Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top online colleges in North Dakota. Start planning your future at BestColleges.
Tyler Epps
By
Edited by
Updated October 2, 2024
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With an unemployment figure of only 2% (as of March 2024), North Dakota has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with a relatively low cost of living — driven primarily by affordable education, rent, and housing prices — North Dakota is an attractive place to live and work.

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Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

#1

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Minot State University

Minot, ND2 yearCampus + Online

$7,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,352

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,352

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

2,741

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,168

Minot, ND2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,168

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,352

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,352

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

2,741

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND2 yearCampus + Online

$6,619

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,583

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,605

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,605

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,754

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,619

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,583

Valley City, ND2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,619

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,583

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

53%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,605

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,605

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,754

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND4 yearCampus + Online

$4,167

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,251

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

3,771

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,167

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,251

Bismarck, ND4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,167

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,251

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

3,771

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Online Colleges in ND

Some of North Dakota’s major industries include natural resources and energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and tourism. However, agriculture remains the largest force in the state’s economic activity. North Dakota leads the nation in production of several commodities, including dry beans, canola, flaxseed, honey, and durum.

Low unemployment is beneficial for workers, meaning many employers offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract qualified employees. Individuals looking to advance their knowledge, skills, and overall hireability should consider enrolling at an online college and pursuing a postsecondary education.

While online programs require the same rigorous coursework and result in the same credentials as a traditional, campus-based program, there are key differences between the two. Instead of interacting with peers and professors in a classroom, online students use chat rooms, message boards, emails, and/or webcams to connect.

Asynchronous online programs are particularly popular for their flexibility. In this format, students can access lectures and course material at any time while working toward assignment deadlines. There are no set login times or face-to-face requirements, which may be ideal for working adults, parents, and other busy individuals.

To help you make an informed decision about your higher education options, we have compiled the following ranking of the five best online colleges in North Dakota. Read on to discover relevant information regarding school history and culture, notable program offerings, and admission requirements.

Click here to see the best campus colleges in North Dakota.

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