Best Colleges in North Dakota – 2024

Academic Highlights: The University of North Dakota offers students an expansive academic portfolio with 116 undergraduate majors, all supported by a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters personalized learning. With 41% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and only 9% exceeding 50, UND combines the resources of a research university with the close-knit feel of a smaller institution. Students engage in hands-on research through specialized centers like the Energy & Environmental Research Center and Human Nutrition Research Center, tackling critical challenges while still undergraduates.

Professional Outcomes: UND graduates launch careers with industry leaders across multiple sectors—from healthcare giants (Sanford Health, Mayo Clinic) and aviation leaders (Delta, United Airlines) to Fortune 500 companies (Target, Amazon). The university’s strong career preparation yields impressive financial returns, with alumni earning median salaries of $68,200 early in their careers, which grow to $118,400 by mid-career. UND goes beyond traditional career support through its entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Center for Innovation’s Runway program (offering up to $10,000 in start-up funding) and Mueller internships ($3,000 grants with business coaching), ensuring students can pursue either corporate careers or their own ventures with equal support.

Academic Highlights: As a premier land-grant research university, North Dakota State University offers students 92 majors and 92 minors within a dynamic academic environment. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 61% of classes under 30 students, NDSU combines the resources of a comprehensive research institution with personalized attention. The university’s global perspective is enhanced by study abroad opportunities in 600+ programs, serving a diverse student body from 48 states and 73 countries while maintaining strong roots in its land-grant mission to serve North Dakota.

Professional Outcomes: NDSU graduates achieve outstanding career success, with a 94% placement rate (74% employed, 20% in graduate school) and a strong median salary of $56,750. Alumni form the backbone of North Dakota’s workforce, with 83% remaining in-state, contributing to leading employers like Sanford Health, John Deere, and Doosan Bobcat. Others continue their education at institutions including the University of North Dakota and the University of Minnesota. These results demonstrate how NDSU’s combination of hands-on research, practical education, and global awareness prepares graduates to drive innovation in North Dakota’s key industries while being competitive in broader markets.

Academic Highlights: Rooted in its Catholic Benedictine tradition, the University of Mary offers a transformative education through nearly 60 undergraduate degrees and 16 pre-professional programs. With an exceptional 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a diverse community representing all 50 states and 19 countries, students benefit from personalized mentorship in a global learning environment. The university expands horizons through its Rome campus and study abroad programs in Israel, China, Ireland, and beyond, blending faith, academics, and cultural immersion.

Professional Outcomes: University of Mary graduates achieve outstanding results, with 95% employed or pursuing advanced education within six months of graduation. An impressive 63% work in careers directly aligned with their studies, while others continue their education at top institutions. Most alumni (78%) contribute to North Dakota’s workforce, particularly in the Bismarck area, with leading employers including Sanford Health, Bobcat Company, Bismarck Public Schools, and Microsoft. Graduates command strong median earnings of $60,909, reflecting the university’s successful integration of professional preparation and values-based education.