Minnesota
Rank #39
In-state tuition$14,730
Out-of-state$30,670
4-year sticker$58,920
All states
2025-26
Minnesota vs North Dakota College Cost
North Dakota has lower in-state tuition by $3,650/yr.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
Minnesota vs North Dakota side by side
North Dakota
Rank #23
In-state tuition$11,080
Out-of-state$15,450
4-year sticker$44,320
North Dakota has lower in-state tuition
$3,650 per year cheaper ($14,600 over 4 years, tuition only). Net price after financial aid may differ—use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
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Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
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Key takeaways — college cost comparison
- North Dakota has lower in-state tuition by $3,650/yr ($14,600 over 4 years). Minnesota: $14,730. North Dakota: $11,080.
- Minnesota ranks #39 nationally; North Dakota ranks #23 (lowest = #1).
- Out-of-state differs by $15,220/yr.
- Room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) is not included in tuition figures.
- Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check /529-calculator for deduction/credit details.
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators.
Minnesota vs North Dakota: in-state tuition comparison
North Dakota has lower in-state tuition: $11,080/yr (rank #23) vs $14,730/yr (rank #39) in Minnesota. That's a $3,650 annual gap, or $14,600 over 4 years (tuition only, before aid).
Room & board is not included. Add US average room & board ($13,900/yr) to estimate COA: Minnesota ≈ $28,630/yr; North Dakota ≈ $24,980/yr.
These are sticker prices from College Board. Net price after federal Pell Grants, state aid, institutional scholarships, and merit awards is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Out-of-state tuition: Minnesota vs North Dakota
Minnesota out-of-state: $30,670/yr (premium +$15,940). North Dakota: $15,450/yr (premium +$4,370). Difference: $15,220/yr, or $60,880 over 4 years.
Out-of-state premiums fund the portion of costs not subsidized by state taxpayers. Students from neighboring states sometimes qualify for regional tuition exchange programs that reduce or waive the premium.
Community college costs in Minnesota and North Dakota
Minnesota public 2-year in-district: $6,412/yr. North Dakota: $6,455/yr. Starting at community college and transferring after 2 years cuts total 4-year costs significantly.
Many students complete general education requirements at community college and transfer to a 4-year institution with junior standing, saving tens of thousands in tuition. Verify transfer pathways and articulation agreements with your target 4-year school.
529 plan tax benefits: Minnesota vs North Dakota
Both Minnesota and North Dakota residents can open 529 college savings plans. State tax benefits vary: some states offer unlimited deductions, others cap deductions at $1,000–$10,000/yr, and a few offer flat tax credits instead of deductions.
Use our /529-calculator to compare Minnesota (MN) and North Dakota (ND) tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and evaluate superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers under SECURE 2.0 Act rules.
Who this comparison helps
- Families comparing Minnesota and North Dakota for college relocation decisions.
- High school students weighing in-state vs out-of-state tuition in Minnesota or North Dakota.
- 529 savers in Minnesota or North Dakota setting contribution targets based on tuition trends.
- Guidance counselors comparing public college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs (this comparison covers public 4-year and 2-year only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
College cost comparison checklist
- Compare in-state tuition: Minnesota $14,730 vs North Dakota $11,080.
- Out-of-state: Minnesota $30,670 vs North Dakota $15,450.
- Four-year sticker: Minnesota $58,920 vs North Dakota $44,320 (tuition only).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
- Check 529 plan tax benefits in Minnesota and North Dakota using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Minnesota vs North Dakota college cost FAQs
North Dakota has lower public 4-year in-state tuition by $3,650 per year. Minnesota: $14,730/yr in-state (rank #39). North Dakota: $11,080/yr in-state (rank #23). Out-of-state tuition differs by $15,220/year.
Minnesota out-of-state averages $30,670/yr, and North Dakota averages $15,450/yr—a $15,220 gap. Out-of-state premiums: Minnesota +$15,940, North Dakota +$4,370.
Four years of sticker tuition (no room & board): Minnesota ≈ $58,920 in-state, North Dakota ≈ $44,320 in-state. Add room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check our /529-calculator for state-by-state deduction/credit details. Minnesota: MN. North Dakota: ND.
No. These are published sticker tuition and fees for public 4-year in-state and out-of-state. Net price after grants, scholarships, and state aid is typically lower. Local flagship and regional campus costs also vary.
Minnesota public 2-year in-district: $6,412/yr. North Dakota: $6,455/yr (tuition + fees, no room/board).
Most state financial aid programs are limited to residents attending in-state public institutions. A few states (e.g., DC TAG) allow portability. Check your home state's higher education agency for out-of-state eligibility rules.
No. You can keep your existing 529 plan or roll it over to another state's plan. You may lose state tax benefits if you move, but federal tax-free growth and withdrawals remain. Consult a tax advisor for your situation.
North Dakota has lower in-state tuition ($3,650/yr), but net price after aid may differ. Compare state financial aid programs, 529 tax benefits, and institutional aid packages using college net price calculators.