Best Colleges in North Dakota

Originally founded in 1913 as a small teachers college, Minot State University has since grown to become the third-largest university in the state. Annual enrollment exceeds 3,000 students. This public institution's commitment to meeting the needs of all learners earns it a spot on this list of the best online colleges in North Dakota. MSU's online offerings include eight certificates, one associate degree, 10 bachelor's degrees, and five master's degrees. Distance students can also pursue several minors, concentrations, and non-degree programs. Several fields are represented among MSU's online offerings, including marketing, human services, and nursing. In keeping with its history as a normal school, MSU also offers a variety of options for educators, including graduate degrees in special education and curriculum and instruction. Undergraduate admission requirements include ACT scores and official transcripts. Graduate admission requirements vary by program. All online students pay the same per-credit tuition rate, regardless of state residency.

With more than $150 million in annual research spending, North Dakota State University ranks as one of the top public research universities in the United States. This status informs classroom instruction, providing students with access to rigorous and data-driven education in subjects like agricultural economics, crop and weed sciences, landscape architecture, and veterinary technology. The university also offers fully online master's degrees and graduate certificates. Generally, first-year applicants need at least a 2.75 high school GPA to qualify for admission. NDSU also recommends a composite ACT score of at least 22 or an SAT score of 1100 or higher. Transfer applicants who have earned fewer than 24 college credits must also submit ACT or SAT scores. You can lower the cost of your education at NDSU in several ways. The university offers significant scholarship awards to prospective learners who excel academically. A cultural diversity tuition waiver is also available to students of color, refugees, and members of other underrepresented groups.

Situated on a 340-acre campus, the University of Mary is the largest university in the state capital of Bismarck. This Catholic institution also boasts study abroad campuses in Rome and Peru, as well as satellite locations in four other states. One of the best online colleges in North Dakota, the institution enrolls about 3,800 students each year. Mary offers more than two dozen online programs, including certificates, minors, and bachelor's and master's degrees. Available areas of study include accounting, business management, education, and psychology. Extensive options are also available in the healthcare and nursing fields, with notable options such as a dual MSN/MBA in healthcare administration, which prepares professionals for careers as nursing leaders or healthcare executives; students can graduate in less than 2.5 years. Admission requirements vary by student status and program. Transcripts and applicable test scores are required. All online learners pay the same tuition rates, regardless of state residency.

The University of Jamestown features small, interactive classes that allow students to develop strong connections with their instructors and fellow learners. In addition, because the university does not hire graduate assistants, full- or part-time faculty members teach all courses, helping ensure students benefit from expert instruction. Likely a result of this focus on student learning, 98% of UJ graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within six months of earning their degree. The university offers both graduate and undergraduate programs in fields such as leadership, education, clinical counseling, and physical therapy. Four bachelor's degrees and three master's degrees are also available online, with curricula specifically designed for distance education students. First-year applicants typically need a high school GPA of at least 2.5 and an ACT score of 19 or higher (or 990 or higher on the SAT). Prospective students with lower scores must submit an essay outlining their plans for college success. All undergraduate students who live on campus are guaranteed at least $8,000 per year in scholarship funding.