UND is North Dakota’s flagship, and it admits about three out of every four students who apply. For most families, getting in is not the hard part. The real questions are what the bill looks like, especially if you live outside North Dakota, and whether your student’s major comes with its own price tag. Aviation does, in a big way.
National Merit (ND/MN finalists who list UND first)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
Special Waivers Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at UND (Read This First)
Feb 1 is the money date. The automatic freshman award and the Scholarship Central application both run on Feb 1. Get the application and official transcripts in before then.
Test-optional, with one exception. Scores aren’t needed to get in, but a student under a 3.90 GPA can only reach the top $14,000 award by sending an official ACT 30+ or SAT 1370+.
Aviation plays by different rules. Non-resident aviation tuition runs about $35,800 a year before flight costs, and aviation is left out of every regional discount except Minnesota reciprocity. Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management also have their own application window (Aug 1 to Oct 31) and are not on the Common App.
Minnesota reciprocity is not automatic. Minnesota families have to apply through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and tell UND, by the end of the first semester. Skip it and you pay the full non-resident rate.
Some big awards replace the automatic one. The Presidential Leadership Fellows award ($16,000) and the Engelstad Late Bloomer award can’t be combined with the automatic GPA scholarship. Your student gets one or the other.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes, for admission. University of North Dakota is test-optional for admission.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21–27; SAT: 1120–1310.
Average net price? About $18,076/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes. Institutional waivers are available.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Dakota: 2026–2027 Rates
Figures verified against official sources in October 2026.
📅 Planning for 2027–2028? These are the 2026–2027 rates, the newest University of North Dakota has published. Colleges usually release next year's costs in the spring, and we update this page when they do.
Budgeting tip: costs typically rise 2% to 5% a year. For 2027–2028, plan on roughly
$500 to $1,200 more than the in-state total below.$600 to $1,500 more than the out-of-state total below.
In-State: billed cost per year
$24,315
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$12,289
Housing & meals (typical)
$12,026
Total billed cost
$24,315
Out-of-State: billed cost per year
$29,504
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$17,478
Housing & meals (typical)
$12,026
Total billed cost
$29,504
That is $5,189 more per year than North Dakota residents pay, before any waivers or scholarships.
Average federal net price: $18,076 per year.
This is what first-time, full-time students who received grant aid paid after grants and scholarships, for in-state students only, based on the most recent federal data. It counts books and living costs, so it can run higher than the billed total above. Families who got no grants are not in this average, so many middle-income families pay more. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-state families: this average does not include you. Run the college's own net price calculator for a number based on your situation.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
Minnesota residents can get a reciprocity rate (about $1,245 a year above North Dakota tuition on base programs), but only after applying through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and notifying UND by the end of the first semester. Students from WUE states, Montana, South Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada pay 150% of North Dakota tuition, which is the same rate every other non-resident pays for most majors. Veterans, military dependents and contracted Army or Air Force ROTC cadets pay North Dakota resident tuition. Aviation programs are excluded from every agreement except Minnesota reciprocity.
Your Major Changes the Price
UND charges program-specific tuition for several majors. Here’s what a full-time year of tuition plus mandatory fees looks like in 2026–2027:
Program
ND Resident
MN Reciprocity
Other U.S.
Most majors
$12,289
$13,534
$17,478
Business
$12,699
$13,994
$18,094
Engineering
$13,448
$14,832
$19,217
Nursing (after program admission)
$13,997
$15,448
$20,041
Aviation (flight costs extra)
$14,231
$15,709
$35,792
Business tuition applies to pre-majors too. Nursing students pay the base rate until they’re admitted to the program. Figures include about $1,910 in mandatory fees.
FAQ: Cost of Attendance at the University of North Dakota
How much does UND cost per year?
For 2026–2027, a North Dakota resident in most majors pays about $12,289 in tuition and fees, plus about $12,026 for housing and food. That puts direct costs around $24,300. A non-resident pays about $29,500 in direct costs. Books, travel and personal expenses come on top of that.
How much more do out-of-state students pay?
Non-residents pay 150% of North Dakota tuition for most majors, which works out to roughly $5,200 more per year. That’s a smaller out-of-state premium than most flagships charge, and it’s the same rate whether you live in Texas or Montana.
Does UND offer Minnesota reciprocity?
Yes. Minnesota residents can pay a reciprocity rate that’s only about $1,245 a year above North Dakota tuition. You apply through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, then notify UND in Campus Connection. The application has to be in by the end of your first semester (Dec 31 for fall starters). Once approved, you don’t reapply as long as you stay enrolled.
Is UND part of WUE or MSEP?
UND lists WUE states on its residency page, but the WUE rate is 150% of resident tuition, which is the same rate any non-resident already pays for most majors. So it doesn’t lower your bill the way WUE does at many western schools. UND’s current residency page does not list MSEP.
Why is aviation so much more expensive?
Aviation has its own tuition rate, and UND excludes aviation programs from every tuition agreement except Minnesota reciprocity. A non-resident aviation major pays about $35,800 a year in tuition and fees, and flight training costs are billed separately on top of that.
Can military families or ROTC students get in-state tuition?
Yes. Veterans, active-duty members, Guard and Reserve members, their dependents, and contracted Army or Air Force ROTC cadets all pay the North Dakota resident rate for on-campus programs, no matter where they live.
Is tuition charged per credit?
Only below full time. On-campus tuition and fees are capped at 12 credits a semester, so taking 15 or 16 credits costs the same as 12. That makes it easier to graduate in four years without paying extra.
What do families actually pay at UND?
The federal average net price is about $18,076 a year after grants and scholarships. Your number depends heavily on residency, major and aid. UND’s Net Price Calculator is the best way to get a personal estimate.
Oct 1: Scholarship Central opens for admitted students.
Dec 1: Honors Program priority date (for the Honors scholarship) and the Presidential Leadership Fellows deadline.
Feb 1: Automatic freshman award deadline and Scholarship Central deadline for new students.
Mar 1: Scholarship Central deadline for returning students.
Parent rule of thumb: apply to UND early in the fall of senior year. Several of these steps only unlock after your student is admitted.
Automatic Merit Scholarships: University of North Dakota
UND’s automatic award is based on your student’s unweighted, cumulative high school GPA. There’s no separate application. Submit the admission application and official transcripts by Feb 1. The only time test scores matter is the top tier: a student with a 3.0 to 3.89 GPA can still earn $14,000 with an official ACT 30+ or SAT 1370+.
Find your student's tier
Enter the numbers you have. We'll highlight the automatic award your student would actually get and tuck the rest out of the way. Leave it blank to browse everything.
Residency
Based on published cutoffs for entering freshmen. Always verify with the college before finalizing plans.
One award, not a pile. Colleges apply your student's single best automatic award. Automatic scholarships almost never stack with each other, though some stack with housing, departmental, or outside money. The stacking notes on each card tell you which.
Automatic
Freshman Automatic Scholarship - Tier 1
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$3,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with most other UND scholarships and waivers up to cost of attendance. Two exceptions: it cannot be combined with the Presidential Leadership Fellows award or the Ralph Engelstad Late Bloomer Scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Top automatic freshman award: $14,000 total ($3,500 a year for up to four years). Renewal requires a 3.00 institutional GPA, 12+ credits each semester and 24 credits each academic year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a 3.90+ unweighted GPA, or a 30+ ACT (1370+ SAT) paired with at least a 3.0 GPA, who get everything to UND by Feb 1. This is the top automatic tier: $14,000 over four years.
Automatic
Freshman Automatic Scholarship - Tier 2
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,750/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with most other UND scholarships and waivers up to cost of attendance. Two exceptions: it cannot be combined with the Presidential Leadership Fellows award or the Ralph Engelstad Late Bloomer Scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Middle automatic freshman tier: $11,000 total ($2,750 a year for up to four years). GPA alone qualifies; no test score is needed. Renewal requires a 3.00 institutional GPA, 12+ credits each semester and 24 credits each academic year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a 3.70 to 3.89 unweighted GPA who apply and submit required materials by Feb 1. Worth $11,000 total over four years.
Automatic
Freshman Automatic Scholarship - Tier 3
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 Non-Renewable
$1,500
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded on unweighted high school GPA; stacks with other UND scholarships and waivers up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Entry-level automatic freshman award: $1,500 one time. It is a nice first-year boost, but it does not come back sophomore year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a 3.50 to 3.69 unweighted GPA who apply and submit required materials by Feb 1. One-time, non-renewable award of $1,500.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Automatic Transfer Scholarship - Tier 1
📅 Deadline: Aug 15 Non-Renewable
$1,000
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Based on cumulative transfer GPA; stacks with other UND aid up to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
$2,000 total ($1,000/semester) for high-GPA transfers. One-time, non-renewable. Based on cumulative GPA for all college credits transferred to UND as calculated by the UND Registrar. Students transferring more than 120 credits are not eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with a 3.90 to 4.00 cumulative college GPA who meet the admission and transcript deadlines. Worth $2,000 total ($1,000/semester).
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Automatic Transfer Scholarship - Tier 2
📅 Deadline: Aug 15 Non-Renewable
$500
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Based on cumulative transfer GPA; stacks with other UND aid up to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000 total ($500/semester) for qualifying transfer students. One-time, non-renewable. Based on cumulative GPA for all college credits transferred to UND. Students transferring more than 120 credits are not eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with a 3.50 to 3.89 cumulative college GPA who meet the admission and transcript deadlines. Worth $1,000 total ($500/semester).
Data last verified Oct 19, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Students receive one automatic award, the highest tier they qualify for. The same tiers apply to North Dakota, Minnesota and out-of-state students.
Automatic Merit FAQs (University of North Dakota)
How much is UND’s automatic freshman scholarship?
It’s $14,000 over four years ($3,500 a year) for a 3.90+ GPA, $11,000 over four years ($2,750 a year) for a 3.70 to 3.89 GPA, and a one-time $1,500 for a 3.50 to 3.69 GPA.
Can my student qualify for the top award with test scores?
Yes. A student with at least a 3.0 GPA and an official ACT of 30+ or SAT of 1370+ qualifies for the $14,000 tier. The scores have to be official and in by Feb 1.
What does it take to keep the award?
For the renewable tiers, your student needs a 3.00 UND GPA, at least 12 credits each semester and 24 credits each academic year. The $1,500 tier is a one-year award and does not renew.
What if we miss the Feb 1 deadline?
UND says it may still award scholarships after the priority deadline if funding is available, but there’s no guarantee. Treat Feb 1 as the real deadline.
Can the automatic award be combined with other scholarships?
Mostly yes, up to the cost of attendance. The two exceptions are the Presidential Leadership Fellows award and the Ralph Engelstad Late Bloomer Scholarship, which replace it rather than add to it.
Are there automatic awards for transfer students?
Yes. Transfers with a 3.90 to 4.00 college GPA get $2,000 ($1,000 a semester), and those with a 3.50 to 3.89 GPA get $1,000 ($500 a semester). Apply by Aug 15 for fall or Dec 15 for spring. Students bringing more than 120 credits don’t qualify.
UND doesn’t run a big essay-and-interview contest for full rides. Its one full-tuition award is for National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists, and it’s guaranteed for North Dakota and Minnesota finalists who list UND as their first choice. Beyond that, the main competitive award is the Presidential Leadership Fellows program, and most other money flows through one application in Scholarship Central.
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at UND?
Aid Type
Stacks with Automatic Merit?
Parent Translation
National Merit (full tuition)
Yes
UND adds it on top of other UND awards and waivers, up to the full cost of attendance.
Presidential Leadership Fellows
No
It’s $16,000 instead of the automatic award, not on top of it. For a 3.90+ student, that’s a $2,000 difference over four years.
Scholarship Central awards
Usually
Donor and department awards generally layer on top. A couple, like Engelstad Late Bloomer, replace the automatic award.
Outside scholarships
Yes
UND says non-UND scholarships won’t reduce your UND scholarships, though they still count in your overall aid package.
Need-based grants
Usually
File the FAFSA every year. Total aid can’t go over the cost of attendance.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicnational merit
National Merit Scholarship (UND)
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition plus mandatory fees
✔ Stackable
⚠ Full‑tuition and fee waiver for ND or MN National Merit Finalists/Semifinalists who select UND as first choice, renewable for up to four years.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other UND scholarships and waivers up to the full cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Full tuition and mandatory student fees, renewable for up to three additional years if renewal criteria are met. Guaranteed for National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists from North Dakota or Minnesota who list UND as their first choice. Finalists from other states are reviewed individually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
National Merit Finalists or Semi-Finalists from North Dakota or Minnesota who list UND as their first-choice school on the National Merit Application. Students from other states may be reviewed individually for eligibility.
App Required
Presidential Leadership Fellows Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Feb 1 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$4,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA👥 ~25 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with the automatic freshman GPA scholarship. Other UND scholarships may stack; scholarships@UND.edu can confirm specific combinations.
📄
How to Apply
After being admitted to UND, watch for an emailed application link from Admissions (sent to eligible students with a 3.0+ GPA). Apply online by Dec 1. Approximately 75 applicants will be invited to virtual preliminary interviews; the final cohort of ~25 students is selected by Feb 1.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
$16,000 total ($4,000 a year for up to four years) for students who stay full time, keep a 3.0 GPA and complete the yearly program requirements: leadership courses, monthly meetings, mentoring, community service and a senior capstone. It cannot be combined with the automatic freshman GPA scholarship, so qualifying students have to choose.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
About 25 incoming first-year students a year with a 3.0+ GPA and real involvement in clubs, service or work. Roughly 75 applicants get virtual interviews. U.S. citizens, permanent residents and international students are all eligible.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Scholarship Central General Pool
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Individual awards within Scholarship Central have their own stacking rules; most can be combined with automatic merit aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Once admitted to UND, create a profile at und.academicworks.com (Scholarship Central). Complete a single application that matches you to all eligible awards. New incoming students should apply by Feb 1; returning/current students by Mar 1. The application opens Oct 1 for the following academic year.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
One General Application in Scholarship Central matches students to 1,300+ donor and departmental scholarships. It opens Oct 1. New students should finish by Feb 1; returning students have until Mar 1. Students reapply every year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Any admitted student who completes the General Application. UND awards academic scholarships to more than 4,100 undergraduates a year, totaling nearly $11.8 million. Most matches happen automatically behind the scenes; some awards add supplemental questions.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Open Door Scholarship (Financial Hardship)
📅 Deadline: Rolling Non-Renewable
Varies
✘ Not stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May impact other financial aid received; UND Student Finance reviews the full aid package when awarding.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Open Door Scholarship Application via DocuSign (link on UND's scholarship page) after exhausting all other federal, state, and private loan options. UND Student Finance reviews applications individually; allow 10–15 business days for a decision.
💡
Strategic Detail
Last-resort financial assistance for enrolled students who have genuinely run out of other options. One-time award; amount determined case-by-case. Cannot be combined with the Angel Fund in the same academic year. FAFSA completion required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Allow 10–15 business days for review.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Enrolled UND students in a real financial emergency who have used up federal aid, PLUS loans and private loan options, filed a FAFSA (if eligible) and are in good academic standing. Funding is limited and not every request is approved.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Angel Fund Scholarship (Emergency Funding)
📅 Deadline: Rolling Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with the Open Door Scholarship in the same academic year.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Angel Fund Request Form via DocuSign (link on UND's scholarship page). Must be currently enrolled and meet all eligibility criteria.
💡
Strategic Detail
Limited emergency funding for current UND students hit with an unexpected financial problem. One-time award; amount varies. Students must be making satisfactory academic progress and be in good standing, not just show need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Currently enrolled UND students in unexpected financial crisis who are making satisfactory academic progress, in good academic standing, not on conduct probation, and have not already received the Open Door Scholarship that year.
Data last verified Oct 19, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Does UND offer a National Merit scholarship?
Yes. National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists from North Dakota or Minnesota who list UND as their first choice get a scholarship equal to full tuition and mandatory fees, renewable for up to three more years. Finalists from other states are reviewed one at a time, so ask UND directly before counting on it.
What is the Presidential Leadership Fellows program?
It’s a four-year leadership program for about 25 incoming freshmen a year, worth $16,000 ($4,000 a year). Admitted students with a 3.0+ GPA get an emailed invitation to apply. The deadline is Dec 1, about 75 applicants get virtual interviews, and selections are done by Feb 1.
Should my student take Presidential Leadership Fellows over the automatic award?
It depends on the tier. For a 3.70 to 3.89 student, $16,000 beats $11,000 by a lot. For a 3.90+ student, it’s only $2,000 more, so the choice comes down to whether your student wants the program itself: monthly meetings, leadership courses, service and a senior capstone.
What is Scholarship Central?
It’s UND’s single application for donor and department scholarships, with 1,300+ awards. It opens Oct 1, and new students should finish by Feb 1. Most matches happen automatically once your student completes the General Application.
What are the Open Door and Angel Fund scholarships?
They’re emergency funds for current students facing a sudden financial problem, not awards for incoming freshmen. A student can get one or the other in a given year, not both.
🧠 Parent Strategy: One Application, Hundreds of Matches
At UND, most hidden money lives in Scholarship Central. Your student fills out one General Application, and the system quietly matches them to awards behind the scenes. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Get admitted early, then claim the NDUS account so you can log in.
Declare a major if your student has one in mind. Department awards key off the major.
Finish the General Application by Feb 1.
Answer every “recommended” supplemental question, even the short ones. Those unlock awards that don’t auto-match.
Parent translation: the automatic award shows up on its own. Everything on this list takes about an hour of effort that most families skip.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These aren’t automatic, but several of them are bigger than families expect, especially for first-generation students and aviation majors.
App Required
Ralph Engelstad Underrepresented Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 ✓ Renews (3 GPA)
$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠ TRIO-eligible (first-gen or low-income) freshmen in select majors.
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
The posting lists no exclusions; total aid is capped at cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
File the FAFSA, then complete the Scholarship Central General Application and this award's supplemental questions: a 500-word essay on goals and leadership, a transcript upload and a recommender.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $5,000 a year, renewable for up to eight semesters. Renewal requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA, 12+ credits a semester, staying in an eligible major and meeting with TRIO staff twice a semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation or low-income (TRIO-eligible) freshmen with a 3.0+ GPA in an eligible major who file the FAFSA. Pell eligibility, grades, activities and leadership all count, and preference goes to historically underrepresented students.
App Required
Ralph Engelstad Late Bloomer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 ✓ Renews
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Incoming freshmen in select majors; not combinable with automatic awards.
🏫 2.5+ GPA👥 ~3-5 winners/yr
📄
How to Apply
Complete the Scholarship Central General Application and this award's supplemental questions: a 500-word essay on community service and leadership, plus a recommender. Check the current listing for the exact deadline.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Minimum $5,000 a year, renewable for up to eight semesters. It cannot be combined with UND's automatic academic scholarships (the listing names them Presidential, Academic Achievement and Merit). Renewal requires 12+ credits a semester, 24 credits a year, good standing, an eligible major and 10 hours of service each semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming freshmen with a 2.5+ GPA in an eligible major who show character, leadership and a record of service. Only 3 to 5 are awarded each year.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Al & Beulah Hillstrom Aerospace Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 Non-Renewable
$14,500
✔ Stackable
⚠ UAS and space studies students; rural ND preferred.
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other UND aid up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of the largest single awards listed in Scholarship Central at $14,500. The posting does not say whether it renews, so plan on reapplying each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students in the Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences studying unmanned aircraft systems or space studies. Preference goes to students from rural North Dakota with a 3.5 GPA.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College & Departmental Donor Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 Non-Renewable
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Most stack with automatic merit up to cost of attendance; each award's own rules apply.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the General Application in Scholarship Central (und.academicworks.com) after admission, then answer any recommended supplemental questions. New students: Feb 1. Returning students: Mar 1.
💡
Strategic Detail
Hundreds of donor and department awards tied to a student's major, hometown or interests, all inside Scholarship Central. Examples range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Criteria vary by donor.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who complete the General Application early and answer the supplemental questions for awards tied to their major. Declared majors get matched to far more of these than undecided students.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Pride of the North Band Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 Non-Renewable
$350–$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with automatic merit and other UND aid up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Several donor scholarships go to members of the Pride of the North marching and athletic bands, typically in the $350 to $1,000 range. Marching band has no membership audition, and students of any major can join.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who join the Pride of the North and complete the Scholarship Central General Application each year.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 (Scholarship Central) Non-Renewable
$650–$2,800
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with merit and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Meet with UND's study abroad office, then apply through Scholarship Central. Search "study abroad" for department-specific awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
UND offers several study abroad scholarships through Scholarship Central, from department awards in business, communication and languages to general travel awards. Most regular financial aid and merit scholarships can also be applied to study abroad.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who have already met with a study abroad advisor and can explain how the program fits their academic goals. Some awards require an essay.
The resident-tuition benefit for contracted cadets applies on top of other UND aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for a national ROTC scholarship in senior year, or join ROTC at UND and pursue a campus-based scholarship. Contact UND's Army or Air Force ROTC office for timelines.
💡
Strategic Detail
Army and Air Force ROTC scholarships can cover tuition, and contracted cadets at UND pay North Dakota resident tuition no matter where they are from. UND's Army ROTC also pays 100% of associated flight fees for contracted cadets in its flight training program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students willing to commit to military service after graduation who meet ROTC fitness and academic standards.
Data last verified Oct 19, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Hidden Gems FAQ
Are there scholarships for first-generation students at UND?
Yes. The Ralph Engelstad Underrepresented Scholarship pays up to $5,000 a year to TRIO-eligible freshmen (first-generation or low-income) with a 3.0+ GPA in majors like business, engineering, nursing and the sciences. It renews for up to eight semesters and requires a FAFSA, an essay and a recommender.
What is the Engelstad Late Bloomer Scholarship?
It’s at least $5,000 a year for 3 to 5 incoming freshmen with a 2.5+ GPA in an eligible major who show character, leadership and service. It replaces the automatic award instead of stacking, which makes it a strong fit for students below the 3.50 automatic cutoff.
Is there extra money for aviation students?
Yes. The Al & Beulah Hillstrom Aerospace Scholarship lists $14,500 for unmanned aircraft systems and space studies students, with preference for students from rural North Dakota. Scholarship Central also lists dozens of smaller aviation awards. Army ROTC is worth a look too, since it pays flight fees for contracted cadets.
Does joining the marching band come with money?
Several donor scholarships go to Pride of the North band members, usually $350 to $1,000. There’s no audition to join the marching band, and students of any major can participate.
Can my student use scholarships for study abroad?
Yes. UND has study abroad scholarships in Scholarship Central (most due Mar 1), and most regular aid and merit scholarships can be applied to study abroad too.
UND has an Honors Program (not a separate Honors College). Students apply after they’re admitted to UND, write an essay, and choose between two honors tracks. It’s a smaller community inside a big school, with its own courses and a living and learning community.
Priority date: December 1. This is the date that matters for the Honors scholarship.
Final deadline: May 1
To stay in good standing: a 3.2 GPA once enrolled
Honors Scholarships & National Fellowships
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Program Tuition Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 ✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.2+ GPA👥 ~~25% of incoming Honors students winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with UND automatic and competitive merit awards, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
$4,000 total ($1,000 a year for up to four years) for selected Honors students. There is no separate application; applying to the Honors Program by the Dec 1 priority date puts a student in the running. Renewal requires a 3.2 GPA, at least one Honors class each semester and progress through the program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
About 25% of Honors students hold this scholarship in a given semester. Most offers go to incoming students who apply to Honors by Dec 1; leftover funds go to current students.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
National Scholarships & Fellowships Office (Advising)
📅 Deadline: Varies by award (typically Oct–Feb) Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
External awards typically stack with UND scholarships, subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Contact UND's academic support and fellowship opportunities coordinator (Yee Han Chu) through the Experiential Learning Center in McCannel Hall, ideally 6 to 12 months before a program deadline. Most national deadlines fall between October and February.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
UND's National Scholarships and Fellowships office coaches students through external awards like Goldwater, Truman, Fulbright, Gilman and the Critical Language Scholarship. The money comes from outside agencies, not UND. In 2025-26, UND students and faculty won 19 nationally competitive awards, including UND's fifth Goldwater Scholar and its first Astronaut Scholar.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong grades, a clear research or service story and faculty backing who start early. Coaching from the coordinator makes a real difference.
Data last verified Oct 19, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Deadline Note: The Honors Tuition Scholarship ($4,000 over four years) has no separate application. Students who apply to Honors by December 1 are considered automatically. About one in four Honors students holds the award, and most offers go to incoming students who applied early.
A Small School Advantage for National Awards
UND’s national scholarships office gives one-on-one coaching for awards like Goldwater, Fulbright, Gilman and the Critical Language Scholarship. In 2025–2026, UND students and faculty won 19 nationally competitive awards. That included UND’s fifth Goldwater Scholar and its first Astronaut Scholar.
Honors Program FAQs (University of North Dakota)
Is UND’s Honors Program admission automatic?
No. Students apply after being admitted to UND and write an essay as part of the Honors application.
Does the Honors Program come with a scholarship?
It can. A limited number of $4,000 Honors Tuition Scholarships ($1,000 a year) go to top applicants who apply by December 1. Renewal requires a 3.2 GPA, at least one Honors class each semester and steady progress through the program.
Does the Honors scholarship stack with the automatic award?
Yes. It’s added on top of UND’s automatic and other awards, up to the cost of attendance.
Can out-of-state students join Honors?
Yes. Honors is open to any admitted UND student, and current or transfer students can apply too.
Who helps with Fulbright or Goldwater applications?
UND’s academic support and fellowship opportunities coordinator works with students one-on-one. Start 6 to 12 months before a deadline, since most national deadlines fall between October and February.
If you’ve heard of UND outside the Upper Midwest, there’s a good chance it was because of airplanes, or hockey. The academic side is anchored by aerospace, and that’s what draws students from all over the country to Grand Forks. Beyond that, it’s a full research university with the state’s only medical school, a law school and strong engineering, nursing and business programs.
Nationally Known Program: John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences: Commercial aviation, air traffic management, aviation management, unmanned aircraft systems, atmospheric sciences and space studies all live here. UND’s Army ROTC runs a flight training program that UND describes as the only one in the country certifying cadets in both rotary wing and unmanned aircraft operations. Just know that aviation has its own tuition, extra flight costs and its own application window.
Engineering & Mines: Chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, petroleum and geological engineering, along with the Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering. The energy industry ties are strong.
Health Sciences & Nursing: UND is home to North Dakota’s medical school, plus nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies and medical lab science. That makes it a natural landing spot for pre-health students.
Business: The Nistler College of Business & Public Administration offers accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain and more, plus an aviation business emphasis that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Education: Elementary, early childhood, middle level and secondary education programs that feed classrooms across the region.
🔗 Official University of North Dakota Links
Use UND’s official pages below to double-check admissions steps, scholarship rules, costs and tuition agreements. When anything on this page and UND’s site disagree, go with UND.
Here’s the honest picture of UND. It’s easy to get into, and the automatic award is simple: a GPA number, a Feb 1 deadline and no essays. The out-of-state premium is gentler than at most flagships, so a family in Ohio or Texas isn’t paying double. Minnesota families can get close to in-state pricing, as long as somebody remembers to file that reciprocity form.
The two places families get surprised are aviation and stacking. If your student wants to fly, budget for a completely different price and look hard at Army ROTC and the aerospace scholarships. And before saying yes to Presidential Leadership Fellows or the Late Bloomer award, do the math against the automatic award. Then have your student spend one evening on the Scholarship Central General Application, because that’s where first-gen students, band kids and future engineers find the money most families never claim.
Your kid did everything right. That does not mean the money follows.
Most families build a college list first and think about scholarships second, which is backwards. This free four-part series shows you where the money actually comes from, and how to build a list around it.
After the series, about once a month, sometimes twice during application season. No drip funnels, no affiliate pitches, and we never sell your information. Unsubscribe anytime.
Leo Dimilo
Leo built CollegeReadyParent after going through the college money maze with his own daughter. He writes plain-English guides for middle-income and first-generation families, with no paywall and no sales pitch. More about Leo →
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