With all of the graduate school options in North Dakota, it can be hard to know where to start. Our ranking highlights **3** schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology.
To arm you with the information you need, College Factual evaluated 3 graduate schools on more than 20 objective measures such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, and per-student spending, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Learn more about our ranking methodology.
Starting Salaries
The top-ranked graduate schools span the following early-career salary range:
Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best graduate school in North Dakota. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates report median early-career earnings of $54,076. The median student debt is $25,153.
The strong outcomes at University Of North Dakota earned it the #2 place in North Dakota. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. About 60% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,378 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete a degree here.
The strong outcomes at University Of Mary earned it the #3 place in North Dakota. Based in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. Median early-career earnings reach $65,565. Typical student debt is $26,983.
Out of the 3 graduate schools in North Dakota in this year's ranking, Jamestown College landed the #4 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jamestown, ND. Jamestown College graduates 49% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $24,990 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,681 early in their careers. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked graduate schools only.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and per-student spending drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
With all of the graduate school options in North Dakota, it can be hard to know where to start. Our ranking highlights **3** schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology.
