University of North Dakota 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: ~86%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160
- Average GPA: 3.55
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of North Dakota at a Glance
North Dakota is one of those schools that flies under the radar—but for the right student, the numbers can make a lot of sense. Between automatic merit, Minnesota reciprocity, and MSEP discounts, a lot of families end up paying close to in-state rates without needing perfect stats. Add in lower housing costs, and this is one of the more predictable, budget-friendly options in the Midwest.
The students who win here are the ones who want a straightforward path: solid academics, a clear scholarship structure, and strong career-focused programs like aviation, engineering, or nursing. If your goal is to avoid surprises and lock in a manageable price early, UND is the kind of school where you can actually plan the cost instead of guessing.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of North Dakota is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23; SAT: 1160.
Average net price? About $15,803/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in msep.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Dakota 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) | $11,394 | $26,034 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $9,948 | $9,948 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $21,342 | $35,982 |
Average Federal Net Price: $15,803 — 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.
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 2026–2027 academic year and updated annually when new data is posted by UND’s Financial Aid Office.
Official Cost of Attendance: 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 2026–2027. 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.