Top 10 Universities in North Dakota
North Dakota is home to several reputable universities offering a range of academic programs and opportunities for students. Here are the top 10 universities in North Dakota, along with their overviews, rankings, key statistics, popular extracurricular activities, famous alumni, and top hiring companies.
University of North Dakota (UND)
The University of North Dakota (UND), located in Grand Forks, is the largest and oldest university in North Dakota. Established in 1883, UND offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as aviation, engineering, business, and health sciences. With a commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement, UND provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning and personal growth. The university’s campus features state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and a vibrant student community, making it a dynamic place to pursue higher education.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 258th in National Universities (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 13,000 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as aviation, engineering, business, health sciences, and liberal arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 83%.
Average SAT Score:
1120-1300 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Academic and Professional Societies
Famous Alumni:
- Phil Jackson – Former NBA coach
- Chester Fritz – Philanthropist and businessman
- Karen Nyberg – NASA astronaut
- John Odegard – Aviation pioneer
- Carla Nelson – Former North Dakota State Senator
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- Altru Health System
- Sanford Health
- John Deere
- Boeing
- Microsoft
North Dakota State University (NDSU)
North Dakota State University (NDSU), located in Fargo, is a public research university known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and health sciences. Established in 1890, NDSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that prepare students for careers in various fields. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, NDSU provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and leadership development. The university’s campus features modern facilities, research centers, and a supportive learning environment conducive to student success.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 295th in National Universities (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 14,000 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as agriculture, engineering, business, health sciences, and liberal arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 93%.
Average SAT Score:
1100-1280 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Professional and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Roger Maris – Former MLB player
- Kaitlyn Vogel – Olympic gold medalist in wrestling
- Doug Burgum – Governor of North Dakota
- Jon Pederson – Former U.S. Representative
- Lance Leipold – College football coach
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- Sanford Health
- Microsoft
- John Deere
- Bobcat Company
- Microsoft
Minot State University
Minot State University, located in Minot, is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Founded in 1913, Minot State provides students with a supportive learning environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The university is known for its strong programs in education, business, nursing, and the arts. With a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, Minot State prepares students to become knowledgeable, ethical, and responsible leaders in their chosen fields.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 79th in Regional Universities Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,000 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as education, business, nursing, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 60%.
Average SAT Score:
970-1180 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Larry Selland – Former NBA player
- Allen Knutson – Former North Dakota State Senator
- David O’Connell – Author and journalist
- Kyle Saunders – Professional golfer
- Nikki Berg Burin – Visual artist
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- Trinity Health
- Minot Public Schools
- Sanford Health
- Hess Corporation
- BNSF Railway
Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University, located in Dickinson, is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Established in 1918, Dickinson State is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, business, and the humanities. The university provides students with a supportive and inclusive learning environment, personalized attention from faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Dickinson State prepares students to become engaged citizens, critical thinkers, and effective leaders in their communities and professions.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 102nd in Regional Universities Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 2,500 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as education, nursing, business, and the humanities.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 70%.
Average SAT Score:
940-1120 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Cultural and Diversity Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- John Warford – Former North Dakota State Senator
- Jane Shafer – Artist and sculptor
- Mark Sanberg – CEO of Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce
- Shelly Weppler – Executive Director of Dickinson Public Library
- Robert McClain – Former NFL player
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson
- Dickinson Public Schools
- Sanford Health
- Dickinson State University
- Tesoro Corporation
University of Mary
The University of Mary, located in Bismarck, is a private Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Established in 1959, the University of Mary is known for its strong programs in nursing, business, education, and healthcare. With a commitment to academic excellence, servant leadership, and the Benedictine values, the university provides students with a values-based education and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The University of Mary prepares students to become ethical leaders, lifelong learners, and compassionate individuals dedicated to serving others.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 92nd in Regional Universities Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,500 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as nursing, business, education, and healthcare.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 93%.
Average SAT Score:
1000-1210 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Campus Ministry and Service Projects
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Archbishop Charles Chaput – Former Archbishop of Philadelphia
- Sister Thomas Welder – Former President of the University of Mary
- Timothy Pflueger – CEO of CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck
- Thomas Weishaar – Attorney and former North Dakota State Senator
- Jack Maier – Executive Director of North Dakota Catholic Conference
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck
- Sanford Health
- Bismarck Public Schools
- University of Mary
- Doosan Bobcat
Valley City State University
Valley City State University, located in Valley City, is a public university offering undergraduate programs in various fields. Established in 1890, Valley City State is known for its strong programs in education, business, technology, and the arts. The university provides students with a supportive and inclusive learning environment, personalized attention from faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Valley City State prepares students to become effective educators, innovative leaders, and engaged citizens in their communities and professions.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 54th in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 1,500 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s degrees in fields such as education, business, technology, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 70%.
Average SAT Score:
950-1140 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Harvey McMullen – Former North Dakota State Senator
- Linda Littlejohn – Educator and author
- Steven Johnson – CEO of Central Valley Health District
- Thomas Meyer – President of Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce
- Marcy Russell – Director of Valley City Parks and Recreation
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- Valley City Public Schools
- CHI Mercy Health
- Sanford Health
- Valley City State University
- Doosan Bobcat
alt=User referrerpolicy=no-referrer loading=lazy decoding=async data-nimg=1 class=rounded-sm v:shapes=”_x0000_i1048″>
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS)
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), located in Wahpeton, is a public two-year college offering associate degrees and certificates in various fields. Established in 1903, NDSCS is known for its strong programs in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and trades. The college provides students with hands-on training, industry-relevant skills, and pathways to further education and career advancement. With a focus on workforce development and student success, NDSCS prepares students to enter the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions with the skills and knowledge needed for success.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 10th in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 2,500 students.
Degrees Offered:
Associate degrees and certificates in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, technology, and trades.
Acceptance Rate:
Open admission policy.
Average SAT Score:
Not applicable (SAT scores not required for admission).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- SkillsUSA and Career and Technical Student Organizations
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Community Service and Volunteer Projects
Famous Alumni:
- Lynn Dorn – CEO of Wahpeton Economic Development Corporation
- Tammy Miller – CEO of Border States Electric
- Ron Erickson – Founder of Aircraft Structures International Corporation
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- CHI St. Francis Healthcare
- Sanford Health
- Titan Machinery
- Doosan Bobcat
- North Dakota State College of Science
Mayville State University
Mayville State University, located in Mayville, is a public university offering undergraduate programs in various fields. Established in 1889, Mayville State is known for its strong programs in education, business, nursing, and the liberal arts. The university provides students with a supportive learning environment, personalized attention from faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Mayville State prepares students to become effective educators, innovative leaders, and lifelong learners committed to personal and professional growth.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 96th in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 1,200 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s degrees in fields such as education, business, nursing, and the liberal arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 74%.
Average SAT Score:
970-1150 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Jocelyn Birch Burdick – Former U.S. Senator
- Orlin Backes – Former North Dakota State Senator
- Daryl Ritchison – Director of North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- Mayville Public Schools
- Sanford Health
- Doosan Bobcat
- Titan Machinery
- North Dakota State Government
University of Jamestown
The University of Jamestown, located in Jamestown, is a private liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Established in 1883, the University of Jamestown is known for its strong programs in healthcare, education, business, and the arts. The university provides students with a transformative educational experience that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical leadership. With a commitment to academic excellence and service to others, the University of Jamestown prepares students to become responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and leaders in their professions and communities.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 43rd in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 1,000 students.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as healthcare, education, business, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Around 61%.
Average SAT Score:
970-1180 (middle 50%).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Campus Ministry and Service Projects
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Elden Nelson – Former North Dakota State Senator
- Larry Robinson – Former NFL player
- Esther Fletcher – Former North Dakota State Representative
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- Jamestown Public Schools
- Jamestown Regional Medical Center
- Ave Maria Village
- Doosan Bobcat
- University of Jamestown
Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB)
Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB), located in Bottineau, is a public two-year college offering associate degrees and certificates in various fields. Established in 1906, DCB is known for its strong programs in agriculture, natural resources, healthcare, and trades. The college provides students with hands-on training, industry-relevant skills, and pathways to further education and career advancement. With a focus on workforce development and student success, DCB prepares students to enter the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions with the skills and knowledge needed for success.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked 19th in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022).
Number of Students:
Approximately 800 students.
Degrees Offered:
Associate degrees and certificates in fields such as agriculture, natural resources, healthcare, and trades.
Acceptance Rate:
Open admission policy.
Average SAT Score:
Not applicable (SAT scores not required for admission).
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Clubs
- Intramural Sports and Recreation
Famous Alumni:
- Lloyd Omdahl – Former North Dakota Lieutenant Governor
- Lisa Janes – CEO of Community Health Center of Central Wyoming
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:
- CHI St. Alexius Health Turtle Lake
- Dakota College at Bottineau
- Doosan Bobcat
- Basin Electric Power Cooperative
- North Dakota State Government