In-state tuition (1 year)
Rank #23 nationally
$11,080
All states
2025-26Rank #23
2025-26Rank #23North Dakota College Cost 2025-26
$11,080 in-state, $15,450 out-of-state. Community college: $6,455.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
$11,080
In-state
$44,320
4-year sticker
$15,450
Out-of-state
#23
National rank
North Dakota college cost breakdown
In-state tuition
$11,080
Out-of-state
$15,450
2-year in-district
$6,455
Estimated COA
$24,980
North Dakota's $11,080/yr in-state tuition ranks #23 nationally (lowest = #1) and is below the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).
Four-year sticker cost in North Dakota
Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.
4-year sticker (tuition only)
No room/board
$44,320
Estimated COA (1 year)
Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)
$24,980
Out-of-state tuition (1 year)
Premium +$4,370
$15,450
Community college (1 year)
Public 2-year in-district
$6,455
North Dakota vs neighboring states
Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.
Compare North Dakota with another state
Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.
Compare any two states
Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
States with similar in-state tuition
Key takeaways — North Dakota college costs
- North Dakota public 4-year in-state tuition averages $11,080/yr—rank #23 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $15,450/yr (rank #2), premium +$4,370.
- Four-year sticker (tuition only): $44,320 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $24,980/yr × 4 ≈ $99,920.
- Public 2-year in-district: $6,455/yr (US avg $4,150).
- North Dakota is $870 below the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
- North Dakota offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $5,000 single / $10,000 MFJ).
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
North Dakota college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college
North Dakota public 4-year institutions charge an average of $11,080 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #23 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $15,450/yr (rank #2), premium +$4,370.
Community college in North Dakota: Public 2-year in-district: $6,455/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.
Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: North Dakota ≈ $24,980/yr in-state.
Four-year sticker cost in North Dakota
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $44,320 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $99,920.
Out-of-state students pay about $61,800 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $17,480 more than in-state over 4 years.
These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.
North Dakota 529 plan tax benefits
North Dakota offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $5,000 single / $10,000 MFJ). Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare 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 (SECURE 2.0 Act).
Link your 529 savings goal to North Dakota tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.
North Dakota financial aid and scholarship programs
North Dakota may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the North Dakota higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to North Dakota residents attending in-state public institutions.
Who this North Dakota guide helps
- Families comparing North Dakota tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
- High school students in North Dakota evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
- 529 savers setting contribution targets based on North Dakota public college costs.
- Relocation researchers weighing 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 in North Dakota (this page covers public only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
North Dakota college cost checklist
- Note North Dakota in-state tuition: $11,080/yr (rank #23).
- Out-of-state: $15,450/yr (premium +$4,370).
- Community college: $6,455/yr (2-year in-district).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
- Check North Dakota 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
North Dakota college cost FAQs
North Dakota averages $11,080 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #23 nationally (lowest = #1).
Out-of-state tuition averages $15,450/yr in North Dakota (rank #2), a premium of $4,370 above in-state.
Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $6,455/yr in North Dakota (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $44,320 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $24,980/yr × 4 ≈ $99,920.
Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. ND residents should check /529-calculator for North Dakota-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.
North Dakota may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the North Dakota higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.
North Dakota ranks #23 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.
Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.
Most North Dakota public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a North Dakota driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.
Yes. Most North Dakota state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.
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