North Dakota
Rank #23
In-state tuition$11,080
Out-of-state$15,450
4-year sticker$44,320
All states
2025-26
North Dakota vs South Dakota College Cost
South Dakota has lower in-state tuition by $1,690/yr.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
North Dakota vs South Dakota side by side
South Dakota
Rank #11
In-state tuition$9,390
Out-of-state$13,050
4-year sticker$37,560
South Dakota has lower in-state tuition
$1,690 per year cheaper ($6,760 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.
Key takeaways — college cost comparison
- South Dakota has lower in-state tuition by $1,690/yr ($6,760 over 4 years). North Dakota: $11,080. South Dakota: $9,390.
- North Dakota ranks #23 nationally; South Dakota ranks #11 (lowest = #1).
- Out-of-state differs by $2,400/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.
North Dakota vs South Dakota: in-state tuition comparison
South Dakota has lower in-state tuition: $9,390/yr (rank #11) vs $11,080/yr (rank #23) in North Dakota. That's a $1,690 annual gap, or $6,760 over 4 years (tuition only, before aid).
Room & board is not included. Add US average room & board ($13,900/yr) to estimate COA: North Dakota ≈ $24,980/yr; South Dakota ≈ $23,290/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: North Dakota vs South Dakota
North Dakota out-of-state: $15,450/yr (premium +$4,370). South Dakota: $13,050/yr (premium +$3,660). Difference: $2,400/yr, or $9,600 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 North Dakota and South Dakota
North Dakota public 2-year in-district: $6,455/yr. South Dakota: $7,650/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: North Dakota vs South Dakota
Both North Dakota and South 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 North Dakota (ND) and South Dakota (SD) 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 North Dakota and South Dakota for college relocation decisions.
- High school students weighing in-state vs out-of-state tuition in North Dakota or South Dakota.
- 529 savers in North Dakota or South 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: North Dakota $11,080 vs South Dakota $9,390.
- Out-of-state: North Dakota $15,450 vs South Dakota $13,050.
- Four-year sticker: North Dakota $44,320 vs South Dakota $37,560 (tuition only).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
- Check 529 plan tax benefits in North Dakota and South Dakota using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
North Dakota vs South Dakota college cost FAQs
South Dakota has lower public 4-year in-state tuition by $1,690 per year. North Dakota: $11,080/yr in-state (rank #23). South Dakota: $9,390/yr in-state (rank #11). Out-of-state tuition differs by $2,400/year.
North Dakota out-of-state averages $15,450/yr, and South Dakota averages $13,050/yr—a $2,400 gap. Out-of-state premiums: North Dakota +$4,370, South Dakota +$3,660.
Four years of sticker tuition (no room & board): North Dakota ≈ $44,320 in-state, South Dakota ≈ $37,560 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. North Dakota: ND. South Dakota: SD.
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.
North Dakota public 2-year in-district: $6,455/yr. South Dakota: $7,650/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.
South Dakota has lower in-state tuition ($1,690/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.