The Best Online Colleges in North Dakota
North Dakota’s online colleges offer programs that prepare students for some of the highest-paying careers in medicine, architecture, and criminal justice.
Many of North Dakota’s top-paying industries require a college degree. Professionals in business, advanced manufacturing, natural resources management, and healthcare benefit from earning an online degree. Online colleges in North Dakota grant associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees at affordable tuition rates.
Online colleges offer a flexible route to a college degree. Learners can choose between asynchronous, accelerated, and self-paced programs. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many colleges to move to an online-only system. The necessity of providing online education increased the amount of resources institutions devoted to their distance learning programs.
North Dakota’s colleges stand out for their diverse programs and affordability. In the 2018-2019 school year, public universities in the U.S. charged an average tuition rate of $9,200 per year. In contrast, North Dakota’s public universities cost around $8,000.
This page ranks the best online colleges in North Dakota. Prospective applicants can use this ranking to find the right fit for their unique needs and career goals.
The Best Online Colleges in North Dakota
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of North Dakota offers a high-quality online college experience. Those who enroll at the public institution remotely have 67 online degree opportunities to choose from at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Grand Forks campus. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with academic advisors. The school's internship program gives students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. Program graduates are awarded a bachelor's degree with full accreditation upon completion of all requirements.
Prospective students can get more information about online programs and application requirements from the school directly.
University of North Dakota at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 6,163
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Online Master's Programs: 28
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 30%
Admission Rate: 81%
- In-State$8,212
- Out-of-state$14,371
- In-State$10,534
- Out-of-state$18,434
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled13,581
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
North Dakota State University
- Fargo, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
For many online degree-seekers, North Dakota State University is an attractive choice. Remote students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have nine options through this public institution. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.
All learners, including those studying online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Fargo campus. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with academic advisors. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
North Dakota State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,328
Online Master's Programs: 9
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 3%
Admission Rate: 94%
- In-State$8,275
- Out-of-state$12,413
- In-State$6,743
- Out-of-state$10,115
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled13,173
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Valley City State University
- Valley City, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Valley City State University is a leader in online education. Students who enroll at the public institution can choose from 22 online offerings at undergraduate and graduate levels. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics leads many distance learners to apply.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its North Dakota campus, whom online learners can also contact. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with these academic advisors. The internship program that the school offers helps many students prepare for their future careers. Graduates of the school's academic programs obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.
Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.
Valley City State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 915
Online Bachelor's Programs: 13
Online Master's Programs: 2
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 44%
Admission Rate: 76%
- In-State$5,884
- Out-of-state$10,297
- In-State$5,872
- Out-of-state$5,872
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,665
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Dickinson State University
- Dickinson, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Dickinson State University's online degree offerings rank highly among similar programs. The public institution's 29 online degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.
Online learners not located near the North Dakota campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Prospective students can get more information about online programs and application requirements from the school directly.
Dickinson State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 565
Online Bachelor's Programs: 23
Online Master's Programs: 1
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 56%
Admission Rate: 100%
- In-State$6,522
- Out-of-state$9,782
- In-State$5,826
- Out-of-state$5,826
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled1,350
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Mayville State University
- Mayville, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online degree-seekers should consider Mayville State University. The three online programs offered by this public institution consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its North Dakota campus, whom online learners can also contact. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work in the field. The school grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs are available by contacting the school.
Mayville State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 765
Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
Online Master's Programs: 1
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 9%
Admission Rate: 70%
- In-State$5,793
- Out-of-state$8,690
- In-State$5,580
- Out-of-state$5,580
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled1,212
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
North Dakota
2022
Online Colleges in North Dakota Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyEmployment in North Dakota
The employment outlook in North Dakota remains strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state’s unemployment rate remained at a below-average 4% in June 2021, compared to the national unemployment rate of 5.9%. In May 2020, the mean annual wage in North Dakota was $52,450. North Dakotans also benefit from a low cost of living. Compared to the national cost of living index of 100, North Dakota reports an 89.9.
North Dakota’s major industries include energy, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. Careers in these fields typically require a college degree. According to July 2019 census data, 30% of North Dakotans hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, slightly below the national average of 32.1%.
North Dakotans with a college degree stand out in the job market. The state’s colleges charge below-average tuition rates, making earning a degree in North Dakota a smart investment.
The following information compares the highest-paying roles that employ more than 1,000 individuals in North Dakota. Salary information applies specifically to North Dakota, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Median Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $212,990 | 4% | Medical degree |
| Financial Managers | $140,740 | 15% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Lawyers | $113,480 | 4% | Law degree |
| Construction Managers | $110,190 | 8% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Pharmacists | $103,440 | -3% | Doctorate degree (Pharm.D) |
| Career | Annual Median Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Clerks | $43,540 | -5% | High school diploma |
| Retail Salespersons | $34,080 | 0% | No formal education |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $26,400 | 10% | No formal education |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $54,550 | 2% | High school diploma |
| Registered Nurses | $69,630 | 7% | Associate degree |
Online Associate Degrees
An associate degree provides basic training for the workforce. The degree also helps students who are seeking an affordable route to a bachelor’s degree.
Many North Dakota community colleges offer online associate degrees in academic and vocational subjects. At Bismarck State College, students can pursue business administration, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and management programs.
The college’s vocational programs include options for administrative assistants, electronics technicians, and information processing specialists. North Dakota State College of Science offers associate degrees for restaurant managers, web developers, and pharmacy technicians.
Online Graduate Degrees
Online colleges in North Dakota offer graduate degrees with flexible enrollment options. A master’s degree in business, education, or computer science helps professionals increase their earning potential and move into leadership roles. The pandemic increased North Dakota’s online degree options, allowing more students to earn their degrees remotely.
At the University of North Dakota, graduate students can pursue degrees in accounting, counseling, data science, and nursing. UND also offers an online MBA program. The University of Mary offers online programs in high-demand areas like business, education, and nursing. When considering an online degree, a prospective applicant should consider class enrollment options and transfer credit policies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in North Dakota
Yes. North Dakota colleges charge below-average tuition rates. For example, while four-year public colleges charge over $9,200 per year on average in tuition and fees, North Dakota public colleges cost around $8,000, according to 2018-2019 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Earning an online bachelor’s degree in North Dakota typically takes four years. Most associate programs take two years, as do most master’s programs.
Students in North Dakota pursue degrees in business, healthcare, education, and technology. These degrees prepare graduates for in-demand career paths.
