HomeUniversitiesNorth Dakota State University
North Dakota State University
Public UniversityUnited StatesWorld #232

North Dakota State University

United States

22,110/yr

Avg. tuition

30,722/yr

Living (Bachelors)

33,988/yr

Living (Masters)

52+programs

Courses

About

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public land-grant research university in Fargo, North Dakota. It was founded as North Dakota Agricultural College in 1890 as the state's land-grant university. As of 2021, North Dakota State University offers 94 undergraduate majors, 146 undergraduate degree programs, 5 undergraduate certificate programs, 84 undergraduate minors, 87 master's degree programs, 51 doctoral degree programs of study, and 210 graduate certificate programs. It is classified among "R1-Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity".

North Dakota State University is a large university with a total enrollment of over 14,000 students. The campus is located in Fargo, North Dakota, a city of about 230,000 people. Fargo is a relatively affordable city with a low cost of living. North Dakota State University (NDSU) is ranked #1275 in the Best Global Universities ranking by U.S. News & World Report. 

What is the acceptance rate of the North Dakota State University?

The acceptance rate for North Dakota State University international students is 94%. The tuition fees for international students at North Dakota State University (NDSU) vary depending on the program of study and the number of credit hours taken. For example, the tuition fee for an undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours in the College of Agriculture is $12,308 per semester. The tuition fee for a graduate student taking 9 credit hours in the College of Engineering is $12,909 per semester.

In addition to tuition, international students are also responsible for paying a variety of fees, including:

  • Student fees: $1,748 per semester
  • Housing: $4,488 per semester
  • Meal plan: $5,145 per semester
  • Books: $800 per semester

The total cost of attendance for international students at North Dakota State University can vary depending on the program of study, the number of credit hours taken, and the cost of living in Fargo, North Dakota. However, the average cost of attendance for international students is $25,322 per semester.

Top Reasons to Study in the North Dakota State University

  • Academic solid reputation: North Dakota State University is a well-respected university with a strong academic reputation. The university is ranked #285 out of 443 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. North Dakota State University is also a member of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of 65 research universities in the United States and Canada.
  • Affordable tuition: North Dakota State University is a relatively affordable university. The average cost of attendance for in-state students is $19,583 per year. This includes tuition, fees, housing, and meals.
  • Large campus with various student activities: North Dakota State University has a large campus with various student activities. There are over 300 student organisations on campus, and the university hosts several annual events, such as the Fargo Marathon and the North Dakota State University Spring Festival.
  • Strong athletics program: North Dakota State University has a strong athletics program. The Bison are a perennial power in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. The university also has teams in various other sports, including basketball, baseball, and softball.
  • Opportunities for hands-on research: North Dakota State University offers students many opportunities to get involved in hands-on research. The university has over 200 research centres and institutes, and students can work with faculty on various research projects.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

95%

Application Fee

$35


How to Apply at North Dakota State University

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application from their official website.
  • The application fee is $75 for international students.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE
    • Personal statement/Essay writing
    • Two letters of teacher recommendation
    • International Financial Aid Statement of Intent

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
  • The application fee is $75 for international students.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE
    • Personal statement/essay writing
    • Transfer Report Form
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to North Dakota State University

Undergraduate Students

  • Complete the Common Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.
  • Personal statement/Essay writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Financial documentation
  • Resume
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form 
    • Passport
    • Visa

Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students

  • Complete the Common Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous from your high school or college attended
  • GRE/GMAT scores 
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume (Relevant work experience)
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation


Exams Accepted By North Dakota State University

Undergraduate Students

  • Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.

Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students

  • Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.

Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
North Dakota

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

  • Public bus: MATBUS is the public bus system that serves the Fargo-Moorhead area, including North Dakota State University. Several bus routes stop on campus, and fares are very affordable.
  • Bicycle: Fargo is a very bike-friendly city, and many bike paths and lanes make it easy to get around. North Dakota State University also has a bike-sharing program that allows you to rent bikes for short-term use.
  • Walking: North Dakota State University is a relatively small campus, so it is easy to get around on foot. Several pedestrian bridges cross the Red River, which connects Fargo and Moorhead.
  • Taxi: Several taxi companies operate in Fargo, and they can be a convenient way to get around if you cannot walk or bike.
  • Ride-sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Fargo. This can be a convenient way to get around, especially if travelling with a group.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic advising: North Dakota State University has a comprehensive academic advising system that provides students with individualised help in choosing courses, planning their academic path, and transferring credits.
  • Career counselling: North Dakota State University's Career Development Center offers students various services to help them plan their careers, including individual counselling, workshops, and job search assistance.
  • Financial aid: North Dakota State University's Financial Aid Office helps students and their families pay for college. The office offers a variety of financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
  • Student health: North Dakota State University's Student Health Service provides students with comprehensive health care, including preventive care, sick care, and mental health services.
  • Student activities: North Dakota State University has various student activities, including clubs, organisations, sports, and performing arts. These activities allow students to get involved on campus and meet new people.
  • Technology support: North Dakota State University's Information Technology Services provides students, faculty, and staff with various technology support services, including computer labs, help desk support and software licensing.
  • Transportation: North Dakota State University offers various transportation services to its students, faculty, and staff, including bus service, bike-sharing, and parking.

Student life at North Dakota State University

Reasons of being North Dakota State University an excellent place for students

  • A strong sense of community: North Dakota State University is a close-knit campus where students feel they belong. There are many opportunities to get involved in clubs and organisations, and students are encouraged to support each other.
  • Various academic programs: North Dakota State University offers various academic programs, from business to engineering to the arts. There are also many opportunities for students to conduct research with faculty members.
  • A thriving athletics program: North Dakota State University is an NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference member. The Bison compete in 18 varsity sports and have won several national championships.
  • A beautiful campus: North Dakota State University's campus is in Fargo, North Dakota. The campus is home to various parks and green spaces, and it is just a short walk from downtown Fargo.

Extra-curricular activities for students

  • Clubs and organisations: Over 400 clubs and organisations are on campus, so there is something for everyone. Some famous clubs include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the Asian American Student Association.
  • Sports: North Dakota State University has a thriving athletics program, and students can participate in intramural sports or cheer on the Bison at home games.
  • Performing arts: North Dakota State University has a vibrant performing arts scene, and students can participate in theatre productions, concerts, and dance recitals.
  • Greek life: North Dakota State University has a sizeable Greek community, and students can join one of the many fraternities or sororities.

On campus accomodation at North Dakota State University

  • Traditional residence halls: Traditional residence halls are the most common type of on-campus housing at North Dakota State University. These halls offer a variety of room sizes and layouts, and they are all located on campus.
  • Suite-style residence halls: Suite-style residence halls offer more privacy than traditional ones. These halls have suites of two or four bedrooms, and each suite has its bathroom.
  • Apartment-style residence halls: Apartment-style residence halls offer the most privacy of all the on-campus housing options. These halls have apartments with one or two bedrooms, and each apartment has its kitchen and bathroom.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:16

University Faculty Stats

  • Total number of faculty: North Dakota State University has 2,080 faculty members.
  • Faculty-to-student ratio: The student-faculty ratio at North Dakota State University is 19:1.
  • Percentage of full-time faculty: 83% of North Dakota State University faculty members are full-time.
  • Percentage of tenured faculty: 58% of North Dakota State University faculty members are tenured.
  • Average faculty salary: The average salary for a full-time faculty member at North Dakota State University is $110,000.

Career Opportunities

University Endowments Value

423000000

Internship opportunities at North Dakota State University

  • On-campus jobs: North Dakota State University offers a variety of on-campus jobs, such as working in the library, dining halls, or recreation centre. These jobs are a great way to get involved on campus and meet new people.
  • Off-campus jobs: North Dakota State University also offers a variety of off-campus jobs, such as retail, food service, or healthcare. These jobs can be a great way to earn money and gain experience in your field.
  • Internships: North Dakota State University offers a variety of internships, both on-campus and off-campus. Internships can be a great way to gain field experience and connect with potential employers.

Placement of North Dakota State University

Job placement

According to North Dakota State University's Career Development Center, 93.8% of the class of 2022 were either employed, in graduate or professional school, or serving in the military six months after graduation.

Hiring companies

Some of the top hiring companies for North Dakota State University graduates include:

  • John Deere
  • Sanford Health
  • Doosan Bobcat
  • Essentia Health
  • Collins Aerospace
  • Fargo Public Schools
  • Open Systems International, Inc. (OSI)
  • AgCountry Farm Credit Services
  • Wells Fargo

Salaries

The median salary for North Dakota State University graduates is $52,150. The highest reported salary is $99,000.

Popular Courses · 52

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average living expenses for masters at the North Dakota State University?
The average living expenses for masters at the North Dakota State University is USD 33988.
What is the student faculty ratio at the North Dakota State University?
The student faculty ratio at the North Dakota State University is 1:16
How many campuses does North Dakota State University have ?
North Dakota State University has 1 campuses. All of them have amazing residence halls, student centers, civic spaces, cultural spaces, music halls, transportation facilities, etc.
What is the global ranking of North Dakota State University?
The global ranking of North Dakota State University is: 1. Times Higher Education The World University Rankings: 232
What factors should be considered when choosing the North Dakota State University
When choosing the North Dakota State University for higher education, an international student must consider the following factors: 1. Take a counselling session with Ashiraj 2. Finalise a budget 3. Research the course of your preference at North Dakota State University 4. Arrange your documents for admission 5. Plan for Scholarships or Loans 6. Check out the country’s working rules for international students 7. Apply for a visa
Does North Dakota State University provide scholarships for international students?
Yes. An international student can apply for scholarships to pursue their education at North Dakota State University by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the North Dakota State University website/ department. 3. Applying to available research assistantships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, or grants.
Is the North Dakota State University a good university?
Yes. Established in 1890, North Dakota State University is a reputed university to pursue higher education for international/Indian students. The perks of studying at North Dakota State University include: 1. Global Recognition 2. Amazing job/ opportunities 3. Research opportunities 4. International exposure 5. Cultural learning 6. Independence
What are the top courses that one can pursue at North Dakota State University?
A few globally recognised courses that one can pursue at North Dakota State University are: 1. Computer Science in North Dakota State University 2. Electrical and Computer Engineering in North Dakota State University 3. Construction Management in North Dakota State University 4. Mechanical Engineering in North Dakota State University 5. Business Analytics in North Dakota State University 6. Software and Security Engineering in North Dakota State University 7. Plant Science in North Dakota State University 8. Pharmaceutical Science in North Dakota State University 9. Microbiology in North Dakota State University 10. MBA in North Dakota State University
What is the North Dakota State University GPA requirement?
The GPA requirement for North Dakota State University will vary based on your selected course admission criteria. However, a GPA above 3.5 can help you get admission to most international universities. Check for the official North Dakota State University’s website to know more

Last updated August 14, 2026

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North Dakota State University: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at NDSU