North Dakota State University-Main Campus
The Vibe Check
North Dakota State University pulses with a friendly, can-do Midwestern spirit where hands-on learning is the norm. The sprawling campus feels like a tight-knit community where students are genuinely supported by faculty and peers. You'll find a down-to-earth atmosphere where school pride runs deep, especially on game days.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1120
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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Academics & Majors
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Fargo
Fargo offers a vibrant college town experience with a surprising amount to do, from exploring the trendy downtown bars and restaurants to catching a show at the historic Fargo Theatre. Students enjoy a lively arts scene, minor league sports, and countless coffee shops. In the winter, students embrace the cold with local events and indoor activities, while summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($62,203):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus and surrounding Fargo area are widely considered very safe, with low crime rates and a strong community feel. NDSU has a comprehensive campus safety program, including a well-lit campus, emergency alert systems, and a campus police force.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High return on investment with strong alumni earnings
- ✓ Excellent programs in high-demand fields like engineering, business, and agriculture
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for many students
- ✓ Strong sense of community and school spirit
Cons
- ✗ Cold and long winters can be a significant adjustment for students from warmer climates
- ✗ Location in a relatively remote area may limit off-campus internship opportunities compared to major hubs
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are moderate compared to some flagship universities
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
NDSU is a nationally recognized leader in research, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and food safety. The university is classified as an R2 institution, indicating high research activity, and is known for its strong ties to industry and government. Its programs in Business & Marketing and Health Professions are also top draws for students.
No, NDSU has a very high acceptance rate of 95.81%, making it an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. While it is not highly selective, successful applicants typically have a solid academic record. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1120, and a strong GPA will improve your chances of admission and scholarship consideration.
Campus life at NDSU is defined by a strong sense of community and school spirit, especially around Bison athletics. With a student body of nearly 10,000, the campus is large enough to offer a wide variety of clubs and organizations but small enough to feel personal. Students are generally friendly and down-to-earth, and the urban setting of Fargo provides plenty of off-campus dining and entertainment options.
Yes, NDSU represents a strong financial investment for both in-state and out-of-state students. The combination of relatively low tuition and a strong 10-year median earnings figure of $62,203 creates an excellent return on investment. The university's strong programs in high-paying fields like engineering and business contribute directly to this positive financial outcome for graduates.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 10,876
- In-State Tuition $10,857
- Out-of-State $15,511
- Zip Code 58108
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
NDSU offers a high-value education, especially for in-state students, with a tuition rate significantly below the national average. The strong return on investment is evident in the 10-year median earnings of $62,203, which often outpaces the cost of attendance. For out-of-state students, the value proposition is still strong, particularly when compared to similar programs at private universities.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.