Colleges and universities in North Dakota facts for kids

North Dakota State University

Have you ever wondered what happens after high school? Many students choose to go to a college or university. These are places where you can learn even more about subjects you love, prepare for exciting jobs, and meet new friends. North Dakota has many great schools for students to choose from!

What Are Colleges and Universities?

Colleges and universities are special schools you can attend after finishing high school. They offer different types of learning programs. Some schools, called colleges, might focus on specific skills or shorter programs. Universities often offer a wider range of subjects and longer programs, like bachelor's or master's degrees. Both help you gain knowledge and skills for your future.

Public vs. Private Schools

In North Dakota, just like in other places, there are two main types of colleges and universities: public and private.

• Public schools get some of their money from the state government. This often means they can offer lower tuition fees, making them more affordable for students. They are usually larger and have many different programs.
• Private schools get their money mostly from student tuition and donations. They don't rely on state funding. Private schools can sometimes be smaller and might have a special focus, like a religious background or a specific type of study.

Public Colleges and Universities in North Dakota

North Dakota has a strong system of public colleges and universities. Many of these schools are part of the North Dakota University System. This system helps all the public schools work together.

Here are some of the public colleges and universities you can find in North Dakota:

• Bismarck State College
• Dickinson State University
• Lake Region State College
• Mayville State University
• Minot State University
• Minot State University-Bottineau
• North Dakota State University (NDSU) - Located in Fargo, NDSU is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and agriculture.
• North Dakota State College of Science
• University of North Dakota (UND) - Located in Grand Forks, UND is the state's oldest university and offers many programs, including law and medicine.
• Valley City State University
• Williston State College

Besides the North Dakota University System schools, there are also several important public tribal colleges in the state. These colleges are special because they are often connected to Native American tribes and offer unique cultural programs.

• Cankdeska Cikana Community College
• Fort Berthold Community College
• Sitting Bull College
• Turtle Mountain Community College
• United Tribes Technical College

Private Colleges and Universities in North Dakota

North Dakota also has several private colleges that offer different learning experiences. These schools often have smaller class sizes and a unique campus feel.

Here are some of the private colleges in North Dakota:

• Aakers Business College
• Jamestown College (now known as the University of Jamestown)
• Trinity Bible College
• University of Mary