🎓 North Dakota State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See North Dakota state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~94% (CDS 2023–24)
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–27 (estimated)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030–1260
- Average HS GPA: N/A (2.75 minimum required)
Source: NDSU Common Data Set 2023–24 and Admissions Office.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
North Dakota State University at a Glance
Last verified: November 6, 2025
North Dakota State University keeps college costs transparent and affordable. Automatic Academic Scholarships reward strong GPAs and test scores, and competitive programs like the Presidential Scholarship add extra recognition for top students. Out-of-state families also benefit from NDSU’s Midwest Student Exchange Program rates.
Students can stack departmental, leadership, and ROTC awards for additional aid, making NDSU one of the Midwest’s most affordable research universities.
FAQ
Does NDSU offer automatic scholarships? Yes — students are automatically considered for Academic Scholarships based on GPA and test scores.
Can out-of-state students save on tuition? Yes — through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) or competitive merit awards.
What’s the average net price? Around $16,746 after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).
What’s the top award? The Presidential Scholarship — $3,000 per year for high-achieving students with strong GPA and test scores.
https://www.ndsu.edu/tuition-award-program
https://www.ndsu.edu/music/prospective-students/scholarships/faq
https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/scholarships
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/7706
https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/presidential-scholarship/2024224/
💰 Cost of Attendance at North Dakota State University (2025–26)
Here’s a quick look at NDSU’s published 2025–2026 tuition and housing costs for a full-time undergraduate living on campus before scholarships or financial aid.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $13,378 | $19,016 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,378 | $10,378 |
| Estimated Total (Direct/Billed) | $23,756 | $29,394 |
Note: The above totals include tuition, mandatory fees, and standard housing/meal plan charges. Other estimated expenses like books, transportation, and personal costs may add $3,000–$4,000 per year.
📉 Average Net Price (after scholarships and grants)
According to federal data, the average family paid about $16,461 per year after grants and scholarships—this figure represents what families actually paid out of pocket, not including loans.
- Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota residents pay nearly the same rate as North Dakota residents— about $11,052 per year in tuition, compared to $9,736 for in-state students. Apply through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education; renewal is automatic for continuing students.
- Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP): Students from participating Midwest states (e.g., Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri) pay about $14,802-$a5,764 per year—roughly half the full nonresident tuition rate.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Students from WUE partner states (like Colorado, Utah, Washington, and California) also pay the discounted $14,802 per year tuition, saving around $14,800 annually.
❓ Reciprocity & Regional Program FAQs
Who qualifies for these programs?
Minnesota residents (via formal application) and students from participating MSEP or WUE partner states.
How much can students save?
Minnesota reciprocity brings tuition nearly to in-state levels; MSEP and WUE each save about $14,800 per year on tuition alone.
Is eligibility automatic?
Minnesota reciprocity requires an application; MSEP and WUE discounts depend on residency and program participation,
but are usually applied automatically after verification.
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/200332/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus/tuition/
https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/cost
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/account/tuition/charts
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/account/tuition/undergraduate
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/account/residency/minnesota
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?200332-North-Dakota-State-University-Main-Campus
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/north-dakota-state-university/tuition-and-coststs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
NDSU awards automatic scholarships to incoming freshmen based on high school GPA and/or ACT/SAT scores. Students are considered once they apply for admission—no extra forms are required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship (automatic tier) | $3,000 / year (up to 4 years) | High school GPA ≥ 3.9 or ACT ≥ 29 / SAT ≥ 1330 OR GPA ≥ 3.0 + ACT 30+/SAT 1370+. Other combinations at slightly lower GPA/test thresholds may qualify for less |
No | Yes – maintain 3.0 GPA & full-time | Top academic students with near-perfect transcripts or very strong test scores | Apply by NDSU scholarship priority date (typically early Feb) |
| Achievement Scholarship | $1,000 / year (up to 4 years) | $1,000/year for 3.0–3.64 GPA or a 3.0+ GPA plus ACT ≥ 23, to $2,000/year for a GPA of 3.80–3.97 | No | Yes – maintain 2.75 GPA & full-time | Solid B+/A- students who are well-prepared for college-level work* | Apply by NDSU scholarship priority date (typically early Feb) |
| Opportunity Award | $1,000 (first year only) | High school GPA 3.0–3.49 | No | No | Students meeting NDSU admission minimums with a solid academic record | Apply by NDSU scholarship priority date (typically early Feb) |
Note: GPA/test score cutoffs are approximate where not explicitly stated. They are based on NDSU’s published ranges and past award data; actual thresholds may shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and available funding. For exact yearly dates, check NDSU’s current scholarship priority deadline.
FAQs about Automatic Scholarships
Do I need to apply separately? No—students are automatically considered once they apply and are admitted to NDSU.
Are test scores required? Awards can be based on GPA alone if you apply test-optional. Submitting strong ACT/SAT scores can still boost your award.
Can these stack with reciprocity or MSEP/WUE rates? No—you’ll receive either the regional tuition discount or the automatic merit scholarship, whichever is higher in value, but not both.
What GPA is needed to keep the award? Renewal usually requires a 2.75–3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment, depending on the tier.
https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/scholarships
https://merit-scholarships.com/north-dakota-state-university/
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/finaid/awards/scholarships/eligibility
https://ndlegis.gov/sites/default/files/statutorily-mandated-reports/2024-academic-cte-nd-scholarship-report-to-leg-mgt-mgt.pdf
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Beyond automatic awards, NDSU offers a small set of competitive scholarships with limited spots and extra steps (essays, interviews, separate applications). These target students with standout academics, leadership, and service.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDSU Presidential Scholarship | $3,000/year for up to four years (total $12,000) to top academic students (typically 3.98–4.0 GPA or ACT 32+ with strong GPA) | High-achieving freshmen; typically GPA ≥ 3.9 and ACT 29+ / SAT 1330+* | Yes | Yes (maintain 3.0+ and full-time) | About 25–30 awards; finalists show top academics plus leadership, service, or notable achievements | Feb 1 |
| Distinguished Scholars Program | Up to full tuition (varies) | First-time freshmen; exceptional GPA/test scores and leadership; invitation-only; interview required | Yes (by invitation) | Yes (maintain ~3.25+) | A handful of top statewide/region applicants (often 4.0 GPAs, AP/IB rigor, state/national honors) | Invitations late Jan–Feb |
| College/Departmental Competitive Scholarships | $500–$5,000 per year (varies) | Based on major (Engineering, Agriculture, Business, Health Professions, etc.) | Yes (Scholarship Portal) | Varies (many renew with GPA ≥ 2.75) | Students who engage early with departments and show strong grades, activities, or clear career goals | Mar 1 |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
How many are available? Presidential offers ~25–30 annually; departmental funds vary by college.
Is need considered? Mostly merit-based, though some departmental awards include need.
Can these stack with automatic merit? Often yes, but stacking is capped so total aid can’t exceed tuition/COA per NDSU policy.
Are interviews required? Typically for Presidential finalists and Distinguished Scholars (faculty/staff panels).
https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/scholarships
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/7706
https://www.ndsu.edu/news/view/detail/71179
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/51112-ndsu-presidential-award
https://www.ndsu.edu/news/2025-ndsu-mcgovern-scholars-welcomed-campus
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/academics/scholarships