7 Cheapest Universities in North Dakota for International Students

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In North Dakota, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in North Dakota, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 7 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in North Dakota, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in North Dakota for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in North Dakota ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Minot State University 7,598 USD 41%
Bismarck State College 7,730 USD - 13,900 USD 40%
Dickinson State University 7,968 USD - 9,960 USD 38%
Valley City State University 12,300 USD 5%
North Dakota State University 17,300 USD -34%
University of North Dakota 18,500 USD - 35,100 USD -43%
University of Mary 18,600 USD -44%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 12,900 USD for universities in North Dakota.

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1. Minot State University

Minot State University, a public university in Minot, North Dakota, began as the Minot Normal School for Teachers in 1913. There are three colleges at the university: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education and Health Sciences. They provide 60 undergraduate programs, nine graduate degrees, and an education specialist degree in communication, management, mathematics, and the liberal arts.

2. Bismarck State College

Formed in 1939 in reaction to community demand for a local college, Bismarck State College was initially known as Bismarck Junior College. Bismarck State College focuses on student success by delivering affordable, flexible, high-quality, and experiential learning enhanced by public-private partnerships. BSC leads in polytechnic schooling, improving the lives of students and communities.

3. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University (DSU) opened its doors to the public in 1918. During its early years, the school, formerly named Dickinson State Normal School, was primarily established to train and educate potential teachers. And as the school progressed, it was awarded university status in 1987. Presently, DSU only offers first-class education to its students as it thrives to significantly contribute to the social and economic growth in North Dakota.

4. Valley City State University

Valley City State University was founded in 1890 and currently offers around 65 on-campus undergraduate degree programs and three online master’s degree programs. The university also has four regional universities and five community colleges, aside from their found inside a 55-acre land on its main campus. The students are student-focused, innovative, learning-centered, collaborative, and engaged in collective work as well as driven by their mission to create a distinct, welcoming, and modern community.

5. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is widely known for its contribution to the agriculture industry. It is classified among universities with very high research activity, especially since it is a very active participant in numerous research projects and collaborations. Considered the largest university in the state, North Dakota State University aims to establish more agricultural research centers in the country.

6. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and is known as the largest university in the state. It currently offers more than 200 study programs in various disciplines such as law, medicine, aviation, and engineering. It is also known as one of the regional leaders in academic research. 

7. University of Mary

The University of Mary was founded by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation as a college offering undergraduate degrees in nursing and education. The university was founded together with other schools and hospitals as a result of the ministering of the Benedictine Sister through healing and learning. Healing, teaching, and serving others remains to be the focus of the University to this day.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in North Dakota for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in North Dakota ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Dickinson State University 4,200 USD - 6,300 USD 61%
Minot State University 6,120 USD - 9,180 USD 44%
North Dakota State University 9,380 USD - 14,100 USD 13%
University of Mary 16,100 USD - 18,900 USD -49%
University of North Dakota 18,000 USD - 27,700 USD -67%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 10,800 USD for universities in North Dakota.

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1. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University (DSU) opened its doors to the public in 1918. During its early years, the school, formerly named Dickinson State Normal School, was primarily established to train and educate potential teachers. And as the school progressed, it was awarded university status in 1987. Presently, DSU only offers first-class education to its students as it thrives to significantly contribute to the social and economic growth in North Dakota.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Dickinson State University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,200 USD to 6,300 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Minot State University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Minot State University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Minot State University is 6,120 USD to 9,180 USD.

Minot State University, a public university in Minot, North Dakota, began as the Minot Normal School for Teachers in 1913. There are three colleges at the university: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education and Health Sciences. They provide 60 undergraduate programs, nine graduate degrees, and an education specialist degree in communication, management, mathematics, and the liberal arts.

3. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is widely known for its contribution to the agriculture industry. It is classified among universities with very high research activity, especially since it is a very active participant in numerous research projects and collaborations. Considered the largest university in the state, North Dakota State University aims to establish more agricultural research centers in the country.

The tuition fee at North Dakota State University for incoming international master’s students is 9,380 USD to 14,070 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Mary

Another affordable university to consider in North Dakota is University of Mary.

The University of Mary was founded by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation as a college offering undergraduate degrees in nursing and education. The university was founded together with other schools and hospitals as a result of the ministering of the Benedictine Sister through healing and learning. Healing, teaching, and serving others remains to be the focus of the University to this day.

The tuition fee in University of Mary for master’s program for foreign students starts from 16,070 USD.

5. University of North Dakota

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of North Dakota has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 17,944 USD yearly.

The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and is known as the largest university in the state. It currently offers more than 200 study programs in various disciplines such as law, medicine, aviation, and engineering. It is also known as one of the regional leaders in academic research. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in North Dakota?

Applying to cheap universities in North Dakota requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in North Dakota?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in North Dakota. For example, one of the best affordable schools in North Dakota is the Bismarck State College, which offers Accounting, History, and Engineering to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Dickinson State University offers Teaching, Business Administration, and Elementary Education.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in North Dakota, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in North Dakota as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in North Dakota for international students was helpful!