Dickinson State University vs University of North Dakota
Dickinson State University is moderately selective with a 60.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of North Dakota (77.1%). Graduates of University of North Dakota earn $12,832 more per year at the 10-year mark ($63,552 vs $50,720). For families earning $48k–$75k, Dickinson State University is more affordable at $13,949 net price vs $18,625. Students at Dickinson State University graduate with less debt ($18,442 vs $22,057).
Admissions & Outcomes
Dickinson State University has a higher yield rate (45.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Dickinson, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Dickinson State University is more affordable at $11,547 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $17,040 vs $20,640.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Dickinson State University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (22%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Dickinson State University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$63,005
- 2 Data Processing$45,696
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$42,682
- 4 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$42,682
- 5 Accounting and Related Services$42,123
University of North Dakota
- 1 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,460
- 2 Petroleum Engineering$72,762
- 3 Chemical Engineering$66,325
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$64,608
- 5 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians$63,005
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Dickinson State University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Agriculture, General
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 5 Accounting and Related Services
University of North Dakota
- 1 Air Transportation
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 5 Marketing
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Dickinson State University
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$9,570
- Est. total cost/year$18,704
- School typePublic
University of North Dakota
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$12,810
- Est. total cost/year$24,522
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Dickinson State University or University of North Dakota?
Dickinson State University is more selective with a 60.1% acceptance rate, compared to 77.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Dickinson State University or University of North Dakota?
University of North Dakota graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $63,552 compared to $50,720. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Dickinson State University or University of North Dakota?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Dickinson State University has a lower net price at $13,949 per year vs $18,625. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Dickinson State University vs University of North Dakota?
University of North Dakota has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 63.3%, compared to 43.4%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Dickinson State University or University of North Dakota?
University of North Dakota has a larger international student population at 6% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Dickinson State University and University of North Dakota?
At Dickinson State University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $63,005 within two years. At University of North Dakota, the top-earning major is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $76,460. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.