Founded in 1890, North Dakota State University-Main Campus. is a Public college. Located in North Dakota, which is a city setting in North Dakota, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 12,010 full time undergraduate students, and 2,422 full time graduate students.
The North Dakota State University-Main Campus Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 569 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at North Dakota State University-Main Campus include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
92%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
35
SAT Range
1000-1290
ACT Range
21-26
Admissions at NDSU are considered Less Selective, with ,56% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 49 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
77% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 42% were in the top quarter, and 17% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
39%
“We know about current events and vote”
59%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
2%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
69%
“I feel extremely safe”
2%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
4%
“We bought the gear”
94%
“We live for the big game”
10%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
65%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
8%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
31%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
25%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
69%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
36%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
26%
“We only party on weekends”
34%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
16%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
66%
“There might be people who do”
18%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
39%
“We know about current events and vote”
59%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
2%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
24%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
29%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
69%
“I feel extremely safe”
2%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
4%
“We bought the gear”
94%
“We live for the big game”
10%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
65%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
8%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
31%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
25%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
69%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
156 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
121 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
162 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
164 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
164 Students rated class size 3.9 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
162 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
164 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
165 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
North Dakota State University-Main Campus REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
72 Students rated North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Riley - 03/25/2025
The campus was super nice and big. I loved all the facilities, games, and activities they had. They have a bowling alley on campus that you can rent for super cheap, pool tables, foosball, and an esports team. They also have a robotics in three days club which is super cool. I enjoyed on campus. The only thing I didnt like was there is a nearby sugar beet factory and if it gets windy out you can smell the factory even though the factory is located further away from the school and not apart of it.
SJ - 11/30/2024
it can be difficult for out of state students and people of color to have solid community here. we have a lot of graduate students who are international and don't receive necessary funding to survive well out here, such a medical insurance, childcare, and accessible classes.
Emma - 11/28/2024
I thought NDSU was one of the cleanest campuses I have ever seen. Everyone there was extremely welcoming and open to answering any and every question we asked. The dorms are very nice, and the suites are beautiful. The student who gave our tour was amazing; she answered every question the parents and students asked. I especially loved that there are spaces to study all over campus.
Mackenzie - 10/29/2024
I loved the overall environment of the campus. It feels enclosed to the point where I would feel safe enough to walk around at night knowing it's mostly students like me. I love the sports life there. There facilities are huge. I'm so excited to go to games and to meet new people! The newer dorms there are nice too. Those are the ones I want to get in to. I also like how big the campus is and all the things you can be a part of. I lastly like how convenient the area around the campus is. The mall is 10 minutes away along with a bunch of places to eat.
Morgan - 05/31/2024
Attending North Dakota State University has been an enriching experience. The community is inclusive and diverse welcoming. There is an academic path for any and everyone here as well. The faculty is dedicated and supportive. There is just about every type of club you can imagine here, and lots of different minors and certificates to explore outside your major. I recommend North Dakota University, especially if you currently live in North Dakota or Minnesota.
Jesse - 12/17/2023
A great place to live, learn, and thrive. Various facilities and educational opportunities are available for all that attend this university. Professors are educated, understanding, and accepting of all different types of people and learners.
Emmanuel - 08/04/2023
I think NDSU is a great university for students who are interested in pursuing research, participating in extracurriculars, and getting quality education at an affordable price. Some of its strengths are its academic excellence and its research opportunities. They have a a high level of research activity and produces PhD graduates across a balanced portfolio of areas. They have some disadvantages as well like the location, weather, and diversity, considering NDSU is a predominantly white campus but overall, its a great university.
Miatta - 03/20/2023
In my opinion North Dakota State University is a very safe school and affordable school to attend. It is one of the top universities in Fargo, they give really good scholarships for different reasons. It is also a safe space to express how you feel in many different ways.
Kloe - 02/27/2023
I love it! Would 100% choose it again! The community is incredible, the facilities are great, and the dining center food is to die for. It is a pretty boring city over all, but NDSU always has something going on so I am rarely bored. I highly recommend choosing NDSU as you college campus.
Nikita - 01/17/2023
I personally believe it is a great school. The students are very welcoming, the faculty is always prepared to help students, and will do anything they can in order to help their students. Class sizes are relatively small, but not too small which makes learning a lot easier. Overall if someone is considering NDSU I would tell them to attend as long as they are fine with freezing temperatures.
Raquel - 06/14/2022
For someone looking to study in the field of architecture, North Dakota State University is 1 of a few schools in the great plains area that offers a Bachelor of Architecture program. My overall view of this school is positive however I did not have the best experience at this school. This school is ideal for someone who is a traditional student, who has their finances (tuition, room and board, everything in between) taken care of, and who are able to enjoy campus life. I think it is also a good fit for someone who might not mind being in an environment that doesn’t have a lot going on. This is a big sports school and outside of sports events and gatherings there isn’t much else to do unless you decide to be in a fraternity or sorority. Being a woman, Latina, and also a working student I found it extremely hard to through myself into this very traditional university/campus. The location of the school itself and the demographics of Fargo North Dakota does not offer much diversity, so it was tough finding a place where I felt “at home”. On top of the lack of diversity, it was hard to be a working student and be able to participate in student life, yet alone make new friends. Some positive things that I enjoyed and took advantage of was the bus system. All students were allowed free access to the city bus so long as they scanned their ID card. This was one thing that made it somewhat easier for me to get to my job although it took anywhere from 1-2hrs to get there. As far as living on campus goes, I lived in one of the skyrise’s in a suite with 4 other girls and a shared in-suite bathroom. There was a cleaner that came once a week to tend to the bathroom, sinks, and shower. I enjoyed making friends with my suitemates and would spend time with them regularly. Again, overall I had a good time there I just wish the school offered more diversity.
Courtney - 01/22/2022
It is a great campus, and you get to know a lot of people. However, it is super cold and windy here, even more than I thought. I would recommend a tour in the middle of winter just to see how cold it can get before you come here. I have learned a lot while here in so many aspects. Like I work at the wellness center and know about all of the fun intramurals and group fit classes that are offered. I also have some great professors all with different ways of taking the class, if that may be online, in person, or a mix of both. There are so many great people to meet here and there is always something going on for everyone.
Hannah - 08/25/2021
NDSU is overall a well kept, nice looking campus, easily walkable. I am not a fan of how the parking lots/permits are set up though - lots of walking no matter which one you pick, unless you pay for multiple. Sports, particularly football, is a big part of campus life. GO BISON!
Miranda - 07/26/2021
I believe that North Dakota State University is a very particular school that is meant for particular students. It is a very controversial place when it comes to political opinions and how students interact with each other. Definitely meant for the cowboys of the state!
Favour - 04/03/2021
North Dakota state university is fairly big and I enjoyed the interactions with the teachers. It is a predominately white school so only 25% or less or black or other ethnicities. It is a good school for resource programs and they are also very good at sports like football and basketball. Their housing is not that great but they are renovating and building new things which is good. The food at North Dakota State University is awesome.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for North Dakota State University-Main Campus is 92%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Get to know yourself. Get clear on the unique gifts you have to give to the world and your passions. Notice what lights you up and trust that feeling. Once you have strong clarity around who you are and what you want, then decide what university, what degree...what path aligns with those desires. You'll be encourage to go about this process the other way around. Most people will try to convince you that the path is what you need to decide on first. Then, you will be asked to try to make your gifts, passions, and desires work on that particular path. And, if they don't, you'll be encouraged to set them aside. I'm here to tell you: DON'T set them aside. There's power in passion. There are gifts only you are meant to give to the world. There are reasons you have certain desires. This is an amazing time to not only investigate the options available to you, but also to investigate "the you" who has all these options. Conscious engagement in the process is key.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
The most unique thing about NDSU rather than other schools is that you are able to get the small-town feel while living in the city. Fargo is a nice community and there is not as much crime as in bigger cities. Also, people up here are very nice; the most common term for people up here is "Minnesota or North Dakota nice". People who are not from around here always comment on how friendly people are here and if you need anything there is always someone to help, all you have to do is just ask.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
There is absolutely no one who cannot fit in here at NDSU. There are so many people with every kind of personality, ethnicity, and religion. Of course, the best way to ensure you fit in is to be friendly and laid back. Don't sweat the small stuff, try not to judge others, and don't be scared to talk to the person sitting next to you. Even after only one semester here, I have friends in almost every class. As long as you make a small effort, people here are very easy to reach out to. :)
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
I love to tell people how much there is to do even though its North Dakota. Everyone who comes seems to think that North Dakota is so boring, but there's ALWAYS something to do either here on the North Dakota State University campus or in the Fargo-Moorhead area. I also love to brag about the many organizations that are on campus here, theres more than 280 student led organizations! It's CRAZY!! Plus, it's the best school to go to for majors and job placements in North Dakota!!!! GO BISON!!!!!!!!
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I would have known how much I would enjoy college and college life at NDSU, because then my decision to attend NDSU would have been a lot easier and less stressful.
I think our school is best known for its athletics. Our basketball, football, and volleyball teams have all done well in the past. Our school has a lot of school spirit, even if the teams dont always do the best. We take pride in our university and like to show that to everyone.
Any person who wants to achieve their best and enjoy their college experience should attend NDSU. The science and math departments are very strong and have very well educated professors and teaching assistants running them. If a student is interested in entering a scietific or mathmatical field, they chould come to NDSU
The best thing about this school is that it makes me feel comfortable. I have been to other colleges and when I started at this one, I just knew that this is where I fit in.
The only complaint I can think of that I have heard was that the school is kind of big, this is true. The students who do not go here do not know how great that is. I understand that some people do not like big schools, but here there are a number of classes and majors that you can choose that offer smaller classes and the opportunity to be known by your classmates and professor. However, one thing I like is a combination of big and small classes as I have had at least one of each every semester and the best part is that you have a copious amount of people to make friends with.
If you want a school with a lot of Bison pride, you have found the right one.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
I haven't had the opportunity to see stereotypes because of the diversity on campus. There are so many things to do or be involved in that you really do have an almost unlimited choice. If you don't see the one thing you want on our student activities list, students are allowed to stop by the Student Activities office and start another club.
I decided to go to NDSU because it was close to home and they had a lot of majors to choose from. I also like the atmosphere I felt when I toured campus. I decided to stay at NDSU because I was thrilled with the quality of my classes and how helpful the staff and professors were.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
90% of students attending North Dakota State University-Main Campus receive some sort of financial aid.
22% were awarded federal grants.62%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
