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 runs an open-access admission policy — with a 77.1% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of North Dakota Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of North Dakota is August 15 for Regular applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 13 days left — Regular
Regular
August 15
Spring
December 15
Priority
February 1
Summer
May 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of North Dakota GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of North Dakota is 3.5. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.20 and 3.5? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.70–3.90.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.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- 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 verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review 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
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of North Dakota is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of North Dakota Without SAT or ACT?
University of North Dakota neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average — otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
University of North Dakota Average SAT Score: 1200
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of North Dakota is 1200 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1200 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT) to stand out. Below average? University of North Dakota allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1160, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of North Dakota. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's 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 |
Below 1160, you're behind most admitted students; at 1230 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into University of North Dakota with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of North Dakota's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
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. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in 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?
At $24,580/year against a $63,552 median graduate salary, University of North Dakota is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $56,700, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.13%.
How much does a degree from University of North Dakota Cost?
The sticker price is $24,580/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is closer to $18,998.
16.5% of students receive a Pell Grant and 42.5% take federal loans at University of North Dakota — file your FAFSA early and list University of North Dakota as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of North Dakota Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $63,552 — about 57% above the U.S. median graduate income.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About University of North Dakota Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of North Dakota run about $63,552 a year.
At about $24,580 a year, University of North Dakota is on the more affordable end.
University of North Dakota's Pell Grant rate of 16.5% sits below the national average — merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 77.1%, University of North Dakota's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of North Dakota average a 3.5 GPA.
University of North Dakota doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.2 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.1, University of North Dakota becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of North Dakota — aim above 1200, ideally within the 1160–1230 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of North Dakota is August 15 for Regular applicants.
The application fee is 35. Fee waivers may be available — check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all North Dakota Colleges
Average SAT Score of North Dakota Colleges
Average ACT Score
Admissions deadlines of Colleges in North Dakota
Bachelor Programs in North Dakota
Test Optional Colleges in North Dakota
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Rolling Admissions Colleges in North Dakota