Exploring the Best Online Colleges in North Dakota

If you’re a North Dakota resident, you don’t need to look out of state to find a quality online degree. North Dakota has more than 20 public and private colleges offering hundreds of online degree and certificate program options. The University of North Dakota, for example, has over 120 degrees and certificates covering more than 225 fields of study, all of which you can earn fully or partially online.

The following guide breaks down online colleges in North Dakota and the types of distance learning programs they offer. You’ll find a complete ranking of the top online schools in the state, information on cost, what accreditation means, and resources to help you start your online program journey. Keep reading to find the North Dakota online college that’s best for you.

Top Online Colleges in North Dakota for 2023

Finding the right online program in North Dakota begins with finding the right school. The data team at onlinecolleges.me has analyzed more than 7,700 institutions across the U.S. to identify North Dakota’s best for online learning. Rankings are based on academic quality, variety of online degrees offered, accreditation, affordability, student-to-teacher ratio, and the availability of student academic and career support services. In short, we’ve ranked the North Dakota online colleges that do the best job of helping their students reach their academic and professional goals. Here’s who stands out in 2023.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
or
Select a StateNorth Dakota
About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
• 1

  University of Mary

  Bismarck, North Dakota

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  At the University of Mary, you’ll strengthen the skills needed for professional success and train to become a servant leader for life, all within one online degree program. For over 60 years, UMary has provided flexible degree options for working adult learners, and now their online degree programs continue the tradition. Online students can earn bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees in a way that fits their busy scheduling needs. If students prefer, they may combine in-person and online learning in whichever unique way accommodates their schedule and learning styles. With programs available in business, education, health sciences, and more, students can complete a degree in as few as 16 months.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling

  • Credits: 124
  • Length: 2.5-4 years
  • Cost: $460/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Philosophy Dual Degree

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 16 months-2 years
  • Cost: $570/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Doctor of Business Administration

  • Credits: 54
  • Length: 3 years
  • Cost: $730/credit
  • Mode: Online with on-campus institutes
  • Accreditation: IACBE

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 2

  University of North Dakota

  Grand Forks, North Dakota

  Public $$

  The University of North Dakota (UND) began offering distance education as early as 1911 via a correspondence-by-mail program. Now, distance education takes place entirely online, but UND’s bachelor’s and master’s programs are still designed to meet the needs of busy working professionals and adult learners. To accommodate a student’s scheduling requirements, UND offers two types of online courses. The first is a self-paced, enroll-anytime format, which takes three to nine months to complete on the student’s timeline. The second is a semester-based course that follows the regular UND calendar. No matter which option students choose, both courses appear exactly the same on their transcripts.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Aviation Studies

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $384.88/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Bachelor of Science in Earth Science

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4-5 years
  • Cost: $384.88/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Master’s in Business Administration Online

  • Credits: 34
  • Length:1-5 years
  • Cost: $582.16/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: AACSB

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 3

  Valley City State University

  Valley City, North Dakota

  Public $$

  As a Valley City State University (VCSU) student, you can choose from graduate, undergraduate, and minor programs that fit your individual academic and professional goals. Whether you’re working toward your bachelor’s degree or you want to earn an advanced degree to further your career, VSCU has a program designed with students like you in mind. Each of these programs is planned specifically to meet the needs of nontraditional students, affording online learners the flexibility to fit their education into their lifestyle. While most courses are offered exclusively asynchronously, some classes allow you to join synchronous lectures online to converse with professors and classmates in real time.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Arts in History

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $594.50-$925.46/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Master of Science in Business Information Systems

  • Credits: 35
  • Length: 1.5 years
  • Cost: $887.10/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Master of Education Program – Concentration in English Education

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 1.5 years
  • Cost: $887.10/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: CAEP

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 4

  United Tribes Technical College

  Bismarck, North Dakota

  Private not-for-profit $

  Whether you pursue part-time or full-time study online, United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) has a student-centered experience tailored to fit your needs. For students seeking a bachelor’s degree, the bachelor of science in business administration or the bachelor of science in criminal justice could be just the ticket. As long as you have a reliable computer and internet connection, you can study for your degree on your own timeline. Courses are presented in an asynchronous format, meaning students aren’t required to attend classes at any particular time. Instead, you’ll be guided through coursework with weekly deadlines. As needed, you can access additional course resources, collaborative forums, assignments, and assessments on the UTTC website’s learning management system.

  Program Highlights:

  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

  • Credits: 121
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $115-$200/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 121
  • Length:4 years
  • Cost: $115-$200/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  8/1

• 5

  Minot State University

  Minot, North Dakota

  Public $$
  An online degree from Minot State University provides unique educational opportunities to fulfill your degree and career goals. Whether you’re interested in an undergraduate or graduate degree, Minot State has courses that can be completed entirely online. To meet the needs of today’s busy learners, Minot State is committed to providing courses that can be completed at a time and in a manner that’s convenient for students to manage. Even though you won’t attend on-campus classes at Minot State, you’ll still have many experiences students encounter when attending traditional on-campus classes. For example, you’ll meet with qualified instructors, network and collaborate with classmates, and receive assignments to complete for evaluation. The only point of differentiation is that online learning affords students unmatched flexibility as they pursue their academic goals.

  Program Highlights:

  Master of Science in International Business

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $354.49/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: IACBE

  Master of Science in Disability Human Services

  • Credits: 31-34
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $445.49/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Master of Education, English Concentration

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $445.49/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 6

  Mayville State University

  Mayville, North Dakota

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 7

  Dickinson State University

  Dickinson, North Dakota

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  40

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 8

  Bismarck State College

  Bismarck, North Dakota

  Public $

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 9

  University of Jamestown

  Jamestown, North Dakota

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 10

  Rasmussen University-North Dakota

  Fargo, North Dakota

  Private for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
or
Select a StateNorth Dakota
About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
• 1

  North Dakota State College of Science

  Wahpeton, North Dakota

  Public $

  North Dakota State College of Science offers a range of degrees, certificates, and diplomas for online students. Students can gain real-world skills to prepare them to embark on a high-paying and rewarding career. The departments include business management, health information, information and communications technology, liberal arts, pharmacy technician, and technical studies. The liberal arts program is great for students who want to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree at an in-network university because it is setup to provide students with simple and seamless transfer options. The delivery of all of the programs in each of these different departments vary, with some being offered fully online, hybrid, and fully on-campus. Online students will have the option of connecting with online program advisors, who can assist with developing an educational plan, setting academic goals, and clarifying career options.

  Program Highlights:

  Associate of Applied Science – Buinsess Management

  • Credits: 68
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $156.11/credit
  • Mode: Varies
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

  Online Programs

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

Inside Online Learning Formats

Finding the program that best matches when, where, and how you learn is critical to your academic success. So, before enrolling in an online college in North Dakota, familiarize yourself with the various modes, methods, and formats used by schools to deliver program content. To get you started, below are the most common online course delivery modes used by online colleges in North Dakota, along with real program examples.

100% Online vs. Hybrid or Blended

Online degree programs are presented in either fully online or partially online (hybrid or blended) formats. In most cases, fully online programs are those that deliver 100% of their content via distance learning. We say “in most cases” because some programs that describe themselves as fully online actually mean that all academic coursework is delivered online but that other components (such as labs, exams, or short-term residencies) require on-campus attendance. Additionally, online programs leading to state licensure or certification, like nursing and teaching programs, include in-person practice hours.

Hybrid and blended programs mix online and on-campus components. Although sometimes used interchangeably, the terms “hybrid” and “blended” refer to slightly different formats. Hybrid programs are those whose online components almost completely or partly replace in-person ones, while blended programs supplement in-person classes with online components (assignments, readings, etc.). Take a look at these examples at online colleges in North Dakota to see which feels like the best fit for you.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous: What’s the Difference?

Online course content is delivered either asynchronously or synchronously. Asynchronous delivery refers to content that can be accessed and completed at any time. This makes online programs with asynchronous delivery very popular, particularly with working professionals who can’t take the time during the day to attend online classes on specific days and times. Conversely, synchronous content requires attendance at specifically scheduled times. In most cases, this means livestreamed class sessions delivered via Zoom or a similar video-conferencing app. The advantage of synchronous content is that it offers the opportunity to interact with instructors and fellow students in real-time. 

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Which Is for You?

The best online colleges in North Dakota offer both full-time and part-time programs much like their on-campus programs. Some programs, in fact, offer both full-time and part-time options for the same program. Part-time formats are especially popular since they provide working students the ability to continue full-time employment while they pursue their college studies. Full-time formats, on the other hand, offer the benefit of shorter program lengths, thus allowing students to earn their degrees and move on—and move up—in their careers more quickly.

Accreditation for Online Colleges in North Dakota

Postsecondary accreditation is the process used for vetting colleges and universities, as well as the programs they offer, to ensure that they meet acceptable levels of academic quality. Proper accreditation is of utmost importance because it’s your way of knowing that any degree program you’re interested in will be worth your time and money. 

There are two fundamental forms of postsecondary accreditation to look for. The first is programmatic accreditation, which concerns the quality of individual degree programs. Programmatic accreditation is administered by several dozen accrediting organizations, each of which focuses on degree programs in a particular discipline. You’ll find that not all academic fields are covered by programmatic accreditors. However, programmatic accreditation is essential for degree programs whose students go on to careers that require state licensure or certification (like nursing, teaching, and engineering) and in fields that are otherwise highly regulated.

The second form of accreditation, institutional accreditation, involves the overall academic quality of colleges and universities themselves. Institutional accreditation of postsecondary schools in the U.S. is handled by a group of independent regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The regional accreditor of colleges and universities in North Dakota is the Higher Learning Commission.

Be sure to visit our Guide to Accreditation to learn more about the importance of postsecondary accreditation and accredited online colleges in North Dakota and around the country. 

Cost of Your Online College Degree in ND

Cost is a key factor for any college student, no matter where they go to school, what they major in, or how they study. That’s just as true for students at online colleges in North Dakota. To give you an idea of what you might pay for your North Dakota college education, here are the most recent (2020-2021) figures from the National Center for Education Statistics showing the average annual cost of tuition and fees for students in four-year degree programs in North Dakota:

• Public (in-state residents): $9,065
• Public (out-of-state residents): $13,501
• Private: $16,408

These are, of course, only averages. What you actually pay for your program depends on several factors, such as:

• Whether you attend a public or private school. Private colleges often, though not always, charge higher tuition rates than public colleges.
• Your state residency status. Public schools often charge higher rates to out-of-state residents.
• Your degree level (undergraduate or graduate).
• The total credits your program requires. 

In the chart below, you’ll find current undergraduate tuition rates for five North Dakota colleges that offer both online and on-campus degree programs. Bear in mind that these are tuition rates only and don’t include additional costs such as school and program fees, books, supplies, etc. Remember, though, that as an online student you’ll be saving money by not needing to travel to and from campus.

Financial Aid for North Dakota College Students

Just as crucial as finding the right degree program is finding the cash to pay for it. If you’re considering a degree from one of North Dakota’s online colleges, all of the most common financial aid sources open to traditional on-campus students are available to you as well. Topping the list is the ever-popular student loan. Student loans are available from a number of public and private lenders, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program. Other common sources include scholarships and grants, loan repayment programs, employer tuition reimbursement programs, assistantships and fellowships (grad students), and the Veterans Administration (active military and vets).

A great place to start your college funding search is with the state of North Dakota. Here are a few state sites you’ll definitely want to check out:

• Bank of North Dakota: Scholarships & Grants
• Bank of North Dakota: Student Loans
• North Dakota Department of Public Instruction: Academic, Career & Technical Education, and North Dakota Scholarships

Other valuable online resources are the financial aid sites of North Dakota colleges and universities themselves. Here are a few examples:

• North Dakota State University: Scholarships, Cost, and Financial Aid
• University of Jamestown: Financial Aid & Scholarships
• University of Mary: Scholarships
• University of North Dakota: Financial Aid

And for more valuable information and advice on funding for your North Dakota online degree, visit OnlineColleges.me’s financial aid and scholarships guides. 

Hot Careers for North Dakota College Grads

If you’re undecided on a career, you’re far from alone. The time and effort you put into exploring career options before committing to an online college program in North Dakota is time well spent. To help in your career search, here are recent job growth and salary figures from the U.S. Department of Labor for ten of the fastest-growing occupations in North Dakota. See if any appeal to you. 

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Essential Resources for Online Students in North Dakota