4% at Trinity Bible College to 81.4% at University of Mary. Most rural North Dakota colleges maintain accessible admission standards while Trinity's 138-student enrollment creates more selective admission processes.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.