Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Grand Forks, North Dakota
77.1% Acceptance Rate
University of North Dakota — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
77.1%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1200Avg SAT
$24,580Annual Cost
$63,552Grad Salary
16.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
77.1%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1200
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1160–1230
Avg Net Price
$18,998
Need-Based Aid
16.5% receive Pell
University of North Dakota is a public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and regional service. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university provides a supportive campus environment that encourages critical inquiry, research, and professional preparation. Its focus on providing an accessible, high-value education makes it a reliable and effective choice for students aiming to achieve their academic and professional goals.
University of North Dakota Acceptance Rate
University of North Dakota maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 77.1%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 77.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of North Dakota GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of North Dakota is 3.5. University of North Dakota is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.70-3.90 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.20 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of North Dakota GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of North Dakota utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- General first-year admission requires no essay and is largely test-optional, with an acceptance rate around 77%; Aviation Management and Commercial Aviation (Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences) operate on a closed, defined annual application window (e.g., Aug. 1-Oct. 31 for the following fall) - not standard rolling admission
- Aviation programs require a 3.25+ unweighted high school GPA (freshmen) or 2.60 college GPA (transfers), official transcripts with core coursework completed, and a senior course schedule; admission decisions communicated no later than January
- UND's aerospace program is nationally recognized for offering one of the highest levels of flight training in the industry, distinct from its other strong programs (business, engineering and mines, medicine and health sciences)
- A student researching UND aviation outside the defined application window may find the program simply unavailable to apply to that cycle, regardless of academic qualifications - a structural difference from UND's otherwise broadly accessible general admission
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of North Dakota
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of North Dakota's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of North Dakota Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into University of North Dakota Without SAT or ACT?
University of North Dakota does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
University of North Dakota Average SAT Score: 1200
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of North Dakota is 1200 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1200 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1200 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of North Dakota allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1160, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of North Dakota. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1200 | 1160 | 1230 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1160 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of North Dakota and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1230 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into University of North Dakota with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of North Dakota are good but the admission staff at University of North Dakota tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of North Dakota
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of North Dakota is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
For Aviation Management or Commercial Aviation, treat the program as a once-a-year, closed-cycle competitive admission - not standard rolling general admission
UND's Aviation Management and Commercial Aviation programs (part of the nationally recognized John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences) only accept applications during a defined annual window (recently Aug. 1-Oct. 31 for the following fall, with the 2026 cycle already closed and the next opening for fall 2027), requiring a 3.25+ unweighted high school GPA (2.60 college GPA for transfer students) - meaning a student researching UND aviation outside this window may find applications entirely unavailable, not just past a soft deadline. A family interested in these programs must build their entire application timeline around this specific annual window rather than assuming UND's generally accessible rolling admission applies here.
Don't assume "no essay required" extends to UND's specialty aerospace programs - confirm program-specific requirements separately
UND's general first-year admission requires no personal essay and is largely test-optional, but specific competitive programs (including aviation) layer additional requirements (specific GPA thresholds, senior course schedules, official transcripts with core coursework completed) on top of this otherwise low-friction baseline. A student aiming for the Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences should specifically verify aviation-program requirements with UND admissions directly rather than assuming the university's broadly accessible general-admission reputation extends to this nationally recognized, capacity-limited program.
For transfer students into aviation programs, know the GPA bar is meaningfully different than for incoming freshmen
UND's aviation programs require a 2.60 college GPA specifically for transfer applicants - a notably lower threshold than the 3.25 unweighted high school GPA required of incoming freshmen - reflecting a different evaluation standard for students with existing college coursework versus those applying directly from high school. A community-college student considering a transfer into UND aviation should calculate their college GPA against this specific 2.60 threshold rather than assuming the freshman 3.25 standard applies to their situation.
Plan around the January admission-decision timeline for aviation specifically, distinct from UND's typical rolling notification pace
UND states aviation admission decisions for the closed fall application cycle will be communicated no later than January of the admission year - a longer, more structured decision timeline than UND's general rolling-admission process (which typically returns decisions faster). A family should set realistic expectations around this January timeline specifically for aviation applicants, rather than assuming the same quick turnaround as UND's general admission process.
Expert Insight:
A family researching UND aviation programs online may encounter outdated information about open, year-round application availability, since these specific competitive programs operate on a tightly defined, closed annual cycle (e.g., 2026 cycle closed Oct. 31, 2025, next opening Aug. 1, 2026 for fall 2027) - entirely different from UND's broadly accessible general-admission reputation (~77% acceptance rate, test-optional, no essay). Confirm current cycle status directly with UND Admissions before building any timeline around these specific aviation programs.
University of North Dakota Profile
Full Name
University of North Dakota
City
Grand Forks
State
North Dakota
ZIP Code
58202-8193
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of North Dakota Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of North Dakota can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of North Dakota offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of North Dakota is $56,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.13%.
How much does a degree from University of North Dakota Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of North Dakota is $24,580. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of North Dakota is $18,998.
16.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 42.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of North Dakota and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of North Dakota, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of North Dakota as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of North Dakota Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $63,552. An average University of North Dakota graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Dakota. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 1184 | 24 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of North Dakota. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Dakota. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
Degree Programs at University of North Dakota
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of North Dakota →
Frequently Asked Questions About University of North Dakota Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63,552 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24,580 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
16.5% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of North Dakota is 77.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.2, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of North Dakota is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1200 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1160–1230.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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