North Dakota is a strong option for affordable online degrees, combining budget-friendly tuition at public universities with flexible online programs built for working adults, rural students, and busy schedules.
Students can explore North Dakota online degree programs through schools such as the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Valley City State University, Minot State University, Dickinson State University, and Mayville State University, with offerings that include online certificates plus associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
With transfer-friendly pathways and expanded distance learning options across the state, North Dakota residents can earn a respected credential online without leaving home.
In this guideTuition and Fee Overview in North Dakota
North Dakota is home to a mix of public and private colleges and universities.
The state’s public institutions, such as the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University, are part of the North Dakota University System and supported by state funding, which typically means lower in-state tuition for North Dakota residents compared with out-of-state rates.
Tuition across 10 associate degree programs in North Dakota varies significantly, from $11,043 at Bismarck State College to $21,000 at the University of Jamestown.
With an average cost around $16,211, North Dakota’s community and technical colleges stand out as an affordable, budget-friendly path to an associate degree.
Associate degree programs in North Dakota
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, North Dakota
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $184.05 in-state | $276.08 out-of-state
Total tuition: $11,043
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 33
Learn more: Program detailsWilliston State College
Williston, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $205
Total tuition: $12,710
Credits: 62
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program detailsNorth Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $221 in-state | $253 out-of-state
Total tuition: $13,260
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 16
Learn more: Program detailsDakota College at Bottineau
Bottineau, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $229 in-state | $267 out-of-state
Total tuition: $13,740
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program detailsValley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $233 in-state | $291 out-of-state
Total tuition: $13,980
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 5
Learn more: Program detailsDickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $259 in-state | $332 out-of-state
Total tuition: $15,540
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsMinot State University
Minot, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $317
Total tuition: $19,020
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsMayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $347
Total tuition: $20,820
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsTrinity Bible College and Graduate School
South Ellendale, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
Total tuition: $21,000
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Jamestown
Jamestown, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
Total tuition: $21,000
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program details
Across 10 reviewed online bachelor’s programs in North Dakota, total tuition ranges from about $38,040 at Minot State University to roughly $61,200 at the University of Mary.
The average cost is around $45,546, giving students multiple budget-friendly options to match their goals.
Bachelor’s degree programs in North Dakota
Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $317
Total tuition: $38,040
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program detailsDickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $259 in-state | $332 out-of-state
Total tuition: $39,840
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 18
Learn more: Program detailsMayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $347
Total tuition: $41,686
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 17
Learn more: Program detailsTrinity Bible College and Graduate School
South Ellendale, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
Total tuition: $42,000
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 5
Learn more: Program detailsBismarck State College
Bismarck, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $237 in-state | $356 out-of-state
Total tuition: $42,720
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Jamestown
Jamestown, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
Total tuition: $43,400
Credits: 124
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsNorth Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $406
Total tuition: $48,733
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program detailsValley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $233 in-state | $407 out-of-state
Total tuition: $48,881
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 32
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $408
Total tuition: $48,960
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 69
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $510
Total tuition: $61,200
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 14
Learn more: Program details
An analysis of 8 online master’s degree programs in North Dakota found graduate tuition spans a broad range, from about $10,500 at Dickinson State University to roughly $17,850 at University of Mary, based on program length and credit requirements.
With an average price near $13,193, North Dakota continues to stand out for affordable online master’s degrees that let working professionals advance without relocating.
Master’s degree programs in North Dakota
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
Total tuition: $10,500
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Jamestown
Jamestown, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $350
Total tuition: $10,500
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsMayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $347
Total tuition: $11,116
Credits: 32
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsMinot State University
Minot, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $413
Total tuition: $12,390
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsNorth Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $447
Total tuition: $13,400
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 25
Learn more: Program detailsValley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $387
Total tuition: $13,936
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $528
Total tuition: $15,851
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 69
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota2024/2025 Cost per credit: $595
Total tuition: $17,850
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 37
Learn more: Program details
Notable Statewide Initiatives in North Dakota
North Dakota offers several statewide programs that can make college and online degrees more affordable for residents, especially through the North Dakota University System (NDUS).
Key supports include the North Dakota State Grant (need-based aid) and ND Career Builders, which connects eligible students to workforce-focused scholarships and loan repayment opportunities.
- North Dakota University System (NDUS): The statewide public system that supports accessible, affordable higher education across North Dakota, including many online and distance options.
- North Dakota State Grant: A need-based grant for eligible North Dakota residents (up to $1,375 per semester, with semester limits), designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for college.
- Supplemental State Grant (newer program): An additional award for students who already receive the ND State Grant, aimed at closing remaining tuition gaps (includes a listed family income limit).
- ND Career Builders (Skilled Workforce Scholarship + Loan Repayment): A state and industry partnership that matches funds $1-for-$1 and can provide up to $17,000 per recipient for high-need programs and workforce roles.
- ND Scholars Program: A merit-based, full-tuition scholarship initiative that encourages high-achieving North Dakota graduates to earn their degree in-state.
- Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship: A one-time scholarship (commonly $250 to $750) for students who completed dual-credit courses in high school, helping lower the cost of starting college in North Dakota.
- Transfer and pathway agreements (GERTA + articulation agreements): NDUS transfer policies help general education credits transfer cleanly between campuses, reducing repeated coursework and supporting affordable degree completion.
- Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Courseware: NDUS supports free or low-cost learning materials and open course content to reduce textbook and course material expenses for students.
Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition
Choosing an online degree in North Dakota can help keep total college costs in check, especially if you stay off campus and learn from home. Even so, it’s important to plan for common expenses beyond tuition and fees.
- Room and board: Online students often avoid on-campus housing and meal plans, which can save thousands each year. Living in smaller North Dakota communities may also reduce monthly housing costs compared with large metro areas.
- Books, supplies, and tech: Plan for textbooks, software, and course materials, plus basics like a reliable laptop and internet. Some North Dakota colleges use lower-cost digital materials or open resources, which can help trim these expenses.
- Transportation and financial aid (Pell Grants): Online learners typically save on commuting and parking, but you may still need occasional travel for orientations, labs, clinicals, proctored exams, or internships. If you file the FAFSA, Pell Grants can apply to eligible online students and may cover a meaningful share of total costs in lower-tuition programs.
State-Funded Grants & Scholarships
Here are the main state-funded grants and scholarships in North Dakota that can help lower the cost of college (including many online programs at eligible ND schools):
- North Dakota State Grant (need-based): Awards up to $1,375 per semester (or $917 per quarter) for eligible undergraduates, with lifetime limits and prorating for less-than-full-time enrollment.
- Supplemental State Grant (new in 2025–26): Extra aid for students who already receive the ND State Grant; eligibility includes a $80,000 family income limit, and the award is designed to help close remaining tuition gaps after State Grant and Pell are applied.
- North Dakota Scholarship (Academic + CTE / ND Scholarship): A merit scholarship worth $6,000 total (commonly $750 per semester / $500 per quarter) for eligible graduates, usable at approved ND colleges and some registered apprenticeship programs.
- ND Scholars Program (full-tuition, merit-based): Competitive awards based on test scores; scholarship value is tied to tuition (with NDUS limits) and renewability requirements.
- Native American Scholarship (merit- or need-based): Up to $2,000 per year for eligible North Dakota residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes.
- Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship (one-time): $250 (1 course), $500 (2 courses), or $750 (3+ courses) for students who completed eligible ND dual-credit coursework in high school; payment is limited to tuition and fees.
- ND Career Builders (Scholarship + Loan Repayment): A state/private matching program (typically $1-for-$1) offering up to $17,000 per recipient for high-need programs and jobs, with ND residency/work requirements.
- Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP): State-supported scholarships that help ND residents access certain professional programs not offered in-state (like veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry), based on ND contracts with partner institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. North Dakota online degrees are often budget friendly because many public universities offer competitive tuition and transfer-friendly pathways that help students reduce total costs.
Common options include the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Valley City State University, Minot State University, Dickinson State University, and Mayville State University, with online certificates and degree programs at multiple levels.
In many cases, yes. North Dakota public universities typically offer lower in-state tuition for residents, though some online programs use a flat online rate that can reduce the price gap.
Based on reviewed programs, associate degree tuition in North Dakota averages around $16,211, with costs ranging from about $11,043 to $21,000, making community and technical colleges a cost-effective starting point.
Across reviewed online bachelor’s programs, total tuition commonly ranges from about $38,040 to $61,200, with an average of around $45,546, depending on the school and program.
Reviewed online master’s programs range from about $10,500 to $17,850 total, with an average of $13,193, making North Dakota a strong option for affordable online graduate degrees.
Yes. Beginning at a North Dakota community or technical college can lower the cost of general education credits, and transferring later can help reduce the total price of an online bachelor’s degree.
The North Dakota University System (NDUS) is the state’s public higher education network, and it supports statewide online and distance learning options plus transfer agreements that can prevent wasted credits.
Key programs include the North Dakota State Grant, Supplemental State Grant, North Dakota Scholarship (Academic and CTE), ND Scholars, Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship, Native American Scholarship, ND Career Builders, and PSEP for select professional programs.
Plan for books and course materials, software, laptop and internet, and occasional travel for labs, clinicals, proctored exams, or internships. Eligible students can also use FAFSA-based aid, including Pell Grants, for online college.