North Dakota State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
North Dakota State admits most applicants, but it still requires test scores, so the exam is part of the checklist, not something to ignore. Since 52% submit ACT scores, use the ACT middle range of 19-25 as your planning target and aim toward the top if your GPA is near the average 3.52.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
North Dakota State University facts and stats
North Dakota State University enrolls 9,762 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. North Dakota State has a 78% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 64% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. North Dakota State is test-required for admissions.
Fargo, ND
How do your scores compare at North Dakota State?

Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key North Dakota State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because North Dakota State is test-required, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year for any retake, since the Regular Decision deadline is August 1 and fall retakes will be too late for admission.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at North Dakota State University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
North Dakota State is a public Summit League university with in-state tuition of $9,309 and out-of-state tuition of $13,963. About 46% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $3,238. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

At North Dakota State, out-of-state tuition is $13,963, while in-state tuition is $9,309, with room and board adding $10,228. About 46% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $15,757. Merit awards average $3,238, which can help reduce costs for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $33,062.
Student life at North Dakota State University
37% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 10% of men join fraternities, and 5% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, NDAcceptance rate: 86.7%
ACT: 16–22
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, NDAcceptance rate: 37%
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
New Town, NDAcceptance rate: 60.1%
University of Jamestown
Jamestown, NDAcceptance rate: 88.1%
Ready to fit North Dakota State University's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.
