Average Net Price After Aid: $17,359
This is the typical amount families actually pay per year after grants and scholarships, according to federal data.

UND participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), which allows students from select Midwest states to pay a reduced tuition rate. North Dakota also has tuition reciprocity agreements with Minnesota, giving Minnesota students in-state rates at UND.

❓ Cost of Attendance FAQs

• What does “net price” really mean?
  Net price is what families actually paid after scholarships and grants were subtracted. It does not include loans, so it’s a good indicator of real costs.
• Does the reciprocity program lock in tuition?
  Yes. If your student qualifies under the Minnesota–North Dakota reciprocity agreement, they’ll pay close to in-state rates for all four years, as long as they maintain good academic standing and file the reciprocity form each year.
• Are housing and meals required for freshmen?
  At UND, most first-year students live on campus and purchase a meal plan. The housing/meal estimate shown here is the standard freshman double-room + 7-day meal plan; costs can go up or down depending on dorm style and meal package.

Note: UND is test-optional, but submitting ACT or SAT scores can help students reach the top tier. UND superscores, meaning they’ll use the best section scores across multiple test dates.

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.

Tip for parents: These awards are layered on top of automatic scholarships. Encourage your student to apply early (by February 1) and take time on the essay or leadership statement—they really do matter here.

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.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
First-Generation Student Grant	$1,000–$2,000	Students whose parents did not earn a 4-year college degree	No	Yes	Incoming freshmen with financial need and a 2.75+ GPA
Multicultural/Identity-Based Scholarships	$1,000–$3,000	Students from underrepresented backgrounds (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or with advocacy leadership)	Yes	Varies	Strong community involvement; GPA 2.75–3.3+
Army & Air Force ROTC Scholarships	Full tuition + $420/month stipend	Students who commit to ROTC training and service requirements	Yes (federal ROTC application)	Yes (through ROTC contract)	Physically fit students with leadership potential; 2.5+ GPA and ACT 19+
NDSU Marching Band & Music Participation Awards	$500–$2,500	Students who audition and participate in the Gold Star Marching Band, Wind Symphony, or Concert Choir	Yes (audition required)	Yes	Talented musicians who commit to ensemble participation each semester
Study Abroad & International Experience Grants	$500–$2,000	Students enrolling in NDSU-approved semester or summer study abroad	Yes	No	Students with financial need and strong academic planning; typically 3.0+ GPA
College & Departmental Donor Scholarships	$500–$5,000	Majors in areas like Agriculture, Business, Engineering, and Health Professions; criteria vary	Yes (via NDSU Scholarship Portal)	Yes (if GPA standards met)	Students with 3.0+ GPAs who match donor interests (e.g., rural background, leadership, service)

Hidden Gems FAQ

Do I need to apply separately for these awards?
Most of these require filling out NDSU’s Scholarship Portal application by February 1, but ROTC and music/ensemble awards need their own audition or program application.

Can these stack with automatic merit scholarships?
Yes. Families often pair $3–5k in donor or identity-based awards on top of automatic tuition discounts.

Who has the best shot at ROTC awards?
Students who show physical readiness, leadership skills, and meet GPA/test score minimums. National applicants have priority, but campus-based ROTC awards are also available for strong first-year cadets.

Are music and marching band scholarships only for music majors?
No. Any student, regardless of major, can qualify with a successful audition and commitment to the ensemble.

UND’s aviation program is world-class. Its John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is consistently ranked among the top aviation schools in the U.S.—with one of the largest civilian flight training fleets globally and strong industry ties.

UND calls it the “Honors College,” and it’s less about piling on extra work and more about smaller, discussion-based classes, closer connections with professors, and a shot at competitive fellowships down the road. It’s an option you choose, not something you’re automatically swept into.

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.

Pro tip for parents: Stack what you can. Automatic GPA awards + competitive programs + niche scholarships (band, ROTC, donor-based) can add up to real savings. Don’t assume one award is the whole story.