Is the University of North Dakota a Good School?

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Founded in 1883, which was 6 years before North Dakota’s statehood, UND is the oldest and largest academic institution in the state. It’s ranked #250 in National Universities and #124 in Top Public Schools by US News.

Students who wish to major in accounting, aeronautics, biology, communications, mechanical engineering, liberal arts and nursing may consider going to the University of North Dakota.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), UND has a total of 13,772 students on its 521-acre campus. Tuition and fees cost $10,951 (in-state) and $15,570 (out-of-state).

There are many things to consider about the University of North Dakota other than the ones I already mentioned.

So, continue reading before you apply to UND to have a much better idea if it’s the one that can help you have the college experience you like as well as pave the way toward your career goal.

University of North Dakota, Merrifeld Hall
University of North Dakota, Merrifield Hall

Is UND a Good School

When thinking about spending two to four years at a college or university, you want to be sure that you are going to have a well-rounded experience that is going to set you up for success in the future.

It’s not enough to simply skim over their degree programs or like their school mascot and colors.

When considering The University of North Dakota as a prospect for furthering your education, there are a few things that you need to know to make a well-rounded, fact-based decision.

  • Rankings
  • Tuition
  • Student Life
  • Extracurriculars

Considering these aspects of the University of North Dakota, you can determine whether this will make for a good fit.

University of North Dakota Ranking

The first thing that most people look at when considering a college or university is where the school falls academically and rightfully so.

If you are going to spend your time, energy, and finances to get a two or four-year degree, you want to be sure the school you are getting it from is worth its salt.

The University of North Dakota ranks high in many of its degree programs, especially when it comes to postgraduate studies.

  • #1 in Best Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
  • #1 in Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs
  • #2 in Most Popular Schools for Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist Degree Program and Major
  • #3 in Best Master’s in Forensic Psychology Online
  • #3 in 15 Best Online Master’s Degree in Economics
  • #4 in Best Online Ph.D. and Doctoral Programs

The list continues including degrees in law, business analytics, aviation, and healthcare management.

UND Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State)

Now that you have an idea of where The University of North Dakota falls academically and what top-ranked degree program you might be interested in, the next step is to take a look into what your financial responsibilities will be if you were to attend.

There is assistance that is available in the forms of grants, scholarships, and financial aid, but if for whatever reason you do not qualify, it is crucial to know the breakdown of the costs.

The University of North Dakota’s in-state tuition falls in the middle range nationally at $10,951.

At the University of North Dakota, I liked how diverse it was. There were many different cultures represented. I also liked how the school had a lot of activities and clubs that anyone could participate in.

Niche.com

However, compared to other colleges and universities in North Dakota, it is one of the more expensive schools with institutions like Minot State University, North Dakota State University, and Mayville State University being more affordable, some by thousands of dollars.

The University of North Dakota’s out-of-state tuition is one of the most affordable in the country at $15,570.

Compared to other colleges and universities in the state it still ranks a bit high with Mayville State University and North Dakota State University being more affordable.

Keep in mind that these numbers do not include other important costs like housing, transportation, food, school fees, activity fees, textbooks, and school supplies.

Related Article: 425 Colleges Charging In-State Tuition for Out-of-State Applicants

Is UND a Party School

If you are going to be spending a good majority of your daily life for the next two to four years on a college or university campus, you want to feel assured that the experience is going to be a positive one that you will look back on for years to come with fond memories.

Beach party at college

Knowing other students’ quality of life in the school is a great place to start.

The University of North Dakota ranks #472 out of 1,612 in Colleges with the Best Student Life in America, putting them at the lower end of the list.

Their Greek life ranking falls at #161 out of 824. 

In terms of party culture, The University of North Dakota ranks #163 out of 1,612 in Top Party Schools of America, a respectable place in the list, but not as high as comparable colleges and universities.

UND is ok, but there is not much to do here without a car. The weather is insanely cold so getting to class is no fun if you live off campus.

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What is UND Known For

What adds to the overall student experience are the extracurriculars a college or university offers.

This can make all the difference when deciding to attend, especially if an extracurricular can help establish you on your career path.

Such is the case for extracurriculars like athletics and The University of North Dakota ranks #73 out of 1,422 for Best College Athletics in America.

In fact, their Men’s College Hockey Team ranks #7. The Fighting Hawks Hockey team are 8 times NCAA National Champions.

The University of North Dakota has over 250+ student organizations covering a range of interests from student government to culture and language.

University of North Dakota: Conclusion

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what The University of North Dakota has to offer a prospective student you can decide if you would like to take a deeper dive into the school and get the admissions process started or if you would prefer to turn your interests elsewhere.

Either way, it sets you on the journey to figuring out your future path and the best college or university to attend to achieve your future goals.

Additionally, if you look at other schools as a comparison, you know what to research to give yourself a sufficient overall viewpoint of a potential school.


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the College Reality Check.

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