North Dakota State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See North Dakota aid & Grants
Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~94%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20-27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030-1260
- Average GPA: N/A
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 North Dakota State University at a Glance
- Top awards are extremely limited: Programs like Distinguished Scholars may cover full tuition, but only a small number of students are selected each year—this is not typical merit.
- MSEP helps—but doesn’t make it “cheap” automatically: The Midwest exchange rate lowers tuition, but families still need merit or additional aid to get into true “value” territory.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — North Dakota State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20-27; SAT: 1030-1260.
Average net price? About $16,746/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in msep.
NDSU Scholarships: https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/scholarships
NDSU AcademicWorks: https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/38285
NDSU AcademicWorks: https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/34554
NDSU College of Ag: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/academics/scholarships
NDSU AcademicWorks: https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/7706
NDSU First Gen & AcademicWorks: https://www.ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute/programs/scholarships/firstgen
NDSU AcademicWorks: https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/34299
NDSU AcademicWorks: https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/31681
NDSU Honors College: https://www.ndsu.edu/honors-college
NDSU Tuition Award Program: https://www.ndsu.edu/tuition-award-program
NDSU Community Belonging: https://www.ndsu.edu/community-belonging/student-support
NDSU College of Arts & Sciences: https://www.ndsu.edu/arts-sciences/currentstudents/scholarships-1/cas
NDSU Office of International Programs: https://global.ndsu.edu/_customtags/ct_FileRetrieve.cfm?File_ID=060377767A723F00020671000E74051C0D09030F1A7B7077051C07077A71720B75077A0476740B72720D
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at North Dakota State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $19,736 | $29,604 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $10,378 | $10,378 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $30,114 | $39,982 |
Average Federal Net Price: $16,746 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
- 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.ndsu.edu/agriculture/academics/scholarships