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Most Popular Schools in North Dakota

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2023 Most Popular Schools in North Dakota

26 Schools Ranked
$46,306 Average Earnings
$23,327 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Schools in North Dakota ranking. This report analyzed 26 schools in North Dakota to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

3,338 Total Awards
$48,201 Average Earnings
$23,435 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found North Dakota State University - Main Campus to be the most popular school for students in North Dakota. Located in Fargo, North Dakota, the fairly large public school awarded 3,338 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from North Dakota State University accumulate an average of $23,435 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, North Dakota State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,201 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

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#2

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota
3,325 Total Awards
$51,496 Average Earnings
$25,771 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Dakota. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in North Dakota list. UND is a public institution located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,325 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,771 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $591, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UND, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,496 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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#3

University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota
1,127 Total Awards
$55,808 Average Earnings
$28,314 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 26 schools in North Dakota that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Mary landed the # 3 spot on the list. UMary is located in Bismarck, North Dakota and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,127 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $28,314 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, UMary graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,808 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Mary

#4

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, North Dakota
1,094 Total Awards
$55,404 Average Earnings
$16,840 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Bismarck State College is a great place for students. Bismarck State College is a small public school located in Bismarck, North Dakota that handed out 1,094 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,840 in student loans. During the early years of their career, BSC graduates make an average of $55,404 annually. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bismarck State College Report

#5

Minot State University

Minot, North Dakota
699 Total Awards
$43,575 Average Earnings
$23,762 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Minot State University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in North Dakota. MSU is a small public school situated in Minot, North Dakota. It awarded 699 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,762 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, MSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,575 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Minot State University

#6

North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, North Dakota
517 Total Awards
$41,257 Average Earnings
$16,451 Avg Student Debt

North Dakota State College of Science came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in North Dakota ranking. Wahpeton, North Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 517 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,451 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, North Dakota State College of Science graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,257 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Full North Dakota State College of Science Report

#7

Valley City State University

Valley City, North Dakota
454 Total Awards
$39,881 Average Earnings
$22,578 Avg Student Debt

Valley City State University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This small public school is located in Valley City, North Dakota, and it awarded 454 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,578 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Valley City State University graduates make an average of $39,881 annually. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

Lake Region State College

Devils Lake, North Dakota
420 Total Awards
$42,054 Average Earnings
$16,764 Avg Student Debt

Lake Region State College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in North Dakota list. Located in Devils Lake, North Dakota, the small public school awarded 420 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,764 in student loans.After graduating from Lake Region State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,054 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Lake Region State College

#9

Dickinson State University

Dickinson, North Dakota
373 Total Awards
$43,771 Average Earnings
$25,653 Avg Student Debt

Dickinson State University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in North Dakota ranking. This small public school is located in Dickinson, North Dakota, and it awarded 373 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from DSU accumulate an average of $25,653 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, DSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,771 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read full report on Dickinson State University

#10

Rasmussen University - North Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota
338 Total Awards
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Rasmussen University - North Dakota did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Rasmussen University - North Dakota is a very small private for-profit school situated in Fargo, North Dakota. It awarded 338 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Rasmussen University - North Dakota accumulate an average of $30,604 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $127 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rasmussen University - North Dakota, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,940 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

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#11

Williston State College

Williston, North Dakota
327 Total Awards
$25,122 Average Earnings
$16,894 Avg Student Debt

Williston State College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Williston State College is a very small public school situated in Williston, North Dakota. It awarded 327 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,894 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Williston State College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,122 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on Williston State College

#12

Mayville State University

Mayville, North Dakota
265 Total Awards
$39,678 Average Earnings
$28,896 Avg Student Debt

Mayville State University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Mayville, North Dakota, the small public school awarded 265 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,896 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Mayville State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,678 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Read full report on Mayville State University

#13

University of Jamestown

Jamestown, North Dakota
237 Total Awards
$49,749 Average Earnings
$25,886 Avg Student Debt

University of Jamestown landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. UJ is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Jamestown, North Dakota. It awarded 237 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UJ accumulate an average of $25,886 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, UJ graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,749 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

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#14

Dakota College at Bottineau

Bottineau, North Dakota
194 Total Awards
$45,945 Average Earnings
$15,492 Avg Student Debt

Dakota College at Bottineau landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This small public school is located in Bottineau, North Dakota, and it awarded 194 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,492 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, MSU-Bottineau graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,945 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Read full report on Dakota College at Bottineau

#15

Turtle Mountain Community College

Belcourt, North Dakota
139 Total Awards

Turtle Mountain Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. TMCC is located in Belcourt, North Dakota and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 139 degrees to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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116 Total Awards
$25,174 Average Earnings
$13,661 Avg Student Debt

The Salon Professional Academy - Fargo came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in North Dakota ranking. The Salon Professional Academy - Fargo is a very small private for-profit school located in Fargo, North Dakota that handed out 116 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from TSPA - Fargo accumulate an average of $13,661 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from TSPA - Fargo, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,174 during the early years of their career. Around 98% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The Salon Professional Academy - Fargo

#17

United Tribes Technical College

Bismarck, North Dakota
88 Total Awards
$12,815 Avg Student Debt

United Tribes Technical College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in North Dakota list. United Tribes Technical College is located in Bismarck, North Dakota and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 88 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,815 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#18

Trinity Bible College and Graduate School

Ellendale, North Dakota
77 Total Awards
$22,292 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Trinity Bible College and Graduate School did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Trinity is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Ellendale, North Dakota. It awarded 77 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,292 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Trinity Bible College and Graduate School

#19

Sitting Bull College

Fort Yates, North Dakota
54 Total Awards

Sitting Bull College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Fort Yates, North Dakota, the very small public school awarded 54 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Sitting Bull College Report

#20

Lynnes Welding Training

Fargo, North Dakota
50 Total Awards
$35,406 Average Earnings
$6,302 Avg Student Debt

Lynnes Welding Training landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Lynnes Welding Training is a very small private for-profit school situated in Fargo, North Dakota. It awarded 50 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $6,302 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Lynnes Welding Training, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,406 during the early years of their career. Around 12% of those degree recipients were women.

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46 Total Awards
$22,042 Average Earnings
$14,255 Avg Student Debt

Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body-Fargo ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in North Dakota list. Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body is a very small private for-profit school situated in Fargo, North Dakota. It awarded 46 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,255 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,042 during the early year of their career. Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body-Fargo Report

#22

The Hair Academy

Bismarck, North Dakota
33 Total Awards
$25,367 Average Earnings
$16,322 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, The Hair Academy did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. The Hair Academy is a very small private for-profit school situated in Bismarck, North Dakota. It awarded 33 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,322 in student loans.After graduating from The Hair Academy, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $25,367 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

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33 Total Awards
$22,042 Average Earnings
$14,255 Avg Student Debt

Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body, Grand Forks did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body is a private for-profit institution located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 33 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body accumulate an average of $14,255 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body graduates make an average of $22,042 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Full Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body, Grand Forks Report

#24

Lynnes Welding Training - Bismarck

Bismarck, North Dakota
31 Total Awards
$35,406 Average Earnings
$6,302 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Lynnes Welding Training - Bismarck did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Lynnes Welding Training - Bismarck is located in Bismarck, North Dakota and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 31 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,302 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Lynnes Welding Training - Bismarck graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,406 during the early year of their career. Around 13% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Lynnes Welding Training - Bismarck

#25

Cankdeska Cikana Community College

Fort Totten, North Dakota
27 Total Awards

Cankdeska Cikana Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in North Dakota ranking. Located in Fort Totten, North Dakota, the very small public school awarded 27 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Cankdeska Cikana Community College

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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