NDSU vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

Compare North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND with Northland College in Ashland, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Dakota State University Main Campus is located in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1; Northland College 5:1.

NDSU vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NDSU or Northland College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at North Dakota State University Main Campus than Northland College ($15,596 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Dakota State University Main Campus are 14.4% lower than at Northland College ($9,928 vs. $11,600).
• Northland College is 299.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NDSU (about $33,293 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $11,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.7% higher at Northland College than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $28,639 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northland College than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 423.8% larger than aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students ($33,572 vs. $6,409).

NDSU vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NDSU or Northland College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Northland College and NDSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 40 points higher than at Northland College (1050).
• Incoming NDSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Northland College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NDSU - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Northland College (3.3).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than Northland College (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32% at NDSU vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

NDSU vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NDSU and Northland College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Northland College's (48%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $3,643 lower median loan debt than Northland College graduates ($23,300 vs. $26,943).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northland College graduates ($240 vs. $278).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northland College students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.