- Snapshot Card
- Start Here
- North Dakota State University Online Master's Programs at a Glance
- Quick Decision Guide
- What North Dakota State University Is Known For
- Online Master's Programs at North Dakota State University by Subject
- How North Dakota State University Compares
- Featured Programs and Top Picks
- Admissions Snapshot
- Tuition and Cost Overview
- Related Rankings
- Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota State University Snapshot Card
~12
Online master’s programs
$416 to $485
Per credit hour
—
Public university ranking
R1
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type:
Public, Land-Grant, R1
Regional accreditation:
HLC
Admissions model:
Rolling — multiple starts per year
GRE/GMAT required:
Not required
Out-of-state premium:
No — same rate for all students
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- ABET
- CACREP
- CCNE
- CEPH
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here
- Students who want R1 research credentials at a fraction of the cost charged by most R1 peers
- Working educators seeking CAEP-accredited programs with multiple specialization paths
- Engineers and technical professionals looking for flexible, applied graduate training
- Career changers pursuing health professions credentials (FNP, MPH) with strong programmatic accreditation
- Northern Plains residents who benefit from regional employer recognition and potential in-state tuition advantages
- Students who need strong national brand recognition for career advancement in competitive urban markets
- Learners seeking highly specialized niche programs outside NDSU’s core strengths (e.g., data science, cybersecurity, UX design)
- Professionals who want a large synchronous cohort experience with extensive peer networking
- Students who need a huge catalog of electives or interdisciplinary customization options
North Dakota State University Online Master’s Programs at a Glance
North Dakota State University is a public, land-grant R1 research university based in Fargo, North Dakota, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). NDSU offers approximately 12 online master’s programs spanning education, engineering, health professions, business, communication, and applied sciences — a focused portfolio that reflects the university’s land-grant emphasis on practical, career-connected graduate training rather than broad catalog coverage.
The institutional profile matters for prospective online students because NDSU pairs R1 research credentials — the highest Carnegie classification for doctoral research activity — with tuition rates that sit well below most peer R1 universities. Per-credit costs range from roughly $416 to $485 depending on the program, placing total degree costs between approximately $12,500 and $21,400 for most programs. That combination — genuine research-university faculty, programmatic accreditations from bodies like AACSB, CAEP, CCNE, and CEPH, and public-university pricing from a low-cost-of-living state — is the core value proposition.
NDSU’s online master’s portfolio is deliberately focused rather than sprawling. The university invests in areas where its land-grant strengths are deepest: educator preparation and leadership, multiple branches of engineering, public health, nursing, and a handful of distinctive applied programs like Family Financial Planning and Natural Resources Management. Students looking for breadth across dozens of fields will find a larger menu elsewhere. Students looking for affordable, accredited, research-backed programs in NDSU’s core areas will find a strong match.
Institutional Snapshot
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution Type | Public, Land-Grant, R1 Research University |
| Regional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Online Master’s Programs | ~12 |
| Primary Subject Strengths | Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Business, Applied Sciences |
| Notable Programmatic Accreditations | AACSB (Business), CAEP (Education), CCNE (Nursing), CEPH (Public Health), CFP Board (Financial Planning), ABET (Engineering undergrad) |
| Tuition Range (per credit) | $416–$485 |
| Estimated Total Cost Range | ~$12,480–$21,390 |
| Learning Format | Primarily asynchronous; some programs with synchronous or clinical components |
Quick Decision Guide
This guide is designed to help you determine — quickly — whether NDSU’s online master’s programs are worth investigating further or whether your time is better spent evaluating other institutions.
Quick Fit Summary: NDSU’s online master’s programs serve working professionals who want an affordable, accredited graduate degree from a genuine research university without paying research-university prices. The strongest fit is for students pursuing careers in education, engineering, health professions, or business who value practical program design over brand prestige.
Cost Signal: Per-credit rates range from $416 to $485. Most programs fall between $12,480 and $15,520 total, with the MSN-FNP reaching approximately $21,390 due to its higher credit-hour requirement. These figures place NDSU among the most affordable R1 online master’s options in the country.
Learning Model Signal: Most NDSU online programs are delivered asynchronously, meaning students can complete coursework on their own schedule within weekly deadlines. Some programs — particularly in nursing and public health — require clinical placements, practicums, or field experiences that involve in-person components arranged in the student’s local area.
Admissions Signal: Admissions are generally accessible. Many programs use rolling admissions and do not require the GRE or GMAT. Some engineering and health programs use deadline-based admissions cycles. The overall approach is practical and straightforward — designed to minimize barriers for working professionals.
Flexibility Signal: The majority of programs are part-time friendly with multiple start dates per year. Completion timelines typically range from 18 to 36 months, allowing students to pace their studies around professional and personal commitments.
Main Tradeoff: NDSU offers R1-quality programs at unusually low cost, but the tradeoff is a narrower program selection and lower national brand visibility compared to larger land-grant systems. If your field is in NDSU’s wheelhouse, the value is exceptional. If it’s not, you’ll need to look elsewhere
What North Dakota State University Is Known For
NDSU’s identity as a land-grant R1 research university isn’t just an institutional label — it shapes the kind of graduate education the university delivers. The land-grant mission means programs are designed with applied outcomes in mind: preparing teachers who will lead classrooms, engineers who will solve infrastructure problems, nurses who will serve rural and underserved communities, and business professionals who will manage real organizations. This is not a university optimized for theoretical research training at the master’s level. It’s a university optimized for professional competence backed by research rigor.
For online master’s students specifically, several institutional strengths matter:
Applied Sciences and Engineering Depth.
NDSU has one of the strongest engineering programs among Northern Plains universities, with ABET-accredited undergraduate programs feeding into graduate concentrations in civil, electrical, mechanical, industrial, and software engineering. Online master’s students benefit from faculty who maintain active research agendas in areas like infrastructure resilience, agricultural automation, and advanced manufacturing — fields where NDSU has genuine research output, not just course listings.
Education Program Accreditation.
NDSU’s education programs carry CAEP accreditation, which is the gold standard for educator preparation. The MEd offers concentrations spanning curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, reading education, special education, and STEM education — one of the broader concentration menus you’ll find at this price point. The MS in Educational Leadership specifically prepares candidates for principal licensure, though state reciprocity varies and students should verify requirements in their jurisdiction.
Health Professions Credentials.
The MSN-FNP program holds CCNE accreditation, and the MPH holds CEPH accreditation. Both are meaningful professional gates: employers and licensing boards recognize these accreditations as markers of program quality. In a crowded online nursing and public health landscape, accreditation status is one of the most reliable quality signals available to prospective students.
AACSB-Accredited MBA.
Only about 5% of the world’s business schools hold AACSB accreditation. NDSU’s MBA carries this credential at a total cost of approximately $15,520 — a price point that undercuts the vast majority of AACSB-accredited online MBAs nationally.
Regional Employer Relationships.
NDSU’s strongest employer connections run through the Northern Plains — North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and parts of the upper Midwest. For students building careers in this region, NDSU credentials carry significant weight. For students targeting major coastal metropolitan markets, the brand recognition is more limited.
Faculty Research Activity.
As an R1 institution, NDSU employs faculty who are active researchers. Online students may not participate in research labs, but they benefit from instructors whose teaching is informed by current disciplinary work rather than decades-old textbook material. In engineering and health sciences particularly, this distinction can mean exposure to emerging practices and evidence-based approaches that more teaching-focused institutions may not provide.
Online Master’s Programs at North Dakota State University by Subject
NDSU’s online master’s portfolio clusters around five subject areas. The table below captures every known online master’s program, followed by evaluative context for each subject grouping. Note that tuition rates and program details can change; verify current information directly with NDSU before making enrollment decisions.
| Program | Degree | Subject Area | Credits | $/Credit | Est. Total Cost | Accreditation | In-Person Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (MEd) | MEd | Education | 32 | $416 | $13,312 | CAEP | No |
| MS in Educational Leadership | MS | Education | 33 | $416 | $13,728 | CAEP | No |
| MS in Software Engineering | MS | Engineering | 31 | $485 | $15,035 | — | No |
| MS in Engineering | MS | Engineering | 31 | $485 | $15,035 | ABET (undergrad) | No |
| MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner | MSN | Nursing | 46 | $465 | $21,390 | CCNE | Yes |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | MPH | Healthcare | 42 | $416 | $17,472 | CEPH | Yes |
| MS in Gerontology | MS | Healthcare | 33 | $416 | $13,728 | — | No |
| MBA | MBA | Business | 32 | $485 | $15,520 | AACSB | No |
| MS in Merchandising | MS | Business | 30 | $416 | $12,480 | — | No |
| MS in Communication | MS | Communication | 33 | $416 | $13,728 | — | No |
| MS in Natural Resources Management | MS | Other | 30 | $416 | $12,480 | — | No |
| MS in Family Financial Planning | MS | Other | 30 | $416 | $12,480 | CFP Board Registered | No |
Education is arguably NDSU’s deepest online master’s investment. The MEd program alone offers five concentrations — Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Reading Education, Special Education, and STEM Education — providing a breadth of specialization options that many regional universities charge more for. Both the MEd and the MS in Educational Leadership carry CAEP accreditation, which matters for students seeking credentials that are broadly recognized by school districts and state licensing boards.
The MS in Educational Leadership is specifically designed as a pathway to principal licensure, though candidates must verify that NDSU’s program meets their state’s specific licensure requirements — a critical step given the variation in state-by-state reciprocity. At approximately $13,300–$13,700 total, these programs sit comfortably below the median cost for accredited online master’s in education nationally.
For a broader view of the online education landscape and how programs like NDSU’s stack up, explore the best online master’s in education programs or the OMC education subject hub for deeper comparisons.
Both programs use rolling admissions with no GRE requirement, which reduces barriers for working teachers who may be years removed from their undergraduate studies. The design is clearly optimized for practicing educators who want to advance their careers without pausing them.
NDSU offers two distinct online engineering pathways: the MS in Software Engineering (through the Computer Science department) and the broader MS in Engineering, which provides concentrations in Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Construction Management. Both programs cost approximately $15,035 total at $485 per credit.
The MS in Engineering’s breadth of concentrations is notable for an online program at this price point. Many R1 universities either don’t offer engineering master’s degrees online at all, or charge significantly more when they do. NDSU provides both thesis and non-thesis tracks, accommodating students who want a research component and those focused purely on professional development.
Admissions for engineering programs use deadline-based cycles rather than rolling admissions, and GRE requirements may vary by concentration — prospective students should check directly with the department. These programs draw on NDSU’s established engineering infrastructure, where undergraduate programs hold ABET accreditation and faculty maintain active research in areas relevant to Northern Plains industries including energy, agriculture technology, and infrastructure.
Students evaluating online engineering master’s programs more broadly should note that NDSU’s per-credit rate is substantially lower than most R1 competitors in this space, though the program selection is narrower than what you’d find at institutions like Purdue University or North Carolina State University.
NDSU’s health-related online master’s programs span three degrees across different career paths. The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is the most intensive and expensive (46 credits, ~$21,390 total), but carries CCNE accreditation and prepares graduates for advanced practice nursing roles with prescriptive authority. Clinical hours are required, and students must arrange placements in their local area — a common structure for online NP programs, but one that requires proactive planning.
The MPH program is CEPH-accredited, which is the recognized national accreditation for public health programs. At 42 credits and approximately $17,472 total, it costs less than many competing online MPH programs. A practicum or field experience is required, which adds a practical dimension but also means this isn’t a fully remote degree.
The MS in Gerontology rounds out the health portfolio as a fully online, interdisciplinary program focused on aging populations. At 33 credits and roughly $13,728, it targets a growing workforce need as the U.S. demographic shifts toward an older population. This program doesn’t require clinical placements, making it the most flexible of the three health offerings.
Students comparing online nursing programs or public health options should weigh NDSU’s accreditation credentials and lower cost against potentially smaller cohort sizes and less extensive clinical placement support compared to larger programs.
NDSU’s business offerings include the AACSB-accredited MBA and the more specialized MS in Merchandising. The MBA is the headliner — AACSB accreditation is the most widely recognized marker of business school quality, and NDSU delivers it at an estimated total cost of approximately $15,520. For context, many AACSB-accredited online MBAs cost $30,000 to $60,000 or more. NDSU’s GMAT/GRE waiver option and rolling admissions further lower the barriers to entry.
the barriers to entry.
The MBA program doesn’t offer formal concentrations in its online format, which means students seeking specialization in areas like finance, marketing, or supply chain management will need to look elsewhere. What NDSU provides instead is a general management MBA with strong applied foundations — appropriate for professionals who need broad business leadership skills rather than deep functional expertise.
The MS in Merchandising is a distinctive offering. Few universities offer a dedicated online master’s in merchandising — a field that covers retail management, product development, and consumer behavior. At $12,480 total, it’s one of the least expensive online master’s degrees on NDSU’s roster and targets a specific professional niche.
The OMC business subject hub and the best online MBA programs ranking provide broader context for evaluating NDSU’s MBA against peer options across cost, specialization, and accreditation dimensions.
Three additional programs round out NDSU’s online master’s portfolio, each serving a distinct professional audience.
The MS in Communication (33 credits, ~$13,728) covers strategic communication, organizational communication, and media studies. It’s a flexible program with rolling admissions and no GRE requirement — well-suited for mid-career professionals in corporate communications, public relations, or media who want graduate credentials without disrupting their work.
The MS in Natural Resources Management (30 credits, ~$12,480) connects directly to NDSU’s land-grant DNA. The program focuses on environmental management, conservation, and policy — areas where NDSU has genuine institutional depth. Deadline-based admissions and a fall start suggest a more structured cohort approach. Students interested in environmental careers in the Northern Plains or rural regions will find particular alignment here.
The MS in Family Financial Planning (30 credits, ~$12,480) is perhaps NDSU’s most distinctive niche program. It’s registered with the CFP Board, meaning graduates can sit for the Certified Financial Planner examination — one of the most valued credentials in personal financial planning. The combination of CFP Board registration and a total cost under $12,500 makes this program a notable value compared to competitors. Rolling admissions and no GRE requirement keep entry barriers low.
These three programs demonstrate the land-grant principle in practice: each addresses a specific workforce need with practical, affordable graduate training rather than theoretical breadth.
Looking across NDSU’s full online master’s portfolio, several patterns emerge. The university invests most heavily in education and engineering — the two areas with the most program options and the deepest institutional infrastructure. Health professions programs carry strong accreditations but are smaller in number. Business offers the AACSB-accredited MBA as a flagship value proposition. And the ‘other’ category reveals NDSU’s willingness to serve niche professional audiences (financial planning, natural resources, merchandising) where many larger universities simply don’t compete online.
What’s absent is equally telling. NDSU doesn’t offer online master’s programs in psychology, social work, criminal justice, data science, cybersecurity, or many of the fields that dominate larger online program catalogs. This isn’t a gap — it’s a choice. NDSU concentrates its online investment in fields where it has genuine faculty expertise, programmatic accreditation, and regional workforce demand. For students whose goals align with these areas, the focused investment means program quality isn’t diluted across dozens of offerings. For students whose goals don’t align, NDSU simply isn’t the right institution.
How North Dakota State University Compares
Evaluating NDSU in isolation doesn’t tell the full story. The comparison below positions NDSU against three peer institutions from the OMC university catalog — each representing a different competitive angle that prospective online master’s students might weigh.
| Dimension | NDSU | Iowa State University | Fort Hays State University | Colorado State University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institution Type | R1, Land-Grant, Public | R1, Land-Grant, Public | Regional Public | R1, Land-Grant, Public |
| Approx. Online Master’s Programs | ~12 | ~25+ | ~30+ | ~40+ |
| Per-Credit Cost Range | $416–$485 | $500–$700+ | $230–$340 | $525–$875+ |
| Notable Accreditations | AACSB, CAEP, CCNE, CEPH, CFP Board | AACSB, ABET | Multiple | AACSB, CACREP, ABET |
| Research Classification | R1 | R1 | Non-R1 | R1 |
| Primary Online Strengths | Education, Engineering, Health, Business | Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Education | Broad access, Education, Business, Health | Broad portfolio, Business, Education, Engineering |
| Admissions Accessibility | High (many rolling, GRE-optional) | Moderate | Very High | Moderate |
| Regional vs. National Reach | Primarily regional (Northern Plains) | Regional/National | National (online-focused) | National |
| Flexibility | Strong (mostly asynchronous, part-time) | Strong | Very Strong | Strong |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
How to read this comparison:
- NDSU’s defining advantage is cost-to-credential ratio. It’s the only institution in this group that pairs R1 research classification with per-credit rates consistently under $500. Iowa State University offers a larger program catalog and somewhat broader national recognition, but at higher per-credit rates. Colorado State University has the broadest online portfolio and the strongest national brand in this comparison, but its per-credit costs can be nearly double NDSU’s.
- Fort Hays State University is the most affordable option by raw tuition, and it offers a larger program catalog. But FHSU is not an R1 institution — for students who value research-university credentials and faculty who maintain active research agendas, NDSU provides something FHSU doesn’t.
- The key question is what you value most. If it’s the lowest possible tuition with broad access, FHSU wins. If it’s the widest program selection at a research university, Colorado State leads. If it’s a peer Midwestern land-grant with deeper engineering and broader overall selection, Iowa State competes well. If it’s the intersection of R1 credentials, very low cost, and strong programmatic accreditations in education, health, and business — NDSU occupies a niche that none of the others quite replicate.
Best For
NDSU’s online master’s programs are strongest for specific student profiles. If you see yourself in one or more of these descriptions, NDSU warrants serious evaluation.
- Cost-conscious students who won’t compromise on R1 credentials. If your budget is tight but you want a degree from a university with genuine research infrastructure, active faculty researchers, and programmatic accreditations, NDSU is one of the rare institutions where those two goals don’t conflict. Total program costs under $16,000 for most degrees — with R1 backing — is an uncommon combination.
- Working educators seeking accredited, flexible advancement. NDSU’s CAEP-accredited education programs offer five MEd concentrations and a principal-licensure pathway, all at under $14,000 total with rolling admissions and no GRE. For teachers who need to keep working while earning a master’s, the combination of price, accreditation, flexibility, and specialization breadth is compelling.
- Engineers and technical professionals in applied fields. Professionals seeking an online engineering master’s often face a choice between unaccredited programs at low cost or accredited programs at $30,000+. NDSU provides a credible middle path: research-university faculty, multiple engineering concentrations, thesis and non-thesis options, and per-credit costs that are genuinely accessible.
- Health professionals building advanced credentials. The CCNE-accredited MSN-FNP and CEPH-accredited MPH both carry accreditations that matter for licensure and career advancement. While the MSN is the most expensive NDSU program at ~$21,390, it still undercuts many competing FNP programs.
- Northern Plains residents and professionals. NDSU’s regional employer relationships are strongest in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and the surrounding states. For professionals building careers in these areas, an NDSU degree carries institutional recognition and alumni network advantages that national online programs often can’t match locally.
Not a Best Fit For
Honest evaluation requires acknowledging where NDSU’s online programs fall short of certain students’ needs. If the following descriptions apply to you, consider the alternatives suggested.
Students who need nationally recognized brand prestige. If you’re applying to competitive roles at consulting firms, investment banks, or elite technology companies where university brand name significantly influences hiring, NDSU’s regional reputation may not carry the weight you need. Institutions like Arizona State University or Northeastern University offer broader national name recognition in their online programs.
Students seeking specialized programs outside NDSU’s core. NDSU doesn’t offer online master’s degrees in psychology, social work, criminal justice, cybersecurity, data science, public administration, or many other high-demand fields. If your target field isn’t on NDSU’s roster, the university simply isn’t an option regardless of its other strengths. Oklahoma State University or Colorado State offer broader online catalogs.
Professionals who want large, structured cohort experiences. NDSU’s online programs are generally asynchronous and designed for individual flexibility rather than intensive cohort bonding. If you prioritize the networking and relationship-building that come from a tightly structured synchronous cohort model, you’ll likely want to explore institutions that are built around that approach.
Students targeting major coastal metropolitan job markets. NDSU’s alumni network and employer relationships are concentrated in the Northern Plains and upper Midwest. If you’re building a career in New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C., other institutions will offer stronger local connections. Schools like George Washington University or University of Southern California are better positioned for those markets.
Students who need maximum elective flexibility. NDSU’s focused portfolio means smaller course catalogs within each program. Students who want to customize their degree with dozens of elective options or cross-disciplinary coursework will find more room to maneuver at larger institutions with broader online offerings.
Featured Programs and Top Picks
From NDSU’s portfolio, four programs stand out for specific reasons that go beyond their basic descriptions.
MBA (AACSB-Accredited) — Best overall value. Finding an AACSB-accredited online MBA under $16,000 total is genuinely difficult. NDSU’s ~$15,520 price tag with GMAT/GRE waiver availability makes this one of the most accessible AACSB-accredited MBAs in the country. The program is general management rather than specialized, which is appropriate for professionals who need broad business leadership skills. If you specifically need an MBA concentration in finance or marketing, look elsewhere — but if you need the AACSB credential at the lowest possible cost, NDSU belongs on your short list.
Master of Education (MEd) — Broadest specialization options at the price. Five concentrations — Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Reading Education, Special Education, and STEM Education — from a CAEP-accredited program at ~$13,312 total. The combination of concentration breadth, accreditation, and cost makes this competitive with virtually any online MEd nationally. Working teachers who want options without premium pricing should evaluate this closely.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner — Strong accreditation at below-market cost. CCNE accreditation is non-negotiable for serious FNP programs, and NDSU delivers it at approximately $21,390 — lower than most online FNP programs from comparable institutions. The clinical placement requirement means students need to be proactive about securing sites, but this is standard for the field.
MS in Family Financial Planning — Distinctive niche program. CFP Board registration means this program meets the educational requirements for the Certified Financial Planner examination. At ~$12,480 total, it’s one of the most affordable paths to CFP exam eligibility available online. For students specifically targeting financial planning careers, this program offers a credential-to-cost ratio that’s hard to match.
Admissions Snapshot
NDSU’s admissions approach is designed to be accessible rather than exclusionary, though specific requirements vary by program.
General Requirements: Most programs require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, official transcripts, and a minimum undergraduate GPA (typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though some programs consider applicants with lower GPAs on a case-by-case basis). A statement of purpose or professional goals statement is typically required.
GRE/GMAT Policy: The majority of NDSU’s online master’s programs do not require the GRE. The MBA program waives the GMAT for qualified applicants. Some engineering programs may consider GRE scores as part of the application but requirements vary by concentration — check directly with the department.
Admissions Models: NDSU uses two primary models. Most programs — including the MEd, MBA, MS in Merchandising, MS in Communication, MS in Gerontology, and MS in Family Financial Planning — use rolling admissions with multiple start dates (fall, spring, and sometimes summer). Engineering programs and health professions programs (MSN-FNP, MPH) tend to use deadline-based admissions, typically with a fall start.
Program-Specific Notes: The MSN-FNP program has the most selective admissions, requiring an active RN license, specific prerequisite coursework, and a competitive application review. The MPH also uses competitive deadline-based admissions. Education programs are among the most accessible, requiring teaching experience for some concentrations but maintaining straightforward application requirements.
What’s Distinctive: NDSU’s admissions process is notably straightforward compared to many R1 peers. The combination of rolling admissions, GRE waivers, and clear published requirements reduces the friction that often discourages working professionals from applying. This accessibility is intentional — consistent with the land-grant mission of serving a broad population rather than an elite subset.
Tuition and Cost Overview
NDSU’s tuition structure is one of its most compelling features for prospective online master’s students. The university benefits from North Dakota’s low cost of living and state funding structure, which translates into per-credit rates that consistently undercut most R1 peers.
| Cost Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard Per-Credit Rate (most programs) | $416 |
| Engineering/Business Per-Credit Rate | $485 |
| Lowest Total Program Cost | ~$12,480 (MS Merchandising, MS NRM, MS Family Financial Planning) |
| Highest Total Program Cost | ~$21,390 (MSN-FNP) |
| Median Total Program Cost | ~$13,700 |
| In-State vs. Out-of-State Differential | Minimal for online programs — most online students pay a unified rate |
| Financial Aid Available | Yes — federal loans, graduate assistantships (limited for online students), scholarships |
Cost Context and Interpretation:
The cost comparison below puts NDSU’s tuition into perspective against peer institutions.
| Institution | Typical Per-Credit Range | AACSB MBA Total Cost | R1 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDSU | $416–$485 | ~$15,520 | Yes |
| Iowa State | $500–$700+ | ~$25,000+ | Yes |
| Fort Hays State | $230–$340 | ~$11,000–$13,000 | No |
| Colorado State | $525–$875+ | ~$30,000+ | Yes |
Among R1 universities, NDSU’s per-credit rates are difficult to beat. Fort Hays State is cheaper in raw dollars, but doesn’t carry R1 classification — a tradeoff that matters for students who value research-university credentials. Iowa State and Colorado State both offer larger program catalogs but at substantially higher per-credit costs.
Financial aid for online master’s students at NDSU includes federal student loans and limited scholarship opportunities. Graduate assistantship positions are more commonly available to on-campus students, though some programs may offer assistantships to online students on a case-by-case basis. Students should file the FAFSA and contact NDSU’s financial aid office directly for program-specific opportunities.
The bottom line on cost: if you’re comparing R1 online master’s programs and cost is a significant factor in your decision, NDSU belongs on any short list. The question isn’t whether the price is competitive — it clearly is. The question is whether NDSU offers the specific program you need, since the lower cost only matters if the right degree is available.
For a broader look at affordable options, the most affordable online master’s programs ranking provides additional comparison points.
Visit North Dakota State University’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
If you’re evaluating NDSU, the following OMC rankings provide useful decision context for the types of programs where NDSU competes.
- The best online master’s programs ranking offers a broad comparison across institutions and program types — helpful for understanding where NDSU’s overall portfolio sits relative to the full online landscape. If NDSU’s MBA caught your attention, the best online MBA programs ranking specifically evaluates AACSB and other accredited business programs by cost, outcomes, and flexibility. Education candidates should consult the best online master’s in education programs ranking to compare NDSU’s CAEP-accredited options against the broader field. And for students focused primarily on tuition, the most affordable online master’s programs ranking puts NDSU’s cost advantage into direct numerical comparison with peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address the most common concerns prospective students raise when evaluating NDSU’s online master’s programs.
Yes. NDSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is the accreditation standard that matters most for degree recognition by employers, licensing boards, and other universities. Beyond regional accreditation, individual programs carry specialized accreditations: the business programs are AACSB-accredited, education programs hold CAEP accreditation, the MSN-FNP is CCNE-accredited, the MPH is CEPH-accredited, and the MS in Family Financial Planning is registered with the CFP Board. These programmatic accreditations are not decorative — they directly affect license eligibility, employer recognition, and credit transferability.
Per-credit tuition ranges from $416 to $485 depending on the program. Most programs cost between approximately $12,480 and $15,520 total. The MSN-FNP program is the most expensive at roughly $21,390 due to its 46-credit requirement. These rates apply to most online students regardless of state residency, making NDSU one of the most affordable R1 universities for online master’s degrees nationally. Additional fees may apply, so prospective students should check the current fee schedule on NDSU’s website.
Most NDSU online master’s programs do not require the GRE. The MBA program does not require the GMAT and offers waiver options for qualifying applicants. Education programs, communication, gerontology, merchandising, and family financial planning programs all waive the GRE requirement. Some engineering programs may consider GRE scores but requirements vary by concentration — prospective engineering students should verify current requirements directly with the relevant department.
Most NDSU online master’s programs can be completed entirely online with no campus visits required. The two exceptions are the MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program, which requires clinical placements that students arrange in their own communities, and the MPH program, which requires a practicum or field experience component. Both of these in-person requirements are standard for their respective fields and are not unique to NDSU. All other programs — including the MBA, MEd, MS in Engineering, MS in Communication, and others — are fully online.
Completion timelines typically range from 18 to 36 months depending on the program and the student’s pace. Students taking a full course load may finish shorter programs (30-33 credits) in approximately 18-24 months. Part-time students or those in higher-credit programs like the MSN-FNP (46 credits) or MPH (42 credits) should expect closer to 24-36 months. NDSU’s programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, so most students can adjust their pace without penalty.
Yes. Online master’s students at NDSU are eligible for federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. Some scholarship opportunities are available through individual departments. Graduate assistantship positions are more commonly available to on-campus students, though some programs may offer assistantships to online students on a limited basis. All students should complete the FAFSA and contact both NDSU’s financial aid office and their target department to identify program-specific funding opportunities.
Most NDSU online master’s programs use an asynchronous format, meaning students access lectures, readings, assignments, and discussion boards on their own schedule within structured weekly or module-based deadlines. There is no requirement to be online at specific times for most programs. Some courses may include optional synchronous sessions for discussion or group work. The MSN-FNP and MPH programs include required practical components (clinical placements and field experiences, respectively) that occur outside the online classroom. Overall, the format is designed for maximum flexibility for working professionals.
For many students, yes — particularly if cost and accreditation are primary concerns. NDSU’s education programs carry CAEP accreditation, offer five MEd concentrations, include a principal-licensure pathway through the MS in Educational Leadership, and cost under $14,000 total. These programs are designed for working teachers and use rolling admissions with no GRE requirement. The main considerations are whether NDSU’s specific concentrations match your professional goals and whether the program meets licensure requirements in your state (particularly for the Educational Leadership track). For students in the Northern Plains region, NDSU’s education programs are among the strongest available at this price point. For students in other regions, comparing NDSU to local options that may offer state-specific advantages is worth the effort.