7 Best Colleges and Universities Near Fargo, ND

Fargo is a city on the western edge of North Dakota. It sits along the Red River, which carves out the border between North Dakota and Minnesota.

On the opposite side of the river is the city of Moorhead, Minnesota. Together, these cities make up the core of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area with about 250,000 residents.

As a result, Fargo is near some great universities and colleges in both North Dakota and Minnesota. Keep reading to learn more about the best colleges near Fargo, North Dakota.

Featured Colleges in Fargo, North Dakota

There are several colleges within the Fargo-Moorhead area. We've listed some of the best colleges near Fargo, North Dakota below in alphabetical order.

1. Concordia College at Moorhead

Concordia College at Moorhead is a private Lutheran college just across the Red River from Fargo. It offers bachelor's and master's programs.

Degrees are offered through the three schools within the college:

• School of Arts and Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Health Professions

Concordia College was founded by a group of Norwegian pastors in 1891. Today, it enrolls nearly 2,000 students.

2. Mayville State University

Mayville State University is a public university in Mayville, North Dakota, about an hour north of Fargo. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs on campus and online.

Students can study fields such as:

• business
• education
• health professions
• liberal arts

The university was established in 1889 and currently enrolls just over 1,100 students, primarily in undergraduate programs.

3. Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a public community and technical college with multiple campuses in Minnesota, including one in Moorhead.

Associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas are available in areas of study like:

• business
• construction
• health sciences
• liberal arts

M State was created in 2003 by merging two existing colleges. Today, it enrolls over 5,200 students across its four campuses and online programs.

4. Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Minnesota State University - Moorhead is a public university in Moorhead. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Students can study fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences
• visual and performing arts

The university is part of the Minnesota State University system and was established in 1887. It currently enrolls just under 4,700 students.

5. North Dakota State College of Sciences

The North Dakota State College of Science is a public college based in Wahpeton, North Dakota, a little less than an hour north of Fargo. It also has a campus in Fargo.

Associate degrees and certificates are available in areas of study like:

• engineering
• health sciences
• liberal arts
• mechanics and auto repair technologies

North Dakota State College of Sciences was founded in 1903. Today, it enrolls nearly 3,000 students through the two campuses as well as online programs.

6. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is a public research university in Fargo. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Students can study fields such as:

• agriculture, animal, and plant sciences
• business
• engineering
• health sciences

The university was established in 1890 and is the main campus of the North Dakota University system. It currently enrolls over 12,200 students.

7. Valley City State University

Valley City State University is a public university in Valley City, North Dakota, about an hour west of Fargo. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in person and online.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• music
• wildlife science

VCSU was founded in 1890. Today, it sits on a historic campus and enrolls nearly 1,700 students.

Other Colleges Near Fargo, North Dakota

While there are a handful of colleges within an hour of Fargo, there are a few more great schools just outside of that range. We've listed a few additional schools below.

Northland Community and Technical College

Northland Community & Technical College is a public community college with two campuses, one in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, about an hour and 20 minutes north of Fargo.

Students can earn associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in fields such as:

• agriculture and farm management
• business
• health sciences
• liberal arts

The college was established in 1949 and currently enrolls about 2,500 students.

University of Minnesota, Crookston

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a public college in Crookston, Minnesota, roughly an hour and 20 minutes north of Fargo. It offers bachelor's programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available through four departments within the college:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Business
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
• Math, Science, and Technology

UMN Crookston is part of the University of Minnesota system and was founded in 1966. Today, it enrolls around 2,300 students.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public research university in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a little over an hour north of Fargo. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in person and online.

Students can study fields such as:

• aeronautics and aviation
• business
• education
• health sciences

The university was established in 1883 and contains the only law and medical schools in the state. It currently enrolls nearly 14,000 students.

What Is the Biggest School Near Fargo, North Dakota?

The largest of the colleges near Fargo, North Dakota is North Dakota State University, with 12,200 students.

If we go over an hour outside of Fargo, the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks enrolls 14,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Fargo, North Dakota

There are several things to consider when choosing a college.

These include:

• your intended major
• location
• class format
• on-campus activities
• tuition and fees
• financial aid

Paying for Your Degree Near Fargo, North Dakota

Degrees are expensive, and most students use financial aid to help pay for their degrees. To find out what you qualify for, fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid may include grants, scholarships, student loans, work-study programs, or a mix of the above.

Start Your Degree Near Fargo, North Dakota Today

Students can choose from several great colleges near Fargo, North Dakota. Check out the featured programs above to find your perfect fit today.