1. University of North Dakota (UND)
Overview of University of North Dakota
Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Founded in 1883, the University of North Dakota (UND) is the state’s oldest and largest university. It is known for its strong programs in aerospace, health sciences, and engineering. UND is home to one of the leading aviation schools in the U.S., the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, and is renowned for its research in energy and environmental sustainability.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #263 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 13,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 225 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1290
Extracurricular Activities
- North Dakota Fighting Hawks Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- UND Flying Team
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life
- The Dakota Student (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Phil Jackson – NBA Hall of Fame coach
- Sally J. Smith – Former CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings
- Tom Clifford – Former UND President
- Edward Schafer – Former Governor of North Dakota
- Chuck Klosterman – Author and essayist
Top Employers of Graduates
- United Airlines
- Northrop Grumman
- Microsoft
- Altru Health System
- Boeing
2. North Dakota State University (NDSU)
Overview of North Dakota State University
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Founded in 1890, North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public research university known for its agricultural, engineering, and health sciences programs. NDSU is a land-grant institution with a strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in fields like biotechnology, plant sciences, and renewable energy. The university is a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and has won multiple national championships.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #285 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1270
Extracurricular Activities
- NDSU Bison Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government
- Agricultural and Engineering Clubs
- Greek Life
- The Spectrum (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Doug Burgum – Governor of North Dakota
- Tyrone Braxton – Former NFL player
- Carson Wentz – NFL quarterback
- Cliff Cushman – Olympic athlete
- Sandy Ringer – Award-winning journalist
Top Employers of Graduates
- Microsoft
- John Deere
- Sanford Health
- Cargill
- Bobcat Company
3. Minot State University (MSU)
Overview of Minot State University
Location: Minot, North Dakota
Founded in 1913, Minot State University is a public university known for its programs in teacher education, business administration, and social work. It offers a small-campus experience with personalized attention and a strong focus on community engagement. MSU is also noted for its programs in communication disorders and special education.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #111 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Average SAT Score: 960-1180
Extracurricular Activities
- MSU Beavers Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- Campus Crusade for Christ
- Theater and Arts Groups
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- Josh Duhamel – Actor, Transformers
- Ryan Family – Owners of the Minnesota Vikings
- Roger Ward Babson – Economist and entrepreneur
- Gary Cederstrom – MLB umpire
- George Sinner – Former Governor of North Dakota
Top Employers of Graduates
- Trinity Health
- Minot Public Schools
- Minot Air Force Base
- Ward County
- SRT Communications
4. University of Mary
Overview of University of Mary
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Founded in 1959, the University of Mary is a private Catholic university known for its programs in nursing, business, and education. With a strong commitment to service and leadership, the university emphasizes values-based education and offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The university has a significant online education presence as well.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #298-391 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Average SAT Score: 990-1220
Extracurricular Activities
- University of Mary Marauders Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- Catholic Campus Ministry
- Intramural Sports
- Leadership and Service Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Kevin Cramer – U.S. Senator
- Greg Butler – Former NBA player
- Dale Lennon – College football coach
- Rick Becker – North Dakota State Representative
- Eric Holthaus – Meteorologist and climate journalist
Top Employers of Graduates
- Sanford Health
- CHI St. Alexius Health
- Bismarck Public Schools
- University of Mary
- U.S. Bank
5. Dickinson State University (DSU)
Overview of Dickinson State University
Location: Dickinson, North Dakota
Established in 1918, Dickinson State University is a public university known for its strong focus on business, agriculture, and education programs. DSU serves as a cultural and educational hub for western North Dakota, offering students personalized education in a rural setting. The university is particularly known for its teacher preparation programs and its commitment to workforce development.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #55 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,400
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Average SAT Score: 920-1120
Extracurricular Activities
- DSU Blue Hawks Athletics (NAIA)
- Agriculture and Livestock Clubs
- Business and Marketing Clubs
- Student Government
- Performing Arts Groups
Famous Alumni
- Byron Dorgan – Former U.S. Senator
- Earl Pomeroy – Former U.S. Congressman
- Travis Hafner – Former MLB player
- Mickey Anderson – North Dakota educator and philanthropist
- Aaron Krauter – Former North Dakota State Senator
Top Employers of Graduates
- Sanford Health
- North Dakota State Government
- CHI St. Alexius Health
- Baker Hughes
- Dickinson Public Schools
6. Valley City State University (VCSU)
Overview of Valley City State University
Location: Valley City, North Dakota
Founded in 1890, Valley City State University (VCSU) is a public university known for its programs in education, technology, and business. VCSU offers innovative teacher education programs and was one of the first universities in the nation to integrate technology into its curriculum. The campus is located along the scenic Sheyenne River, providing a peaceful setting for students.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #46 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 960-1180
Extracurricular Activities
- VCSU Vikings Athletics (NAIA)
- Teacher Education Clubs
- Student Government Association
- Intramural Sports
- Outdoor Recreation Club
Famous Alumni
- Art Link – Former Governor of North Dakota
- Bill Gross – Co-founder of Pacific Investment Management (PIMCO)
- Todd Hoffner – College football coach
- Ryan Cunningham – Radio personality
- Jesse Veeder – Singer and songwriter
Top Employers of Graduates
- North Dakota Public Schools
- Sanford Health
- CHI St. Alexius Health
- VCSU
- Microsoft
7. Mayville State University
Overview of Mayville State University
Location: Mayville, North Dakota
Founded in 1889, Mayville State University is a small public university focused on providing high-quality teacher education, business, and health sciences programs. Known for its personal approach to education, Mayville State has small class sizes and a close-knit campus community. The university prides itself on preparing students for careers in rural and underserved areas.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #41 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Average SAT Score: 920-1140
Extracurricular Activities
- MSU Comets Athletics (NAIA)
- Student Senate
- Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs
- Intramural Sports
- Education and Business Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Kevin Vickers – Former Sergeant-at-Arms of the Canadian House of Commons
- Jeff Tangen – Former NFL player
- Scott Goplen – Educator and administrator
- Paul Simonson – Community organizer
- Patricia Murphy – Author and historian
Top Employers of Graduates
- North Dakota Public Schools
- Sanford Health
- Mayville State University
- North Dakota State Government
- CHI St. Alexius Health
8. United Tribes Technical College (UTTC)
Overview of United Tribes Technical College
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Founded in 1969, United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) is a tribally controlled community college serving Native American students. UTTC offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as business, education, and health sciences. The college is committed to cultural preservation and empowerment, providing students with a supportive learning environment that incorporates Native American traditions.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 800
- Degrees Offered: Associate degrees and certificates in 15 programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Native American Cultural Clubs
- Powwow and Traditional Arts Events
- Intramural Sports
- Health and Wellness Programs
Famous Alumni
- Russell Means – Native American activist and actor
- Phyllis Young – Indigenous rights advocate
- Levi Rickert – Native American journalist
- Ben Nighthorse Campbell – Former U.S. Senator
- Winona LaDuke – Environmental activist
Top Employers of Graduates
- Indian Health Services
- United Tribes Technical College
- North Dakota Department of Health
- U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs
- North Dakota Public Schools
9. Bismarck State College (BSC)
Overview of Bismarck State College
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Founded in 1939, Bismarck State College is a public community college known for its programs in energy, engineering technology, and nursing. BSC offers associate degrees, certificates, and select bachelor’s programs designed to meet the workforce needs of North Dakota’s energy and healthcare sectors. The college has strong partnerships with industry leaders and provides hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,700
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- BSC Mystics Athletics (NJCAA)
- Energy and Technology Clubs
- Student Government Association
- Theatre and Music Productions
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- Shaun Sipma – Mayor of Minot, North Dakota
- Katrina Koesterman – Healthcare administrator
- Mark Haugen – Energy industry executive
- Tessa Sandstrom – Journalist and author
- Curt Zimbleman – Former Minot Mayor
Top Employers of Graduates
- Sanford Health
- Basin Electric Power Cooperative
- Great River Energy
- Dakota Gasification Company
- Bismarck Public Schools
10. Dakota College at Bottineau
Overview of Dakota College at Bottineau
Location: Bottineau, North Dakota
Founded in 1906, Dakota College at Bottineau is a public community college known for its programs in forestry, environmental sciences, and nursing. The college offers associate degrees and certificates, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in a rural setting. It is the only institution in North Dakota to offer a dedicated forestry program.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 800
- Degrees Offered: Over 20 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Lumberjacks Athletics (NJCAA)
- Forestry Club
- Student Government Association
- Outdoor Adventure Programs
- Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Alan K. Simpson – U.S. Senator (attended briefly)
- Del Wetzstein – Forestry conservationist
- Elmer Knutson – Canadian political figure
- Donna Granbois – Indigenous rights advocate
- Duane Mutch – Former North Dakota State Senator
Top Employers of Graduates
- U.S. Forest Service
- Sanford Health
- Dakota College at Bottineau
- North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation
- Trinity Health