8 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in North Dakota

Tuition rates in North Dakota aren't crazy high, but most students can't pay out-of-pocket � that's what FAFSA is for. It allows students to apply for various student financial aid options.

FAFSA can be used for both in-person and online programs. North Dakota residents can find several online colleges that accept FAFSA in their state and around the country.

8 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in North Dakota

Students looking for affordable online colleges should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This is what determines if you qualify for federal, state, and some forms of institutional aid.

Using FAFSA can help you find affordable online colleges in North Dakota. Keep reading to discover these colleges below. All schools listed are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University is a public institution in Dickinson, ND. It offers various online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs online in fields such as:

• business administration
• education
• English
• information technology

Dickinson State offers many ways to increase the affordability of programs, including charging in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of state of residence, accepting federal aid, and awarding scholarships. To qualify for financial aid at the university, enter the federal school code 002989 into your FAFSA.

2. Mayville State University

At Mayville State University, students can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees through distance learning. Mayville State is a public university in Mayville, ND.

It offers online degree programs in areas of study like business, criminal justice, education, and nursing. While the university does charge out-of-state tuition, students in Minnesota as well as a few other neighboring states pay a lower out-of-state rate. The school's FAFSA code is 002993.

3. Minot State University

Online programs at Minot State University range from associate to master's programs. They're offered in fields such as cybersecurity, education, information systems, and nursing.

Minot State University is a public institution in Minot, ND. In addition to FAFSA, students may qualify for scholarships from the school to help pay for their online courses with the FAFSA code 002994.

4. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is one of two research institutions in the North Dakota University System. It's based in Fargo, ND, and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees online in areas of study like:

• business administration
• cybersecurity
• engineering
• human development

NDSU offers several financial aid programs, including the NDSU Tuition Award Program, which covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible North Dakota and Minnesota residents after the federal Pell Grant is applied. To find out if you qualify, use the university's code, 002997 when filing FAFSA.

5. University of Jamestown

Students at the University of Jamestown can take online education programs from the bachelor's degree through the doctoral level. It is a private, nonprofit school located in Jamestown, ND.

It offers online learning in various fields, such as business, communication, information systems, and nursing. The university's FAFSA code is 0029900.

6. University of Mary

Online and distance education at the University of Mary includes undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificate programs. These are available in areas of study like criminal justice, cybersecurity, education, and psychology.

The University of Mary is a private, Catholic school in Bismarck, ND. The nonprofit institution offers numerous scholarship programs that students can use in addition to federal aid. To find out if you qualify, use the code 00299200.

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is the other research institution in the North Dakota University System. It's located in Grand Forks and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields such as:

• business administration
• computer science
• engineering
• healthcare

Students at UND can take advantage of government financial aid and numerous scholarships from the school. The university's FAFSA code is 003005.

8. Valley City State University

At Valley City State University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. VCSU is a public university in Valley City, ND.

Graduate degrees are primarily focused on education, but undergraduate students can earn online degrees in areas of study like communication, education, English, and liberal arts. With the FAFSA code 003008, students may be eligible for financial aid to help them pay for their coursework.

Other Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in the U.S.

While several online colleges accept FAFSA in North Dakota, there are even more outside the state. Below, we've highlighted a few additional online colleges that accept FAFSA in the U.S., all of which are regionally accredited.

1. Dakota State University

Online learners who don't want to stray too far from North Dakota can earn online degrees from the associate to the doctoral level at Dakota State University. These are available in fields such as business administration, education, and information technology.

DSU is a public university in Madison, SD. Still, it offers the in-state tuition rate to students from North Dakota as well. To receive financial aid, students should use the code 003463 on their FAFSA.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution across the country in Manchester, NH. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of study like:

• criminal justice
• healthcare administration
• information systems
• liberal arts

While SNHU offers programs on campus, most of its students enroll online. It accepts aid through FAFSA with school code 002580.

Applying for FAFSA in North Dakota

By applying for FAFSA, students may be able to obtain federal aid like the Pell Grant, as well as other types of student aid. We've offered a brief overview of the process of applying for FAFSA.

Eligibility

FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal aid by determining your level of financial need. As a result, there are very few eligibility requirements to apply. They include:

• be a U.S. resident or eligible non-resident
• have (or be almost finished earning) a high school diploma or equivalent
• be planning to attend an accredited two-year or four-year institution during the next school year, including an online school or graduate school

Even if you don't think you'll qualify for much, you should still fill out the FAFSA. Many scholarship and grant programs, even independent ones, require you to have filled out the FAFSA.

Steps To Apply

The first thing you need to do to apply for FAFSA is to create an account on StudentAid.gov. Then, you'll need to gather the documents you need to fill out the FAFSA.

You’ll need financial documents for your household, such as tax returns and bank statements. If you're a dependent student, you'll need information like birth dates and Social Security numbers from your parents. If you're married, you'll need this from your spouse.

You'll also need the school codes for all schools you're applying to, even if you haven't been accepted or started the enrollment process yet. After your form is processed, these schools will receive copies of your results.

It takes most students about an hour to fill out the FAFSA. After you sign and submit the form, you can track your application status through your online account.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in North Dakota

North Dakota residents can access several state-based financial aid programs that complement FAFSA and help lower college costs. These programs support both traditional and online learners attending accredited institutions across the state.

North Dakota State Grant

The North Dakota State Grant provides need-based financial aid to residents pursuing undergraduate degrees at eligible public, private, or tribal colleges. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.

Online learners enrolled in qualifying degree programs can also use these funds to help cover tuition and required fees. The grant is renewable each year for students who maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Academic and Career and Technical Education Scholarships

North Dakota offers two merit-based scholarships for high-achieving high school graduates: the Academic Scholarship and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and meet GPA, ACT, and curriculum requirements.

Students pursuing online programs at approved institutions can apply these scholarships toward tuition and fees. These awards encourage academic excellence and career readiness among in-state students.

North Dakota Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship

The Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship helps high school students earn college credit through North Dakota’s dual-credit programs. Completing the FAFSA or demonstrating financial need through other documentation is typically required.

Students taking online dual-credit courses through eligible colleges can use this scholarship to offset tuition costs. The program allows students to get a head start on college while reducing overall expenses.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in North Dakota

FAFSA opens the door to federal and state financial aid opportunities for North Dakota students pursuing online or on-campus education. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility and available programs.

Do Online Colleges Accept FAFSA in North Dakota?

Yes, most online colleges in North Dakota accept FAFSA as long as they are regionally accredited. These institutions participate in federal student aid programs, making it easier to use grants, loans, or work-study funds toward your tuition.

If your school is nationally accredited or for-profit, check with its financial aid office to confirm FAFSA eligibility. Verifying this ensures that your aid application will be processed correctly.

Are There Any Free Online Classes I Can Take From North Dakota Colleges?

While fully free online degrees aren’t currently offered, students can still access affordable or tuition-free learning opportunities through certain initiatives. Programs like North Dakota Citizen Skills for All offer free, self-paced online courses in technology and professional skills.

You can also apply financial aid, including FAFSA, toward accredited online college courses. This makes earning credits and advancing your education more affordable.

What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have in North Dakota?

In addition to FAFSA, North Dakota students can explore state-funded aid such as the North Dakota State Grant or CTE Scholarship. These programs provide both need-based and merit-based assistance to qualified residents.

Private scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and low-interest loans are also available. Combining multiple sources of aid helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses for your online degree.

Find an Affordable Online College in North Dakota

North Dakota offers several financial aid programs designed to make higher education more accessible. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare programs, discover scholarship opportunities, and find the right fit for your goals.