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Public
Medium
Summit League

North Dakota State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1130 to 1430
ACT Range19 to 25
Average GPA3.52
Acceptance Rate95%

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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Fargo, ND

Undergrad Enrollment9,762
Freshman Retention78%
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio17:1
Graduation Rate64%
Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at North Dakota State?

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Key North Dakota State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

House illustration
In-State Tuition$9,309
Out-of-State Tuition$13,963
Room and Board$10,228
Average Merit Award$3,238
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid46%
Average Aid Package$15,757
Average Debt at Grad$33,062

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

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Marching band
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Pep band
Symphony orchestra
Dance
Musical theater
Opera
Music ensembles
Student government
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

37% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Coed
Men only
Women only
Living-learning
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 10% of men join fraternities, and 5% of women join sororities.

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