95%
2024-25 NDSU graduates employed or continuing their education
34 states
NDSU graduates reported accepting employment in 34 states
$60,000
Median salary of NDSU graduates surveyed
Based on responses from 90% of the 2,248 students who graduated in the class of 2025 (Aug. 2024, Dec. 2024 and May 2025).
Understanding Cost of Attendance (COA)
The total cost of attendance includes both direct costs (tuition; student fees; on-campus housing and meal plan), and indirect costs (books and supplies; personal expenses; parking permit). The expected cost of attendance depends on several factors including residency, intended program of study, course delivery method, and number of credits enrolled.
Direct Costs
Tuition + Student Fees + Room & Board
Full-time students typically enroll in an average of 15-20 credits per semester and pay a 'flat-rate' tuition/fees rate for 13+ credits/term.
Part-time students pay on a 'per credit' basis for 1-12 credits.
| Estimated 2026-27 Costs (Fall and Spring, 13+ credits/semester) | Base Tuition | Meal Plan | Housing | Student Fees | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Residents | $10,460 | $5,762 | $5,164 | $1,721 | $23,107 |
| Minnesota Residents | $11,715 | $5,762 | $5,164 | $1,721 | $24,362 |
| Montana / South Dakota / Illinois / Wisconsin / Manitoba / Saskatchewan Residents | $12,553 | $5,762 | $5,164 | $1,721 | $25,200 |
| Other U.S. State Residents (including MSEP and WUE states) | $15,690 | $5,762 | $5,164 | $1,721 | $28,337 |
| International (F & J visas) | $18,305 | $5,762 | $5,164 | $1,721 | $30,952 |
| Estimated 2026-27 Cost Per Credit (1-12 credits) | Base Tuition | Student Fees | Total Tuition + Student Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Residents | $430.47 | $71.70 | $502.17 per credit |
| Minnesota Residents | $482.12 | $71.70 | $553.82 per credit |
| Montana / South Dakota / Illinois / Wisconsin / Manitoba / Saskatchewan Residents | $516.60 | $71.70 | $588.30 per credit |
| Other U.S. State Residents (including MSEP and WUE states) | $645.70 | $71.70 | $717.40 per credit |
| International (F & J visas) | $753.32 | $71.70 | $825.02 per credit |
| Estimated 2026-27 Cost Per Credit* | Base Tuition | Student Fees | Total Tuition + Student Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students enrolled in an approved online-only program pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. | $430.47 | $71.70 | $502.17 per credit |
| * For fully online undergraduate programs, tuition is capped at 13 credits for students with North Dakota residency; the cap does not apply to students with other residency statuses. |
| Estimated 2026-27 Cost Per Credit* | Tuition | ConnectND Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $160.53 | $5.54 | $166.07 per credit |
| Minnesota / Montana / South Dakota / Illinois / Wisconsin / Manitoba / Saskatchewan | $179.79 | $5.54 | $185.33 per credit |
| Other U.S. State Residents (including MSEP and WUE states) | $192.64 | $5.54 | $198.18 per credit |
| International (F & J visas) | $192.64 | $5.54 | $198.18 per credit |
| *Approximately two weeks after enrollment, a tuition waiver will be applied to your account which will bring your tuition cost to what is listed here. |
Differential Tuition
Professional Program Differential Tuition is assessed at the time of admission into the professional phase of the program to cover the cost of additional resources and facilities.
| Differential Tuition (replaces Base Tuition) Rates | North Dakota | Minnesota | Montana/South Dakota/ Illinois/Wisconsin/ Manitoba/Saskatchewan | Other U.S. States | International (F and J visas) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture/Landscape Architecture | $13,915 | $15,584 | $16,697 | $20,872 | $24,350 |
| Business | $10,956 | $12,271 | $13,147 | $16,434 | $19,173 |
| Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology | $11,509 | $12,891 | $13,812 | $17,264 | $20,142 |
| Nursing | $12,460 | $13,956 | $14,952 | $18,691 | $21,805 |
| Pharmacy | $21,152 | $23,055 | $25,383 | $31,729 | $37,016 |
| Differential Tuition Rates (per credit, tuition+student fees) | North Dakota | Minnesota | Montana/South Dakota/ Illinois/Wisconsin/ Manitoba/Saskatchewan | Other U.S. States | International (F and J visas) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture/Landscape Architecture | $644.36 | $713.04 | $758.85 | $930.66 | $1,073.80 |
| Business | $522.58 | $576.70 | $612.75 | $748.02 | $860.74 |
| Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology | $545.34 | $602.21 | $640.12 | $782.18 | $900.62 |
| Nursing | $584.48 | $646.04 | $687.03 | $840.91 | $969.06 |
| Pharmacy | $942.19 | $1,020.50 | $1,116.31 | $1,377.47 | $1,595.05 |
More About Direct Costs
Student Fees
Student fees cover the costs of selected university programs such as Career and Advising Services and Student Health Service; admission to fine arts and athletic events; Wellness Center membership, library services and ongoing technology needs. In addition to student fees, all students will be charged a one-time $200 non-refundable new student fee to cover the cost of orientation, registration, Welcome Week and family programs.
Housing and Meal Plan
Several housing and meal plan options are available on campus. The costs presented reflect a weighted average of residence hall rates for new first-year students, including a 7-Day Unlimited Meal Plan.
Alumni Dependents
New undergraduate students who are not North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana or South Dakota residents are eligible for a tuition rate equal to the Montana/South Dakota resident rate. Children and spouses of North Dakota University System (NDUS) college and university graduates may be eligible for reduced tuition at NDSU.
Minnesota Residents
Minnesota students may qualify for a reduced tuition rate that is comparable to the North Dakota tuition rate. In order to qualify for reciprocity at NDSU, you must complete the online Tuition Reciprocity Application through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Indirect Costs (Parking Permit, Books & Supplies, Personal Expenses, Residence Hall Dues)
$185
Parking Permit
$876
Books & Supplies
$3,476
Personal Expenses
$75
Residence Hall Dues
Other Tuition Rates
International Students
International undergraduate students should review specific expenses related to studying at NDSU on an 'F' or 'J' visa.
Graduate Students
Cost and aid information for graduate programs can be found on the Graduate School website.