North Dakota State University-Main Campus Acceptance Rate
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is a public research university in Fargo, North Dakota, serving roughly 9,471 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 94.96% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $62,203 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $11,110
- 2024 Average Net Price: $15,543 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 94.96% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 9,471 91.6% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 63.89%
- Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
- First-Generation Students: 17.3%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition decrease of 1.2% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price decrease of 3.2% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 97.5%
- Average SAT Score: 1150
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,551
- Applicants (IPEDS): 7,331
- Room & Board: $9,928 annual estimate
North Dakota State University-Main Campus: what the data shows
Common questions about North Dakota State University-Main Campus, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND (ZIP 58108-6050).
NCES locale classification: Suburb.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus public or private?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is a Public institution.
How much does North Dakota State University-Main Campus cost?
Published tuition: $11,110 in-state, $15,764 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $15,543.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $9,370 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,343 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $11,923 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,082 |
| $110,001+ | $18,856 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $44,440.
How hard is it to get into North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
Admission rate: 94.96%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1150 and midpoint ACT 23.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
Total enrollment: 9,471 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 10,551 students.
Graduate enrollment: 2,190 students.
About 92% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
150%-time completion rate: 63.89%.
First-year retention: 78.4%.
What do graduates of North Dakota State University-Main Campus earn?
Median earnings: $54,312 six years after entry; $62,203 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $23,199.
19.73% of students receive Pell grants.
What is North Dakota State University-Main Campus known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (178 completions)
- Business Administration and Management, General (173 completions)
- Mechanical Engineering (139 completions)
- Finance, General (134 completions)
- Human Development and Family Studies, General (113 completions)
- Computer Science (111 completions)
- Architecture (107 completions)
- Psychology, General (105 completions)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (77 completions)
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (72 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 94.96%; completion rate 63.89%; median earnings $62,203 at 10 years; net price $15,543. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$11,110
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at North Dakota State University-Main Campus was $11,110.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$15,543
2024 Value
In 2024 North Dakota State University-Main Campus had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $15,543.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$62,172 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$15,543 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$44,440 4-Year In-State Tuition
$63,056 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$9,928 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,100 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$22,138 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$88,552 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
Financial Aid by Income Level
19.73% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
51.99% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at North Dakota State University-Main Campus was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for North Dakota State University-Main Campus in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $7,660 | $18,242 | $14,404 |
| 2014 | $7,940 | $18,969 | $15,069 |
| 2015 | $8,098 | $19,392 | $15,139 |
| 2016 | $8,327 | $19,891 | $15,394 |
| 2017 | $8,666 | $20,692 | $15,265 |
| 2018 | $9,414 | $13,393 | $16,062 |
| 2019 | $9,754 | $13,892 | $16,584 |
| 2020 | $10,168 | $14,471 | $16,998 |
| 2021 | $10,601 | $15,076 | $17,692 |
| 2022 | $10,992 | $15,646 | $16,875 |
| 2023 | $10,857 | $15,511 | $16,334 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
94.96% Acceptance Rate
7,331 Total Applicants
7,024 Students Admitted
2,214 First-Time Students Enrolled
31.52% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1150
ACT Average: 23
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
North Dakota State University-Main Campus reported total enrollment of about 9,471 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 49% male and 51% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (83.6%), Two or More Races (4.7%), and Hispanic or Latino (3.7%). About 19.73% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 17.3% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
91.6% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at North Dakota State University-Main Campus in 2024 is 9,471 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 10,551 students. Graduate enrollment is about 2,190 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
78.4%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 83.6%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
46.34% 100% Completion Time
63.89% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 46.34% of students graduating from North Dakota State University-Main Campus completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 11% male / 89% female
- Business Administration and Management, General: 62% male / 38% female
- Mechanical Engineering: 89% male / 11% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
Return on Investment
$23,199 Median Student Debt
$62,203 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
37.30% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
900.50% Return on Investment
3.7 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 145 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse: 178 completions
2. Business Administration and Management, General: 173 completions
3. Mechanical Engineering: 139 completions
4. Finance, General: 134 completions
5. Human Development and Family Studies, General: 113 completions
6. Computer Science: 111 completions
7. Architecture: 107 completions
8. Psychology, General: 105 completions
9. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 77 completions
Most popular programs at North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for North Dakota State University-Main Campus from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 97.5%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $10,624
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $11,618
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is a public institution located in Fargo, ND, classified as Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, General, Mechanical Engineering. Enrollment is approximately 9,471 students. Student body composition includes White (83.6%), Two or More Races (4.7%), Hispanic or Latino (3.7%). The admission rate is 94.96%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1150. The 150%-time completion rate is 63.89%. Approximately 19.73% of students receive Pell Grants. About 17.3% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
Location
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Region: Plains
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 145 distinct degree programs, North Dakota State University-Main Campus provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Dakota State University-Main Campus located?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND.
What is North Dakota State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at North Dakota State University-Main Campus is 95.0% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 7,331 applicants and 7,024 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does North Dakota State University-Main Campus cost?
Reported tuition is $11,110 and average net price is $15,543 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $9,928 annually.
What is the student body demographics at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports undergraduate enrollment of about 10,551 students, White (83.6%), Two or More Races (4.7%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
About 17.3% of students at North Dakota State University-Main Campus are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports midpoint SAT about 1150 and midpoint ACT about 23.
What do graduates of North Dakota State University-Main Campus earn?
Median earnings are $54,312 six years after entry and $62,203 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
The 150%-time completion rate is 63.9% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do North Dakota State University-Main Campus students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $23,199.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus public or private?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is a public institution located in Fargo, ND.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus an HBCU?
No. North Dakota State University-Main Campus is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus a tribal college?
No. North Dakota State University-Main Campus is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- North Dakota college profile
- North Dakota college costs
- North Dakota colleges by ROI
- University of North Dakota vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Bismarck State College
- Fargo, North Dakota city profile
- Plains regional profile
- Suburban college profile
- Campus-setting profiles
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in North Dakota
- North Dakota college costs
- North Dakota colleges by ROI
- University of North Dakota vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Bismarck State College
- Fargo, North Dakota city profile
- Plains regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in North Dakota
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.