Overview of Online Colleges in North Dakota
North Dakota is one of the least populated states in the US and ranks 48th nationally in terms of density. Distance learning is an important tool to expand access to higher education to students living in remote areas of the state. Private colleges were among the first to offer online degree programs in North Dakota, but public schools are catching up. As of last year, eight of the state's 29 public universities offered online degree options.
North Dakota is one of only two states in the nation to increase their higher education budget between 2008 and 2014. Over this period, the state expanded spending on higher education by 38.6%. Increased spending has definitely helped manage rising tuition costs — since 2008, tuition rates at four year schools rose a modest 12% compared to a national average of just over 25%. Two year programs in the state only experienced an 11% increase in tuition rates between 2004 and 2014. Meanwhile, enrollment rates rose a healthy 13% at public institutions and graduation rates at the six largest universities in the state maintained around 40%.
Explore North Dakota's online degree programs with the searchable directory below. Visit the higher education tab for information on scholarships and financing opportunities available to online students in this state.