University of North Dakota maintains reasonable costs with meaningful financial aid that reduces the burden for most students. The published cost of attendance reaches $24,580 annually, including $15,570 in out-of-state tuition, $11,046 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,580 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,570 |
| Room and Board | $11,046 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$5,582 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,998 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,914 |
| $30–48k | $13,615 |
| $48–75k | $18,625 |
| $75–110k | $19,282 |
| $110k+ | $20,640 |
University of North Dakota maintains reasonable costs with meaningful financial aid that reduces the burden for most students. The published cost of attendance reaches $24,580 annually, including $15,570 in out-of-state tuition, $11,046 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less at $18,998 after financial aid, representing average savings of $5,582 from the sticker price.
Compared to peer institutions, University of North Dakota's net price runs $4,905 higher than the peer median of $14,093, indicating somewhat higher costs than typical public universities in similar categories. The difference between published costs and actual net price demonstrates the university's commitment to making education affordable through institutional aid and federal programs. In-state students benefit from reduced tuition of $10,951, creating additional savings for North Dakota residents.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at University of North Dakota remain manageable relative to post-graduation earnings, though slightly above peer institutions. Median debt of $22,057 sits just $952 above the peer median of $21,105, indicating borrowing patterns typical for similar institutions.
The debt distribution spans from $7,155 at the 25th percentile to $27,271 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns based on individual financial circumstances and program length. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 falls within reasonable parameters, meaning typical graduates can expect student loan payments representing about one-third of their gross annual income in the first year after graduation.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of North Dakota represents a solid educational investment that balances moderate costs with strong long-term returns. Graduates earn $9,403 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 84th percentile nationally for this value-added measure.
The combination of $22,057 median debt and $63,552 median earnings creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio that supports sustainable repayment. Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $13,436 more annually while carrying debt levels only $952 higher, demonstrating superior return on investment within the university's institutional category.
The institution's return index performance at the 89th percentile confirms strong value creation for students. Net prices that are $4,905 higher than peer institutions are offset by significantly stronger earnings outcomes, creating net positive value for graduates.
University of North Dakota's financial aid approach provides meaningful support across income levels, though with particular focus on lower-income students. The $5,582 average financial aid savings brings most students well below the published cost of attendance, making the institution more accessible than sticker prices suggest.
With 16.5% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a moderate share of students from lower-income backgrounds, somewhat below typical public institutions but sufficient to maintain economic diversity. The progressive net pricing structure from $13,914 for the lowest-income students to $20,640 for the highest-income families demonstrates targeted aid distribution.
The university's aid strategy appears designed to balance accessibility with revenue needs, providing significant support to students who need it most while maintaining reasonable costs for middle and upper-middle-income families. Students should expect financial aid packages that may include federal grants, institutional aid, and loan options based on demonstrated financial need and academic merit.
This ratio suggests sustainable repayment for most graduates, particularly given the institution's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,226 with monthly payments around $201, representing additional family investment in education.
