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.
Featured Online Programs
21 Colleges in North Dakota
Rasmussen College-North Dakota
Fargo, ND · Tuition & fees: $10,764
Sanford College of Nursing
Bismarck, ND
Additional Resources
Official State Links
- State Board of Higher Education
- Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, North Dakota
- North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
College Savings
- College Save: The North Dakota 529 plan is designed to give students and families a means of saving early, and it comes with a hefty tax break; enrollees can deduct up to $5,000 from state income taxes each year. It includes several different investment options, as well as guidelines for gift contributions to the account.
- Children First: A section of the state's 529 plan, Children First is open to all babies under 12 months of age. In essence, if parents sign a child up for a college savings account, the state contributes $100 toward that child's future education.
Education Nonprofits
- Educational Opportunity Center at UND: This organization, which is a branch of the state university's TRIO Program, works with low income and first generation college students. Advisors and mentors help students explore college and career options, find financial aid, and prepare academically for college courses.
- A-STEP: A subsection of the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, which is run by Minot State University, A-STEP supports individuals with intellectual disabilities in the transition to postsecondary education. Volunteers work with new students on individual living and career skills, as well as helping them to build social relationships on campus.
- North Dakota PTA: This statewide parent-teacher organization looks to support students from all walks of life, advocating for quality in education, financial resources for those in need, and education-friendly legislation. They support students throughout K-12 and on their path to higher education.
Higher Education News
- North Dakota University System News: This site covers higher education news throughout North Dakota's public university system, compiling information from schools in disparate areas of the state.
- Education Week North Dakota: This national publication includes a state-specific filter, allowing readers to focus on information and trends related to North Dakota higher education.
- Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education News: This organization covers higher education trends and news across several states, including North Dakota.