About

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

high research activityopen access admissionsengineering focusednorthern plains public universityhealth sciences strength

North Dakota State University-Main Campus is a public research university in Fargo, ND, known for its high research activity, open access admissions, and engineering focused. With an acceptance rate of 96%, NDSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,513 students each year. NDSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 968–1216, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. NDSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $6,061 per year; the sticker price of $28,154 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

North Dakota State University-Main Campus acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

96%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1092
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.25 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 968 – 1216 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 19 – 25

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to North Dakota State University-Main Campus

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
NDSU admits nearly all applicants, so focus your energy on completing the application accurately and making sure your intended major is clearly stated rather than trying to craft a standout narrative. A clean, complete application is all you need here.
Application Strategy
NDSU has strong agriculture, engineering, and pharmacy programs that attract serious applicants, so if you are entering one of those fields, look into specific department pages and note any program prerequisites or early advising sessions you should register for before classes begin.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What North Dakota State University-Main Campus actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$28k/yr$9.4k
30k-48k~$28k/yr$11.3k
48k-75k~$28k/yr$11.9k
75k-110k~$28k/yr$16.1k
110k+~$28k/yr$18.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

64%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$54k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
9,256
Undergrad Enrollment
North Dakota State University-Main Campus Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch