Cost Comparisons

Live on Campus and Save Money!

Living on campus can save you thousands of dollars. Below, we break it down so you can see for yourself.

Apartment Cost Comparisons

You cannot find an apartment close to campus that offers the same amenities, security, quality, and variety for a lower all-inclusive price.

Cost comparison graph of ndsu apartments versus other apartments near campus

Now break it out and see the difference after a year (or academic year). If you want to save money, live on campus!

Cost comparison graph of ndsu apartments versus other apartments near campus

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

Don't Forget About Residence Halls

When you're considering your options, don't forget to check out our apartment-style, suite-style, and traditional halls.

  • The prices range from $475 - $615 per month, over 9 months.
  • The price INCLUDES internet, RHA Cinema (video streaming), laundry, electricity, and garbage/recycling.
  • All residence halls are furnished.
  • Meal plans are optional in apartment-style halls. In others, upper-division students have expanded meal plan options!

How Much Is Your Time Worth?

Not only is on-campus living easier on the wallet, but it's also easier on your schedule.


Location

A 15-minute drive doesn't seem like a big deal until it turns into a 25-minute wintery commute, a 10-minute search for parking, and a long-cold walk to class.

Convenient Parking and Bus Stops

Plenty of parking and bus stops right outside your door.

Internet Speeds

How fast is your internet, really? NDSU's internet is lightning fast for online classes, streaming and more.

Maintenance

Residence Life works with NDSU's Facilities Management to ensure your maintenance issues are addressed as quickly as possible.

FAQs

NDSU offers all-inclusive pricing — rent includes internet, heat, electricity, video streaming service, water, sewer, and garbage. Off-campus options may not include some or all of these utilities.

NDSU provides campus police coverage, keycard access, security cameras, and regular safety inspections — a level of security most off-campus options can’t match.

Be careful! Some off-campus listings show prices per person, not per unit. For example, a two-bedroom listed at $840/month per person actually costs $1,680/month total.

Off-campus locations often require first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, and an application fee — totaling up to $2,500.
At NDSU, the deposit is much simpler:

  • Apartments: $200 (fully refundable and applied toward your first month’s rent)
  • Residence Halls: $100 deposit

Most off-campus leases are 12 months and difficult to cancel.
At NDSU:

  • Apartments: Lease as short as 4 months
  • Residence Halls: Academic year contracts
  • Flexibility: You can cancel for school-related reasons like co-ops, internships, or study abroad programs.

NDSU Residence Life provides full-time on-site staff dedicated to your academic and personal success. Our custodians and facilities team take pride in maintaining clean, safe, and supportive spaces. We answer the phone — and we care.

Off-campus properties typically have fewer staff and less hands-on support.

Residence Life

Email: ndsu.residence.life@ndsu.edu Phone: +1 (701) 231-7557 Campus Address: Bison Court West Contact Page Manager Facebook Instagram