Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2025

Having a college degree can make a huge impact on your career options, but not everyone has the time or ability to learn on campus. In that case, online college programs can be a big help, and students can find top online colleges throughout the country.

Several colleges offer online degrees in North Dakota. In fact, over 6,000 students earned bachelor's degrees in North Dakota in the 2021-22 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The best online degree programs provide a high-quality education while allowing students to learn on their own time at whatever location works best for them. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in North Dakota.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in North Dakota

There are several North Dakota online colleges scattered throughout the state. We've highlighted the top picks below.

1. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a research institution in Grand Forks, ND. It offers bachelor's master's, and doctoral degrees online in fields like business, criminal justice, elementary education, and engineering.

UND serves the largest number of fully online college students in the region. Students can enroll in courses at any time and take classes at their own pace.

Tuition for online degrees varies by program, but all online students pay in-state tuition rates regardless of what state they live in. Multiple financial aid opportunities are available, and 93% of students receive some type of aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,951

Out-of-State: $15,570

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,963

Out-of-State: $17,944

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 77%

Retention Rate: 83%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Mary

At the University of Mary, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, criminal justice, education, and healthcare.

All first-time undergraduate students receive financial aid, especially institutional scholarships and grants. Tuition rates vary by program, but most online bachelor's degrees have a rate of $495 per credit hour.

The Catholic school, located in Bismarck, ND, has been offering flexible programs for adult learners for decades. The online and distance education programs at the University of Mary are designed to help students achieve their professional goals.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $21,468

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $10,620

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 83%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

3. North Dakota State University

Online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available through North Dakota State University in fields like business administration, education, engineering, and human development. NDSU is a research institution in Fargo, ND.

Online programs are taught by the same faculty that teach the on-campus academic programs. These faculty members work to support each of their students individually so that students can reach their educational and career goals.

All students receiving an online education pay the in-state tuition rate. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, and 93% of students are awarded some type of aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,857

Out-of-State: $15,511

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,585

Out-of-State: $11,377

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

4. Minot State University

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Minot State University. Areas of study include business, human services, healthcare, and special education.

Roughly 94% of students receive financial aid at Minot State. Online undergraduate students pay $354.49 per credit hour, whether they're in-state or out-of-state students.

Minot State, located in Minot, ND, gives students the freedom to pursue their passions to earn the degree for their dream career. While most are offered in an asynchronous format, a few are run in a live online format.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,634

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,352

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

5. Mayville State University

Mayville State University is a member of the North Dakota University System based in Mayville, ND. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in fields like business administration, early childhood education, English, and mathematics.

The extended learning programs offer students a flexible way to continue their education, no matter where they live. Students can choose to take their courses on a full-time or part-time schedule.

Tuition for most online associate and bachelor's programs is $271.53 per credit for all students. Most students, 96%, receive financial aid of some sort.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $7,935

Out-of-State: $9,564

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,226

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

6. Valley City State University

Students at Valley City State University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, communication, education, and social sciences.

All first-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid, especially scholarships and grants. North Dakota residents pay $220.62 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $386.10 per credit. Reduced out-of-state tuition is available for Minnesota students, as well as those in the Midwest Student Exchange Program and Western Undergraduate Exchange.

VCSU, a public school, is located in Valley City, ND. Its online courses provide the same level of academic rigor for distance learning courses as and courses delivered in a traditional classroom setting.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,514

Out-of-State: $13,478

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $6,605

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 69%

Retention Rate: 66%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

7. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University offers distance learning programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels in fields like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and elementary education. The institution is based in Dickinson, ND.

The university's mission is to provide high-quality and accessible programs to all students. Some online learning programs are asynchronous, while others include synchronous live classes.

All students, no matter where they live, receive the in-state tuition rate, which is $249 per credit for undergraduate degrees. Financial aid is available as well, with 94% of students awarded aid each year.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,118

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $6,060

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Retention Rate: 60%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

While there are several great schools in North Dakota with online programs, there are many others across the country. Below, we've featured some additional best colleges online.

Arizona State University

Hundreds of undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Arizona State University. Areas of study include healthcare, information technology, natural sciences, and social sciences.

ASU, a public research university, is located in Tempe, AZ. It's accredited by the HLC and charges $580 per credit for undergraduate online programs.

Minnesota State University-Moorhead

If you want to learn online but still want to stay close to home, check out Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Located just across the border from Fargo, the public school offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, elementary education, healthcare, and technology.

The university is also accredited by the HLC. Tuition for online bachelor's degrees is $294.59 per credit hour for students in all states.

Southern New Hampshire University

Through Southern New Hampshire University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Over 200 online programs are available in areas of study such as criminal justice, information technology, liberal arts, and psychology.

SNHU, based in Manchester, NH, is a private school known for its distance learning programs. It's accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) and charges $330 per credit hour.

How We Rank Schools

To create the list above, our methodology started by using the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources. We looked for programs that met the following criteria:

• Location: All schools in our initial list are located in North Dakota.
• Accreditation: We chose only colleges and universities with regional accreditation.
• Type: We focused specifically on four-year public and private nonprofit schools.
• Online offerings: We zeroed in on the schools that offer a variety of online programs, especially online bachelor's degrees.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in North Dakota

There are benefits and downsides to attending accredited colleges online. We've highlighted some common pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Scheduling flexibility: Most online programs allow students to complete their coursework at the time that works best for them, with no set meeting times.
• Location freedom: Learning online allows you to study wherever is best for you, like home, the library, a cafe, or even during your lunch break at work.
• Greater variety of program options: By choosing an online degree, you have access to a greater variety of programs than just what your local college offers.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Harder to stay on-task: Some students have a harder time staying focused when they're learning at home versus on campus.
• More difficult to connect: It can be harder to forge a connection with teachers and other students when everything is virtual.
• Tech dependency: If your power or Wi-Fi goes out or if something happens to your computer, it becomes much more difficult to complete your coursework.

How To Choose the Best Online College in North Dakota

It can be hard to determine which online colleges in North Dakota are the best options for you. There are a few things you should consider:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose needs to be accredited; look for regional accreditation since nationally accredited online colleges are not held to as high a standard.
• Major: Some majors will only be offered online at certain schools.
• Admissions requirements: Most schools require at least a high school diploma, but some have additional requirements, like a minimum GPA or ACT/SAT score.
• Pace of schedule: In addition to a traditional full-time schedule, you may find programs offered part-time or at an accelerated pace.
• Cost: Tuition rates can vary significantly between schools.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs to help students pay for their online degrees.

How Much Does an Online Degree in North Dakota Cost?

Many of the public universities in North Dakota offer a tuition rate below $300 per credit for online students, while private schools have a higher rate. However, your total tuition cost will depend on many factors, including the financial aid you qualify for.

Tips on How To Make Online College in North Dakota More Affordable

One of the best ways to make sure your online college program is affordable is to choose a low-cost school. There are several affordable online colleges in North Dakota.

Another key way to ensure affordability is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This assesses your eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs, as well as many institutional financial aid programs.

Below, we've listed some additional resources for finding affordable college programs:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

North Dakota Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are types of financial aid that you don't need to repay. We've featured a few excellent scholarship and grant programs for North Dakota students below.

North Dakota State Grant

The North Dakota State Grant is a need-based grant for North Dakota residents who are first-time undergraduate students. Students must be pursuing an eligible program at a North Dakota college or university. There is no specific application for this program; students just need to complete their FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to $1,375 per semester

Deadline: N/A

NDSU Tuition Award Program

Through the NDSU Tuition Award Program, NDSU will fully cover base tuition and mandatory student fees for eligible North Dakota and Minnesota students through spring 2027. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA, and there is no separate application for this program either.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition

Deadline: Fill out the FAFSA by September 22, 2025, for the fall 2025 semester.

Blue Hawk Promise

Dickinson State University offers the Blue Hawk Promise Scholarship to eligible full-time undergraduate students from North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, or South Dakota. Students must complete the FAFSA and fill out a separate scholarship application.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition

Deadline: N/A, but students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible since funds are limited.

Top Majors for North Dakota Graduates

According to the NCES, the most common fields of study for students in North Dakota are:

• Business: By majoring in business, students will be prepared for careers in areas like finance, human resources, marketing, and sales.
• Healthcare: Popular healthcare degrees at the bachelor's level include nursing, healthcare administration, and health sciences.
• Engineering: Most schools offer majors in specific areas of engineering, like chemical engineering or mechanical engineering, so students can choose the major that most closely aligns with the type of engineer they want to be.
• Education: Degrees in education can lead to careers in teaching or educational administration.
• Humanities: Humanities is a broad field encompassing the arts, culture, and language. A degree in this field prepares students for nearly endless career options.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in North Dakota

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online colleges in North Dakota.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in North Dakota?

Most bachelor's degrees take an average of four years to complete, while online master's degrees can range from one to three years. Some schools in North Dakota offer accelerated online programs that allow students to finish their program faster.

Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?

Many online colleges are worth it, as having a degree can make a huge impact on your career path. Most of the public schools in North Dakota offer quality online degrees at a reasonable price.

What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in North Dakota?

Of the schools listed above, the easiest to get into is Mayville State University, which has an open admissions policy. This means that all students who meet the minimum admission requirements are accepted.

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

In addition to federal financial aid and private aid programs, the North Dakota State Grant helps students pay for their education at a North Dakota college or university. Additionally, a few of the schools, including NDSU and Dickinson State, offer last-dollar scholarship programs to eligible students.

Discover Online Degrees and Enrollment Options in North Dakota

Start your journey toward a degree today by checking out the accredited online degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.