🎓 University of North Dakota Scholarships & Aid (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships (GPA/test cutoffs explained)
- Competitive and departmental awards worth applying for
- Honors perks and regional tuition reciprocity options
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~86% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1050–1260
- Average HS GPA: 3.55
Source: University of North Dakota Common Data Set 2024–25 and Office of Admissions.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of North Dakota at a Glance
Last verified: October 15, 2025
The University of North Dakota delivers serious value—especially for Minnesota residents and students from MSEP states who get near in-state tuition. UND combines affordability with strong programs in aviation, engineering, and nursing.
Automatic merit awards recognize solid academics, while the prestigious Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition plus a stipend. Small classes, a test-optional policy, and regional reciprocity make UND a practical choice for cost-conscious families.
FAQ
Does UND offer automatic merit scholarships?
Yes — all first-year students are automatically considered for merit-based awards using GPA and test scores.
Are there full-tuition scholarships?
Yes — the UND Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition plus a stipend for high achievers.
Does UND have reciprocity?
Yes — Minnesota residents pay in-state rates, and MSEP participants receive discounted tuition.
What’s the average net price?
Around $15,803 after aid (College Factual 2025).
Common Data Set (CDS 2024–25): https://und.edu/about/facts/common-data-set.html
Admissions — Automatic Merit Scholarship Tiers: https://und.edu/one-stop/financial-aid/scholarships/freshmen.html
Presidential Scholarship details (full-tuition + stipend): https://und.edu/honors/presidential-scholarship.html
Honors Program overview: https://und.edu/academics/honors-program/
Test policy and superscoring: https://und.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements.html
FAFSA & priority deadlines: https://und.edu/one-stop/financial-aid/apply.html
Reciprocity and MSEP overview: https://und.edu/admissions/costs-tuition/reciprocity.html
Minnesota Office of Higher Education — Reciprocity process: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=97
College Factual (average net price reference): https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-north-dakota/paying-for-college/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Dakota (2025–2026)
UND remains one of the most affordable public universities in the region—especially with Minnesota reciprocity and participation in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). Below are the verified 2025–2026 estimated on-campus costs before scholarships or grants.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $11,394 | $26,034 |
| Housing & Meals | $9,948 | $9,948 |
| Estimated Total (On-Campus) | $21,342 | $35,982 |
Why we only show tuition & housing: Books ($1,100), transportation ($1,600), and personal expenses ($2,400) are allowances, not billed charges. The table highlights direct university costs for easier comparison between in-state, reciprocity, and MSEP students.
UND participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), giving eligible students from select Midwestern states reduced tuition. North Dakota also maintains full tuition reciprocity with Minnesota, allowing Minnesota residents to pay in-state rates after submitting an annual reciprocity form.
❓ Cost of Attendance FAQs
What does “net price” really mean?
It’s the average amount families actually pay after scholarships and grants—no loans included.
Does Minnesota reciprocity apply automatically?
No. Students must apply each year through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, but approval typically covers all four years once enrolled.
Can students from other states qualify for tuition discounts?
Yes. Students from MSEP states like Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin can qualify for 10–15% lower tuition rates.
How accurate are these costs?
Figures are verified for the 2025–2026 academic year and updated annually when new data is posted by UND’s Financial Aid Office.
Official Cost of Attendance (2025–2026): https://und.edu/admissions/costs-tuition/undergraduate.html
Tuition & Fees breakdown (resident vs. nonresident): https://und.edu/admissions/costs-tuition/tuition-fees.html
Housing & Meal Plan rates (Residence Life): https://und.edu/student-life/housing/housing-rates.html
Reciprocity information (Minnesota and MSEP): https://und.edu/admissions/costs-tuition/reciprocity.html
Midwest Student Exchange Program details (MHEC): https://msep.mhec.org/institution/university-north-dakota
Minnesota Office of Higher Education — Reciprocity application: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=97
College Factual (average net price verification): https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-north-dakota/paying-for-college/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UND makes it simple: if your student meets the GPA/test score cutoffs, these awards are guaranteed once they’re admitted. No extra application is needed — just apply to UND by the priority deadline.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 – Highest | $14,000 total ($3,500/yr × 4 years) |
3.90+ GPA or 30+ ACT / 1370+ SAT with ≥3.0 GPA | No | Yes, 4 years | Students with near-perfect GPAs or top test scores who apply by Feb 1 | Feb 1 |
| Tier 2 – Mid | $11,000 total ($2,750/yr × 4 years) |
3.70–3.89 GPA | No | Yes, 4 years | Strong A-average students with solid coursework | Feb 1 |
| Tier 3 – Entry | $1,500 (one-time) | 3.50–3.69 GPA | No | No | Solid B+/A– students entering UND | Feb 1 |
*Cutoffs are based on UND’s published ranges for 2025–26. Awards are guaranteed if your student meets the GPA/test thresholds and applies by Feb 1. Renewal requires maintaining UND’s good academic standing.*
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do you need to apply separately?
No — students are automatically considered once they apply for admission.
Are test scores required?
No, but submitting ACT/SAT can unlock the top award tier. UND superscores, so it’s worth sending scores.
When is the best time to apply?
By February 1. Applying later can still qualify, but funds may be limited and top tiers may not be guaranteed.
Can these scholarships be stacked?
Yes — automatic merit can be combined with competitive awards or need-based aid unless otherwise noted.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
At UND, a handful of scholarships go beyond automatic awards. These programs recognize leadership, talent, or nationally recognized academic achievement—and they require an extra step to compete for.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Leadership Fellows | $5,000/year (up to 4 years) | Competitive essay and leadership résumé; interview required | Incoming freshmen with strong academics (typically 3.7+ GPA) and leadership record | Yes | Yes (maintain GPA & leadership involvement) | Students who combine top academics with major leadership or service achievements | Feb 1 |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Full tuition + fees (varies by year) | Based on National Merit Finalist designation | National Merit Finalists who list UND as first choice | No (automatic once finalist status confirmed) | Yes | National Merit Finalists selecting UND — small pool, but very generous package | Feb 1 |
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Are these on top of automatic scholarships?
Yes—competitive awards like Leadership Fellows or National Merit stack with UND’s automatic merit scholarships.
How do you apply for Leadership Fellows?
Through UND’s scholarship portal by February 1, including an essay and leadership résumé.
Do National Merit Finalists need a separate UND app?
No—once UND is listed as first choice with the National Merit Corporation, the scholarship is awarded automatically.
What’s the real difference between guaranteed and competitive awards?
Guaranteed awards are based on GPA/test scores; competitive awards look at leadership, service, or national recognition beyond academics.
🎓 University of North Dakota Honors College
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarship | $500 – $1,500/year | Must be admitted to UND’s Honors College and stay in good standing | Yes (via Scholarship Portal) | Yes (as long as you remain active in Honors) | Honors students who keep around a 3.5 GPA and stick with the program’s courses | Feb 1 |
| National Scholarships & Fellowships Office | Varies (Goldwater, Truman, Fulbright, etc.) | Support for UND students—often Honors—pursuing national fellowships | Yes (external application process) | Depends on award | Students with strong academics and faculty mentors applying to national programs | Varies by award (typically Oct–Feb) |
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No—you have to apply, either when you apply to UND or shortly after. GPA around 3.5+ helps, but they also look for curiosity and initiative.
What’s a “typical” Honors student at UND?
Not just the straight-A kids. Many are strong students who want smaller classes, mentoring, or a head start on grad school. You’ll find future teachers, engineers, and pre-law students sitting side by side.
Do Honors students get their own scholarships?
Yes, a modest $500–$1,500 per year that can renew if you stay in good standing.
What makes it worth it?
The tight-knit community, early research opportunities, and that “Honors” line on your diploma and transcript—especially helpful for grad school or fellowships.
🎯 What the University of North Dakota Is Known For
The University of North Dakota blends flagship access with aerospace ambition. From piloting and unmanned systems to petroleum engineering and climate science, UND punches above its weight in fields that move people, power and policy—backed by its new status as a public R1 Research University.
UND’s Odegard School is a global leader in aviation education, widely recognized for pilot training, aviation management, air traffic and UAS. It’s often described as the world’s most comprehensive aerospace university.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — First U.S. university to offer a UAS degree (2009); UND’s UAS program also earned AABI accreditation and remains a national leader in drone operations and research.
- Petroleum Engineering — Frequently cited among the Top programs nationally (including a Top-10 placement by College Factual) with strong online BS/MS/PhD pathways tied to the Bakken.
- Atmospheric Sciences / Meteorology — Nationally recognized weather and climate science with research activity spanning severe storms, air quality and remote sensing.
- Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) — A national leader in carbon capture, storage (CCUS), hydrogen and critical-minerals research; major federal and industry partnerships drive applied innovation.
- School of Law — Legal Writing — The legal writing program ranks in the Top 20 nationally (U.S. News category ranking), reflecting UND Law’s focus on practice-ready skills.