North Dakota Public Colleges and Universities

Public Colleges in North Dakota

North Dakota Public Colleges and Universities - University of North Dakota Chester Fritz Library

Students looking for an education in North Dakota can find a number of options available, thanks to the rise of online colleges in North Dakota, the lines between prestigious colleges and second or third tier colleges are beginning to blur. More and more people are earning powerful degrees from distance learning colleges from all over the world whether be in the liberal arts field or programs in aviation, math and science, you'll find private and public schools in the state that can help you work toward your educational desires. In this area, North Dakota has been making huge strides. Just 10 or 15 years ago, North Dakota public colleges in the "Rough Rider State" had a difficult time competing with rivals from other states. Because of online colleges however, this is no longer the case.

Looking for a North Dakota Public College?

There are twenty-one colleges and universities in the state of North Dakota. Grand Forks-based University of North Dakota (UND) is the largest public institution with an enrollment of 14,906 students as of Fall 2014 enrollment data. Fargo-based North Dakota State University (NDSU) is the second largest public institution, with an enrollment of 14,747 students for Fall 2014.

The North Dakota University System contains eleven public colleges. There are also seven private universities in North Dakota. The University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, a part of UND, is the state's only medical school. The state's only law school is the University of North Dakota School of Law, which is another UND affiliate.

North Dakota University System is governed by the State Board of Higher Education. The State Board of Education is responsible for approving new or discontinued programs, reviewing the quality of institutions and programs, setting Board budget guidelines, and facilitating equipment or facility costs.

Public North Dakota Universities include:

  • University of North Dakota (Grand Forks)
  • North Dakota State University (Fargo)
  • Mayville State University (Mayville)
  • Minot State University (Minot)
  • Valley City State University (Valley City)

North Dakota State University is the largest institution in the state. Its flagship campus is located in Fargo. Taken from the public colleges and universities in North Dakota, the most popular and the the most expensive public school in North Dakota is North Dakota State University Fargo.

UND, founded 27 February 1883 (six years prior to North Dakota's statehood), is the state's oldest and longest operating post-secondary institution. University of Jamestown (UJ), founded under the name Jamestown College 31 October 1883 by the Presbyterian Church, is the state's second oldest established post-secondary institution. Mayville State University (MSU), originally named Mayville Normal School, founded in 1889 by the first North Dakota Legislative Assembly, is the state's third oldest established post-secondary institution but is the second longest operating school. NDSU, originally named the North Dakota Agricultural College, was founded 8 March 1890 as part of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts of 1862 and 1890, is the state's fourth oldest post-secondary institution and third longest operating school.

If you are a prospective student seeking an online college degree, be assured that you can find just the right online college in North Dakota offering you the choices you need to successfully complete your program. North Dakota ranks 29th out of the 50 states in percentage of people with a bachelor's degree. Get started on your degree today.



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