10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in North Dakota 2025

Undergraduate students in North Dakota can choose from several affordable accredited universities offering low tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

Students can choose from several top online colleges in North Dakota with tuition rates under $500. These cheap online colleges offer quality learning experiences with expert instructors, flexible schedules, and plenty of student support services.

Below, we explore the cheapest online colleges in North Dakota, discussing program options, tuition rates, and financial aid opportunities. Keep reading to find an affordable higher education program that works for you.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in North Dakota

Are you searching for a cheap, flexible degree? Consider these inexpensive colleges in North Dakota.

1. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University is a four-year public school that offers on-campus and fully online degree programs. Online students receive the same quality education and support as on-campus students with free academic advising and tutoring services.

Numerous online master's and bachelor's degrees are available. Some of the undergraduate programs include:

computer science
criminal justice
business administration
English education

Undergraduate tuition is $249 per credit hour, regardless of residency. Institutional merit and need-based scholarships are available. Students may also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for government assistance.

2.Mayville State University

Mayville State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It offers on-campus programs and numerous online bachelor's and master's degrees. Some of the online bachelor's programs include:

English
mathematics
nursing
biology

Tuition rates for undergraduates are generally $271.53 per credit hour. Nursing majors pay a higher rate at $331.99.

3. Valley City State University

Valley City State University is a public, four-year school that offers several online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees in fields such as:

history
mathematics
business administration
communication studies
elementary education

Tuition is $220.62 per credit for North Dakota residents. Around 98% of full-time undergraduates received financial aid in 2022-2023.

3. Minot State University

Minot State University is a public, four-year school that offers 100% online bachelor's and master's degrees. Online classes don't have set meeting times, so students can easily fit their online education into their schedules.

Undergraduate tuition is $354.49 per credit hour, while graduate students pay $445.49. Online learners can apply for financial aid to help manage the tuition costs.

4. North Dakota State University

Students can earn a degree 100% online at North Dakota State University. Various undergraduate and graduate programs are available and offer flexibility without sacrificing academic integrity.

All online learners pay the same in-state tuition at $9,309 per academic year. Some programs may have slightly higher tuition rates; however, financial aid is available for online degree seekers.

5. Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Rasmussen University has a campus in Fargo that offers on-campus classes and fully online degree paths. Students can pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in various fields.

Over 96% of full-time students receive financial aid. The tuition rate varies by program but typically falls below $500 per credit hour. For example, the standard tuition rate for the School of Business students is $307 per credit hour.

6. University of Jamestown

The University of Jamestown is a private, nonprofit liberal arts school that offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. Flexible courses are delivered in accelerated eight-week programs.

Online undergraduates pay $330 per credit hour or $3,960 for a 12-credit semester. Nearly 100% of students receive some kind of financial aid during their undergraduate degree, such as institutional support or government aid.

7. University of Mary

The University of Mary is a private Catholic university in Bismarck that offers on-campus programs and fully online degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Undergraduates can choose between several business and nursing majors.

Tuition varies by program; however, most degree paths are affordably priced ?under $500 per credit hour. For example, a Bachelor of Science in accounting is $495.

Students can pursue several financial aid opportunities, such as employer tuition reimbursement, scholarships, loans, or grants. Working adults may also financially benefit from the credit for prior learning policy, which grants credits for work or personal experience.

8. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a highly ranked research institution in Grand Forks. Students can pursue many online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. With accelerated online courses and the opportunity to choose self-paced or semester-based classes, students have the flexibility to earn their degrees in a timeframe that works with their schedules.

While tuition varies by program, online undergraduates can expect a rate close to $384.88 per credit hour. The university awards thousands of scholarships annually, totaling close to $8.5 million. Students may also complete FAFSA for additional outside financial assistance.

9. Minot State University

Undergraduate tuition is $354.49 per credit hour, while graduate students pay $445.49. Online learners can apply for financial aid to help manage the tuition costs.

10. Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College is a public, four-year school offering several online bachelor's degrees. Students can pursue fields such as:

cybersecurity
energy management
finance
operations management

In-state tuition is $173.63 per credit hour for lower-division classes, and upper-division classes are $221.77. The school awards over $1.3 million in scholarships every year. Students may also complete FAFSA for loans or grants.

Our Selection Criteria

We carefully selected the schools on this list based on several factors. Our considerations for ranking the most affordable online colleges in North Dakota include:

Accreditation: We chose accredited schools to ensure students receive a quality educational experience.
Affordability: All schools on this list offer low tuition rates, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.
Learning Format: We only chose schools that offer fully online bachelor's degrees.

How Much Does a Cheap College in North Dakota Cost?

Students can choose from several cheap colleges in North Dakota. The schools on this list range from $220.62 to $495 per credit hour.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable in North Dakota?

Prospective students in North Dakota should conduct research to find different ways to lower the cost of an online degree.

To take advantage of cheaper tuition costs, you should first consider enrolling in a North Dakota public university as an in-state resident.

Second, look into your alternatives for financial aid, such as federal grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, search for low-cost online degree programs in the state as some colleges have reasonable tuition.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About Online Programs at the Cheapest Colleges in North Dakota

Students searching for an affordable online degree may have questions about the cheapest colleges in North Dakota. Learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in North Dakota?

Valley City State University is the cheapest online college in North Dakota. The undergraduate tuition rate is only $220.62.

Are There Any Free Online College Degrees in North Dakota?

While there are no free online college degrees in North Dakota, students may apply for scholarships and grants that can cover up to the full cost of tuition. For example, North Dakota State University awards full tuition to North Dakota or Minnesota residents based on financial need.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get into in North Dakota?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Mayville State University may be the easiest to get into, since it has an open admissions policy. Students only need to submit high school transcripts and do not need to submit test scores or letters of recommendation to enter an undergraduate program.

What Financial Aid Is Available To Online Degree Students in North Dakota?

Students in North Dakota can complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal and state loans and grants. Many schools also offer institutional aid programs, such as scholarships, discounts, and tuition reimbursement.

Explore Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

If you're ready to begin a higher education program, check out the affordable online colleges here on Learn.org. Contact each school for more in-depth information on financial aid opportunities and admissions policies.