Colleges in North Dakota
College is a major investment. Students and families should have clear information before choosing a school. If you are comparing affordable colleges in North Dakota, Dickinson State University is a public university option worth reviewing early in your search.
Dickinson State University provides clear tuition, fee, housing, dining, scholarship, financial aid, and cost-of-attendance information to help students understand what college may cost.
An affordable public university option in North Dakota
DSU helps students compare costs, understand financial aid, and plan for the full cost of attendance. When reviewing affordability, remember that tuition is only one part of the total cost. Scholarships, financial aid, housing choices, dining choices, books, transportation, and personal expenses can all affect the final amount.
View DSU tuition and cost information.
DSU’s New North Dakotan Rate
DSU’s New North Dakotan Rate expands the undergraduate resident tuition rate to students from all U.S. states and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
That means many students who might normally expect to pay a higher nonresident tuition rate can review DSU’s resident tuition information when estimating their cost.
Learn more about the New North Dakotan Rate.
Understand the full cost of college
When comparing affordable colleges in North Dakota, do not look at tuition alone. The total cost of attendance may include:
- Tuition
- Mandatory fees
- Housing
- Dining or meal plans
- Books and course materials
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Program-specific fees
- Indirect costs
DSU’s cost of attendance information is an estimate. Actual costs can vary based on the number of credits enrolled in, housing and dining selections, program requirements, and personal expenses.
Ways to make DSU more affordable
Apply for scholarships
Scholarships can help reduce the cost of college. DSU offers scholarship information for new, transfer, returning, and other eligible students. Students should review scholarship opportunities early and pay attention to eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Apply for financial aid
Financial aid can include grants, loans, work opportunities, and other funding sources. DSU’s Financial Aid staff can help students complete FAFSA forms, understand paying for college, manage money, and learn about grants, loans, and other funding options.
Learn about DSU financial aid.
Use the net price calculator
A net price calculator can help students and families estimate college costs after possible grant and scholarship aid.
Use DSU’s net price calculator.
Consider online or distance options
Students who study online or through distance options may be able to reduce some relocation or commuting costs depending on their situation. DSU offers online and distance learning options for students who need flexibility.
Explore DSU online and distance learning.
Explore dual credit and early entry
High school students may be eligible to take college courses through dual credit or early entry. Earning college credit before graduating high school may help students make progress toward a future degree.
Learn about DSU options for high school students.
Questions to ask when comparing affordable colleges
- What is the tuition rate for my residency status?
- Are mandatory fees charged per credit?
- Are fees capped after a certain number of credits?
- What scholarships am I eligible for?
- What financial aid options are available?
- Are there program-specific fees?
- What housing and dining options are available?
- Can I complete part or all of my program online?
- What is the estimated cost after scholarships and financial aid?
Why DSU is worth considering
Dickinson State University combines affordability with academic options, student support, online and distance flexibility, and a public university experience. For students comparing affordable colleges in North Dakota, DSU should be part of the conversation.
Take the next step
Review DSU’s tuition and cost information, explore scholarships and financial aid, and connect with Admissions to estimate your cost.
View Tuition and Cost | Estimate Your Cost | Explore Scholarships | Learn About Financial Aid | Apply to DSU
Frequently asked questions
Is Dickinson State University affordable?
Dickinson State University provides official tuition, fees, housing, dining, cost-of-attendance, scholarship, and financial aid information to help students compare affordability.
Does DSU offer in-state tuition to students outside North Dakota?
DSU’s New North Dakotan Rate expands the resident tuition rate to students from all U.S. states and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
What costs should I compare besides tuition?
Compare tuition, fees, housing, dining, books, transportation, personal expenses, program-specific fees, scholarships, and financial aid.
Where can I find DSU scholarship information?
DSU scholarship information is available on the DSU Scholarships page.
Who can help me understand financial aid?
DSU’s Financial Aid staff can help students understand FAFSA forms, paying for college, grants, loans, and other funding options.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Students should confirm current program requirements, tuition and fees, scholarship opportunities, financial aid details, and admissions information using official Dickinson State University resources and the academic catalog.