Public Four-Year Universities in North Dakota

University of North Dakota

Overview

The University of North Dakota (UND), founded in 1883, is the state’s oldest and largest university. Known for its comprehensive academic programs, research initiatives, and vibrant campus life, UND is a flagship institution that plays a crucial role in the educational and economic landscape of North Dakota.

Location

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Enrollment

Approximately 13,000 students

Academic Programs

UND offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its 10 colleges and schools:

• College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Business & Public Administration
• College of Education & Human Development
• College of Engineering & Mines
• College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines
• John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
• School of Graduate Studies
• School of Law
• School of Medicine & Health Sciences
• School of Public Health

The university is particularly known for its programs in aerospace sciences, engineering, nursing, and business. The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is among the most notable and is recognized globally for its aviation programs.

Research and Innovation

UND is a leader in research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Energy & Environmental Research Center, the Center for Rural Health, and the Human Nutrition Research Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and engineering to social sciences and the arts.

Campus Life

UND provides a dynamic campus life with over 250 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks compete in the NCAA Division I in the Summit League and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is a central part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan, NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg, and NFL player Jim Kleinsasser. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, science, business, and sports.

North Dakota State University

Overview

North Dakota State University (NDSU), founded in 1890, is a public research university known for its strong emphasis on agricultural sciences, engineering, and business. NDSU is recognized for its innovative research, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

Fargo, North Dakota

Enrollment

Approximately 12,000 students

Academic Programs

NDSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its eight colleges:

• College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources
• College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Engineering
• College of Health Professions
• College of Human Sciences and Education
• College of Science and Mathematics
• Graduate School

The university is particularly known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and health sciences. The College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering are among the most distinguished.

Research and Innovation

NDSU is at the forefront of research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the NDSU Research and Technology Park, the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, and the Institute for Cyber Security Education and Research. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from agricultural sciences and engineering to health sciences and the humanities.

Campus Life

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 300 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as engineering fairs, entrepreneurship competitions, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The NDSU Bison compete in the NCAA Division I in the Summit League and the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad, professional wrestler Brock Lesnar, and NFL player Carson Wentz. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, business, and the arts.

Minot State University

Overview

Minot State University (MSU), founded in 1913, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on education, business, and the health sciences. MSU offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Minot, North Dakota

Enrollment

Approximately 3,000 students

Academic Programs

MSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its three colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Education and Health Sciences

The university is particularly known for its programs in education, nursing, business, and the liberal arts. The College of Education and Health Sciences and the College of Business are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

MSU is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities and the Rural Crime and Justice Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and business to education and the arts.

Campus Life

MSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 50 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The MSU Beavers compete in NCAA Division II in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, Olympic gold medalist Becky Hammon, and country music artist Gwen Sebastian. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, entertainment, and education.

Dickinson State University

Overview

Dickinson State University (DSU), founded in 1918, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on education, business, and the liberal arts. DSU offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Dickinson, North Dakota

Enrollment

Approximately 1,400 students

Academic Programs

DSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its three academic divisions:

• Division of Agriculture, Nursing, and Allied Health
• Division of Arts and Letters
• Division of Business and Management
• Division of Education, Arts, and Letters

The university is particularly known for its programs in education, business, agriculture, and the liberal arts. The Division of Business and Management and the Division of Education, Arts, and Letters are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

DSU is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Theodore Roosevelt Center and the Agriculture and Technical Studies Program. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from agricultural sciences and business to education and the arts.

Campus Life

DSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 30 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The DSU Blue Hawks compete in the NAIA in the North Star Athletic Association. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, rodeo, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Drew Wrigley, professional rodeo cowboy Ty Breuer, and educator and author Dr. Clayton Collier. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, education, and business.

Valley City State University

Overview

Valley City State University (VCSU), founded in 1890, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on teacher education, technology, and the liberal arts. VCSU offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Valley City, North Dakota

Enrollment

Approximately 1,500 students

Academic Programs

VCSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its three schools:

• School of Education and Graduate Studies
• School of Business
• School of Arts and Sciences

The university is particularly known for its programs in teacher education, business, and the liberal arts. The School of Education and Graduate Studies and the School of Business are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

VCSU is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Prairie Waters Education and Research Center and the Great Plains STEM Education Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from education and business to environmental sciences and the arts.

Campus Life

VCSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 40 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The VCSU Vikings compete in the NAIA in the North Star Athletic Association. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former North Dakota Governor William Langer, NFL player Mark McMillan, and professional basketball player Jordan Wilhelm. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, education, and business.

Mayville State University

Overview

Mayville State University (MSU), founded in 1889, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on teacher education, business, and the liberal arts. MSU offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Mayville, North Dakota

Enrollment

Approximately 1,200 students

Academic Programs

MSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its three divisions:

• Division of Education and Psychology
• Division of Liberal Arts
• Division of Business

The university is particularly known for its programs in teacher education, business, and the liberal arts. The Division of Education and Psychology and the Division of Business are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

MSU is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Child Development Programs and the Center for Teaching Excellence. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from education and business to psychology and the arts.

Campus Life

MSU provides a vibrant campus life with over 20 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The MSU Comets compete in the NAIA in the North Star Athletic Association. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former North Dakota State Senator Larry Luick, professional baseball player Bill Gullickson, and educator and author Dr. Ardell Morgan. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, education, and business.