Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

Tyler Epps
By
Updated on October 2, 2024
Edited by
The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top online colleges in North Dakota. Start planning your future at BestColleges.

With an unemployment figure of only 2% (as of March 2024), North Dakota has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with a relatively low cost of living — driven primarily by affordable education, rent, and housing prices — North Dakota is an attractive place to live and work.

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Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

#1 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

University of North Dakota

  • Location-markerGrand Forks, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,237
  • Out-of-state$13,856
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,963
  • Out-of-state$17,944
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled14,172
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

Minot State University

  • Location-markerMinot, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,168
  • Out-of-state$7,168
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,352
  • Out-of-state$9,352
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled2,741
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

Valley City State University

  • Location-markerValley City, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,619
  • Out-of-state$11,583
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,605
  • Out-of-state$6,605
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled1,754
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

Bismarck State College

  • Location-markerBismarck, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,167
  • Out-of-state$6,251
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled3,771
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment58%
  • AccreditationYes

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At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Online Colleges in ND

Some of North Dakota’s major industries include natural resources and energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and tourism. However, agriculture remains the largest force in the state’s economic activity. North Dakota leads the nation in production of several commodities, including dry beans, canola, flaxseed, honey, and durum.

Low unemployment is beneficial for workers, meaning many employers offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract qualified employees. Individuals looking to advance their knowledge, skills, and overall hireability should consider enrolling at an online college and pursuing a postsecondary education.

While online programs require the same rigorous coursework and result in the same credentials as a traditional, campus-based program, there are key differences between the two. Instead of interacting with peers and professors in a classroom, online students use chat rooms, message boards, emails, and/or webcams to connect.

Asynchronous online programs are particularly popular for their flexibility. In this format, students can access lectures and course material at any time while working toward assignment deadlines. There are no set login times or face-to-face requirements, which may be ideal for working adults, parents, and other busy individuals.

To help you make an informed decision about your higher education options, we have compiled the following ranking of the five best online colleges in North Dakota. Read on to discover relevant information regarding school history and culture, notable program offerings, and admission requirements.

Click here to see the best campus colleges in North Dakota.

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