North Dakota is committed to providing students around the state as well as out-of-state students the flexibility and convenience of distance education. The state-sponsored RUReady and Center for Distance Learning initiatives provide relevant resources on academic opportunities from K-12 through college and career development training. North Dakota distance education opportunities provide a developing growth of various programs that enable students to keep rewarding careers in a wide range of fields, including education, engineering, business administration, healthcare, psychology, and many others. The state prides itself on delivering quality education regardless of where a student resides.
There are numerous benefits to studying online, mainly the flexibility and convenience in the learning format. Distance learners can explore and pursue degrees and certificate programs that improve their career opportunities while maintaining and managing their personal and professional commitments. Aside from the flexibility and convenience, online schools in North Dakota provide several economic advantages as well.
North Dakota’s need-based and merit-based grants have increased by 38.6% between 2008 and 2014, the highest growth of any state in the U.S. according to the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs. The state wants to develop the quality of living of in-state residents by establishing a resilient, well-educated society.
Considered one of the least populous states, North Dakota is popularly known for its marvelous landscapes and the natural wonder of its open spaces. Moreover, North Dakota’s economy has increased significantly over the past years, making them a suitable and affordable option. Online schools in the state provide an increasingly popular academic option. Distance education in North Dakota may be specifically well-suited for non-traditional students, working professionals, returning students, or anyone pursuing to earn a degree without compromising their busy schedules.
METHODOLOGY
The staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have put together the 5 Top Online Schools in North Dakota. This list is aimed at helping prospective online students find the non-traditional college that best addresses their needs. These top-rated online schools in the state are popular for these academic features that ultimately benefit their students:
- A superior online learning platform that allows students to access their coursework in a fast and comfortable fashion,
- Highly acclaimed online faculty members that demonstrate their expertise in their fields of study.
- Rigorous coursework to educate and train the most skilled and competent future professionals,
- Full recognition from accrediting bodies and organizations that oversee the quality of education offered in online and brick-and-mortar schools.
See our Methodology Page for more information on our rankings.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota was founded just six years before North Dakota officially became a state. Considered the oldest and largest university, it is the only one that has a law and medical school program but is widely recognized for its School of Aerospace Sciences.
Program requirements and duration vary per degree program. The Bachelor of Science in Data Science offers a robust curriculum foundation of cloud computing, high-performance computing, programming, databases, and cybersecurity. The program requires 120-credit hours for completion. Students take mandatory core courses in artificial intelligence, database management systems, cloud computing, discrete mathematics, and introduction for business data analytics.
Like other online academic institutions in North Dakota, the university has a Master of Science in Nursing program, preparing nursing professionals for a faculty position in a nursing education program as well as organizing and delivering patient and staff education. Students must have 38-credit hours to complete this program. They take up core nursing courses in advanced health assessment, teaching methodologies, foundations for nurse education, and curriculum development. Also, they must complete a teaching practicum to earn this degree. They can earn this degree in three years or less, depending on their timeframe and pace of learning.
Furthermore, graduate students can explore UND’s diverse master’s and online doctorate programs in different areas of study including aerospace sciences, accounting, engineering, education, economics, computer science, psychology, and business among other fields of interest.
Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Minot State University
Minot State University is one of the most prominent universities in North Dakota, providing education to more than 2,500 students annually. The university offers 70 academic programs, including distance learning programs through their online learning platform. MSU is among the affordable colleges and universities in North Dakota that offers online student resources to distance learners, including online test proctoring, academic advising, online library, and an online job board.
MSU offers more than 50 online degree programs in the undergraduate and graduate degree levels as well as specialized programs and certifications. One of the most popular bachelor’s degree programs of MSU is the Bachelor of Science in Management, providing students the professional knowledge and expertise to plan, direct, and manage operations and staff as a manager. This 120-credit hour online program has required core courses in operations management, accounting, international business, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, and organizational behavior, among others. The university’s College of Business is recognized by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Also, MSU has 11 master’s degree programs in areas of study, such as information systems, sports management, special education, curriculum and instruction, and management. Graduate students who plan to pursue a practitioner-based learning experience to develop their skills and align to the advanced standards for teacher preparation of the Council for Exceptional Children can enroll in the Master of Science in Special Education program. This 27-credit hour online unique educational program has required core courses in research design and methodology, educational leadership, law & policy in special education, individual education assessment, and psychoeducational aspects of exceptional children, to name a few. A capstone project is required for all students seeking to complete the program.
Location: Minot, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
University of Mary
The University of Mary enrolls over 3,000 students in more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. The university was established in 1959, formerly as a women’s college. It opened its doors for male students during the 1960s. Student support services for distance learners include an online library with access to more than 40,000 academic journals, 125,000 eBooks as well as more than 2,000 videos, pictures, and other learning-related materials, tutoring services, and an online job board. The university has integrated Canvas, an online learning management system, that allows distance learners to access courses, assignments, projects, and other learning-related contents.
Program duration and requirements vary per degree program. One of the popular degree programs of UMary includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, designed to help students gain personal and professional skills to effectively and extensively engage and serve the community. Core criminal justice courses include criminal procedure, police science, social psychology, human behavior in a social environment, and abnormal psychology, among many other featured courses.
Establishing a unique reputation across North Dakota, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that provides students with a flexible and convenient degree completion option, as well as an accelerated learning format which allows students to prepare for advanced graduate education in the related fields. The program has unique concentrations, namely Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, and Theology. Students take major courses such as sport & injury, cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and cultural diversity & human relations, among others. The program also includes three liberal arts courses, such as college algebra, human biology, and applied statistics.
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University is a land-grant university established in 1890. Currently, the university has over than 15,000 students and runs comprehensive educational programs through different colleges. While the university does not entirely offer an online degree program, it has a selected few of 100% online bachelor’s degree program. The university integrates Blackboard Learn platform as their primary learning content management for distance education. NDSU offers financial support, including scholarship programs for online students and returnees.
One of the unique online degree programs of North Dakota State is the Bachelor of Science in Sociology that provides the essential skills and knowledge to advance their career in the attempt to develop a comprehensive understanding of the way society or community works. This 120-credit hour online program has core required courses in social research methods, development in social theory, introductory statistics, development of social theory, and introduction to anthropology. A senior capstone in sociology is required to complete the program.
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University is a university founded in 1918, who formerly trained teachers to assist in one of North Dakota’s rural areas. Also, the university has trained students who wished to enlist in the navy during World War II, one of over 100 academic institutions across the country providing training. The university is home to approximately 2,500 enrolled students. Dickinson State offers a variety of online learning support for its distance learners such as online tutoring in a variety of subjects, online test proctoring, online library, online job board, and 24/7 technical support. DSU integrates Blackboard to connect distance learners with coursework and instructors, enabling students the ability to gain access to online learning resources, research materials, and online discussions.
DSU offers an RN-to-BSN track for active nursing professionals with an unencumbered license and a diploma or associate degree in nursing. The bachelor’s degree equivalent requires 36 credits, allowing full-time students to earn this degree in one year, and part-time students can finish in 24 months. Nursing core courses include health assessment, clinical concepts, nursing role transition, advanced concepts across the lifespan, and community health, among other featured courses.
Dickinson State’s Bachelor of Business Administration-Human Resource Management helps prepare students to develop and foster workplace conditions through human resource management theories and concepts. The 120-credit hour online program has core required courses in human resource development, compensation management, labor relations, and staffing & work diversity, among others.
Location: Dickinson, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Tuition Fees and other related costs are the primary concern when choosing a college or university. While public academic institutions are typically cheaper than private institutions, financial aid programs might place private colleges and universities within your price range. Some distance learners choose to attend a two-year community college before advancing to a four-year academic institution. North Dakota offers a wide choice of relatively affordable degree programs. Distance education in North Dakota enables students to enroll in classes in an accelerated format, providing flexible schedules and the opportunity to earn their degrees faster.
The tuition at North Dakota’s four-year academic institution is considerably less expensive than the rest of the country. When making a final decision, consider out-of-state versus in-state tuition and costs, meals and transportation, room or lodging costs, and other expenses related to the field of studies, such as specialized equipment or textbooks.
Distance learners explore a variety of financial aid opportunities to pay for the cost of education. Grants and scholarship programs are outright gifts. Federal and bank loans carry the expectation that students will settle their accounts after their graduation. Work-study programs require students to take a campus job. The good news is that distance learners qualify for the same type of financial assistance as those with traditional students. Students who are planning to pursue an online college in North Dakota must complete the FAFSA to determine if they qualify for federal funding and other forms of assistance.
Also, students must not assume that distance education is less expensive than on on-campus learning. The costs of both formats are roughly similar. Tuition and fees depend on numerous factors, such as residency status, credits required, and program type. Students may save on gas and parking, transportation and lodging, but distance learners also budget for online learning surcharges, technology fees, as well as personal internet and WiFi access expenses.
METHODOLOGY
Because tuition and other fees are some of the biggest considerations for enrolling in an online program, we have put together the 5 Best Value Online Schools in North Dakota. On this list are the top academic institutions in the state that boast exceptional academic features at very affordable rates. These online schools also offer financial aid programs for eligible online students.
Valley City State University
Valley City State University is a land-grant university founded in 1890 and has enrolled more than 1,000 students. The university is located in the beautiful scenery that is part of the National Register of Historic Places. 65% of Valley City’s population of students, who considered themselves “Vikings,” are distance learners. VCSU integrates Blackboard, an online learning management system for distance learners. First-time distance learners must complete the VCSU online orientation before they begin their first online course.
VCSU offers a unique Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Music for prospective students who are musically-inclined. It is an innovative program specifically designed to serve students who are not able to study a degree in music in an on-campus learning environment. VCSU’s Department of Music has received accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music. The program includes instruction in music history, aural skills, applied lessons, music theory, scoring and arranging, piano, and other music-related fundamentals. Students who are on a full-time basis can earn this degree in four years or less, depending on their timeframe and pace of learning. Students take courses in basic conducting, music theory, scoring and arranging, music history and literature, and aural skills.
Tuition Fees differ per residency status. North Dakota students pay $5,884 per academic year, Minnesota residents pay $6,590 per academic year, residents from the Midwest Student Exchange Program pay $7,355 per academic year, and students from the Western Undergraduate Exchange program pay $7,355 per academic year. Aside from the tuition fee, students pay a University and Technology Fee of $1,823 per academic year. The university offers several financial aid opportunities for eligible students depending on their enrollment status and majors.
Location: Valley City, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Mayville State University
Mayville State University is a member of the North Dakota University System and has roughly 800 students in attendance. Mayville State integrates the Blackboard learning management system to deliver online courses through the web browser. Students enjoy access to academic advising, online writing assistance, disability services, online tutoring, and an online library with access to numerous academic databases, as well as online librarians available through Skype or over the phone.
Mayville State offers Bachelors of Science degrees in Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, and Education in Elementary Education. It also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood. The university offers flexibility in the manner in which the courses are offered, which includes online and via interactive video.
Mayville State and Dakota College at Bottineau has established a memorandum of understanding for students who wish to reside in the Bottineau area while obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The memorandum allows students to complete their initial set of coursework through Dakota College and then apply for admission to Mayville State University. Also, students have the opportunity to complete their requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Mayville State while remaining in the Bottineau area.
The university offers low tuition fees and expenses based on the program level and degree type. All in-state and out-of-state students pay flat-rate tuition fees. Undergraduate students pay $305.00 per credit hour, while graduate students pay $335.60 per credit hour. In addition, students pay miscellaneous and other expenses on top of the per-credit tuition expenses. Mayville State offers financial aid opportunities for students who require assistance in paying the cost of their education through scholarships, grants, loans, federal work-study programs as well as tuition benefits and discounts.
Location: Mayville, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Williston State College
Williston State College offers comprehensive and academic programs to more than 1,500 enrolled students. Williston State takes pride in its online learning programs that are tailored to meet the needs of adult professionals, offering them flexibility and convenience of online education. Students access learning materials through Blackboard. Also, the school has integrated IVN, or Interactive Video Network, allowing two-way synchronous delivery format between students and professors at different locations.
Undergraduate programs of Williston State through the IVN platform includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Education Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, and Bachelor of Arts-Early Childhood. Program requirements and duration differ per program. Bachelor’s degree programs generally require at least 120-credit hours for program completion. On the other hand, online learning has made it possible for Williston State to offer an entirely online associate degree program in Business Management, Speech-Language Pathology Paraprofessional, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science.
Tuition Fees vary per degree program and residency status. North Dakota residents pay $125 per credit hour, while International students pay $218.75 per credit hour. A Distance Fee per credit of $33.68 is mandatory for online learners. All indicated fees do not yet include miscellaneous fees and other related expenses. The school offers a wide selection of financial aid types in which students can qualify, providing them financial aid opportunities depending on their enrollment status and major.
Location: Williston, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is considered one of North Dakota’s largest colleges with more than 4,000 enrolled students. One of the online degree programs it offers is the Bachelor of Science in Music, allowing online learners to take higher-level courses in more than one specific area of study without complying with the full requirements of a single major. Students take core courses in music theory, aural skills, vocal methods, piano class, applied music, and a full complement of performance ensembles.
Bismarck State College Tuition Fees vary per program and majors. Undergraduate resident students pay $138.33 per credit hour, while distance learners pay additional $45.00 per credit hour on top of the per-credit tuition rate. The university offers several financial aid opportunities for qualified students depending on enrollment status and majors.
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript of Records
- Official Transcripts from previous University or College
- GED Test Score
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Dakota College at Bottineau
Dakota College at Bottineau provides distance learning opportunities for working professionals in different areas of study such as agriculture, business, computer technology, education & human services, health professions, horticulture, natural resources, and photography among many other majors.
The university has a variety of associate degree programs, providing prospective students to earn a degree program that will help them establish post-graduate studies. Furthermore, DCB has a memorandum of understanding with Mayville State College. The memorandum allows students to enroll in an associate degree program at DCB and then, later on, pursue a bachelor’s degree at Mayville State without leaving the Bottineau area.
Tuition Fees vary per degree program and requirements. Undergraduate resident students pay $2,441.53 per academic year for Resident and Canadian provinces, while non-residents pay $3,458.48 per academic year. All students must pay educational resources fees, application and reservation fees on top of the tuition fee. Dakota College at Bottineau offers several financial aid opportunities to all online student, including funds scholarships, grants, loans, and federal work-study programs.
Location: Bottineau, North Dakota
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records
- Official High School Transcripts
- Official ACT or SAT Test Scores
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
