The cost of college in North Dakota — and what it pays back
Across the 17 North Dakota institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $11,456/yr, $5,450 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $50,513 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 10 of the 17 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$11,456
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$50,513
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
10.0 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
10/17
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How North Dakota's 17 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong3
Solid2
Slow3
Weak9
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | $10,270 | $54,277 | 3.5 yrs |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $15,543 | $62,203 | 4.5 yrs |
| University of North Dakota | $18,551 | $63,552 | 4.9 yrs |
| University of Mary | $17,770 | $60,909 | 5.7 yrs |
| University of Jamestown | $19,567 | $56,621 | 9.5 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Mountain College | $3,428 | $32,079 | no payback |
| United Tribes Technical College | $3,569 | $25,292 | no payback |
| Sitting Bull College | $4,605 | $28,488 | no payback |
| Williston State College | $5,932 | $44,017 | no payback |
| Cankdeska Cikana Community College | $6,507 | $17,008 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in North Dakota?
The median net price across North Dakota colleges is $11,456/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in North Dakota cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $11,456/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $5,450/yr less.
What do North Dakota college graduates earn?
A median $50,513 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which North Dakota college pays for itself fastest?
Bismarck State College — about 3.5 years to clear its $20,540 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-north-dakota page.