
PO Box 6050 PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA


North Dakota State University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a widely recognized accrediting body in the United States. This accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in its educational offerings.
The university also maintains specialized accreditations for individual programs. For example, its business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is considered a hallmark of excellence in business education worldwide. Additionally, programs in engineering and technology receive accreditation from ABET, underscoring their adherence to rigorous professional standards.
These accreditations are important for prospective students as they indicate that the institution and specific programs have been thoroughly evaluated and meet high academic and professional criteria. This can influence credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and the recognition of degrees by employers and other educational institutions.
Admission to North Dakota State University requires completion of high school or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, with applicants needing to submit secondary school records and maintain a required high school GPA. While the university does not have an open admission policy, applicants are encouraged to provide recommendations and evidence of academic competencies to strengthen their applications.
Although submission of admission test scores is not mandatory, submitting scores from tests such as the TOEFL or other standardized exams is recommended for prospective students, particularly for those whose first language is not English. Dual credit enrollment is not accepted, but the university does award credit for college-level coursework and Advanced Placement exams.
The academic profile of admitted students reflects an average SAT score around 1205, placing them in the top 40 percent nationally. The SAT Math section shows stronger performance, with an average score of 616 in the top 30 percent. ACT scores average 23, ranking in the lower 40 percent by percentile. The university's acceptance rate is notably high at 96 percent, indicating a broad admissions window, while enrolled students total over two thousand, representing a competitive enrollment level.
North Dakota State University requires prospective undergraduate students to pay a nonrefundable application fee at the time of submission. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing admissions materials.
Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants who demonstrate financial need or who meet specific criteria established by the university. Students seeking a waiver must provide supporting documentation as part of their application process. These waivers aim to reduce financial barriers and promote access to higher education.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly to inquire about eligibility requirements and the procedure for obtaining an application fee waiver. This ensures candidates have a clear understanding of their options and can complete their applications without undue financial burden.
North Dakota State University does not have any ROTC branch units available on its campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs will need to explore options at other institutions or affiliated nearby campuses that offer such military training programs.
North Dakota State University welcomes transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms, providing multiple opportunities throughout the academic year. The university considers transfer credits and accepts credits earned through CLEP subject and general examinations, as well as DANTES test credits. Prospective transfer students should expect a moderately difficult admissions process.
Recommendations are accepted as part of the application, which may aid in the evaluation of the candidate's suitability. Overall, the institution supports a flexible transfer policy, ensuring that qualifying students can continue their education without undue interruption.
North Dakota State University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global perspectives and academic experiences. These programs include faculty-led short-term trips, semester-long exchanges, and summer programs in multiple countries. The university emphasizes integrating cultural immersion with academic coursework, allowing participants to earn credit applicable toward their degrees.
The short-term faculty-led programs typically last from one to four weeks and focus on specific subject areas, providing concentrated study combined with travel. Semester-long exchange programs enable students to spend a full academic term at a partner institution abroad, fostering greater cultural and linguistic immersion. Additionally, summer study abroad options offer more flexible experiences tailored to students' schedules and interests.
North Dakota State University partners with numerous universities worldwide, spanning Europe, Asia, and Latin America, among other regions. These partnerships create a broad range of destinations and disciplines, including business, agriculture, engineering, and social sciences. The university also provides pre-departure orientation sessions to prepare students for the academic and cultural challenges they may encounter.
Median composite SAT score
1205Median composite ACT score
23Percent of students submitting ACT scores
51.8%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
0.59%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RecommendedOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer