College Towns in North Dakota: Everything Students Need to Know

North Dakota welcomes students with an affordable cost of living and a student-friendly environment in the college towns. The best college towns in North Dakota, including Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, and Dickinson, combine quality education with a low cost of living and a supportive community atmosphere. Home to well-regarded universities, growing career opportunities, and student-focused amenities, North Dakota offers a practical and rewarding place for students to study, live, and prepare for their future careers. This guide for college towns in North Dakota will help students explore various options for academics and living.

North Dakota is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. North Dakota offers a unique blend of modern city amenities and outdoor recreation, with popular destinations such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park and hiking trails like the Maah Daah Hey Trail and Caprock Coulee Trail. Students can explore the towns and learn about the different cultures and heritage of North Dakota. The variety of students from around the world allows them to learn about other cultures and societies. Students can also explore cultural attractions, including the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Plains Art Museum, Scandinavian Heritage Park, and many more, and learn the essence of the state.

North Dakota is one of the more affordable states for students in the United States. On average, students can expect to spend between $1,400 and $2,400 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs, depending on their lifestyle and location. Finding suitable housing can be easier with amber, which helps students explore and book verified accommodation options near major universities. With a range of housing choices and dedicated support throughout the booking process, amber helps students find a comfortable home while studying in North Dakota.

Overview of Universities in North Dakota

Best College Towns in North Dakota 

1. Fargo

• Safety Index Score: 66.5/100
• Walkability Score: 43/100
• Average Rent: $850–$1,300 per month
• Average Cost of Living (excluding rent/fees): $850–$1,200 per month
• Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Hornbacher's, Cash Wise Foods, Family Fare, Walmart Supercenter, ALDI
• Student Spots: Downtown Fargo, Broadway Square, Island Park, Red River Market, Thunder Coffee
• Transport Facilities: MATBUS public transit system, bike lanes, rideshare services, Hector International Airport
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Sanford Medical Center Fargo, Essentia Health-Fargo, Veterans Affairs Health Care System  

Fargo is one of the largest college towns in North Dakota. North Dakota State University is situated in this town, attracting students from around the world. The town combines affordable living, modern amenities, and a growing economy, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and international students. Students benefit from internship opportunities in healthcare, technology, agriculture, finance, and engineering, while enjoying a lively downtown area with restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment venues, and outdoor recreation.

North Dakota State University 

2. Grand Forks 

• Safety Index Score: 71.2/100
• Walkability Score: 45/100
• Average Rent: $800–$1,250 per month
• Average Cost of Living (excluding rent/fees): $800–$1,150 per month
• Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Hugo's Family Marketplace, Walmart Supercenter, ALDI, Natural Grocers, Target
• Student Spots: Downtown Grand Forks, Greenway Recreation Area, Town Square, Red River State Recreation Area, Urban Stampede Café
• Transport Facilities: Cities Area Transit (CAT), bike paths, rideshare services, Grand Forks International Airport
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Altru Hospital, Altru Health System, Valley Community Health Centers  

Grand Forks is a welcoming college town known for its strong academic environment and active student community. The safe and affordable living attracts students to live near one of the best universities in North Dakota. It is home to the University of North Dakota, which makes it a hub for international and national students. Students enjoy access to parks, cafés, cultural events, and internship opportunities in healthcare, aviation, engineering, and technology. Its friendly atmosphere and student-focused amenities make Grand Forks a popular destination for higher education.

University of North Dakota 

3. Bismarck

• Safety Index Score: 68.8/100
• Walkability Score: 37/100
• Average Rent: $850–$1,300 per month
• Average Cost of Living (excluding rent/fees): $850–$1,200 per month
• Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Dan's Supermarket, Cash Wise Foods, Family Fare, Walmart Supercenter, Target
• Student Spots: Downtown Bismarck, Sertoma Park, Dakota Zoo, Kirkwood Mall, Laughing Sun Brewing Co.
• Transport Facilities: Bis-Man Transit, bike trails, rideshare services, Bismarck Municipal Airport
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Sanford Medical Center Bismarck, CHI St. Alexius Health, Sanford Health   

Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota, offers a perfect mix of academics, recreation, and opportunities to live in an area with access to the outdoors. Home to the University of Mary, the town attracts students from across the United States and around the world. International undergraduate tuition is approximately $33,000–$35,000 per year, while graduate tuition varies by program. The university is recognized for its programs in Nursing, Health Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, and Physical Therapy. Students benefit from a lower cost of living than in many U.S. towns.

University of Mary

4. Minot

• Safety Index Score: 67.4/100
• Walkability Score: 42/100
• Average Rent: $750–$1,150 per month
• Average Cost of Living (excluding rent/fees): $800–$1,100 per month
• Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Cash Wise Foods, Walmart Supercenter, Marketplace Foods North, Target
• Student Spots: Downtown Minot, Oak Park, Scandinavian Heritage Park, Roosevelt Park Zoo, Broadway Bean & Bagel Co.
• Transportation Facilities: Minot City Transit, bike paths, rideshare services, Minot International Airport
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Trinity Health, Trinity Hospital, Dakota Family Services  

Minot is a welcoming and affordable college town in north-central North Dakota, offering students a close-knit community and a high quality of life. Home to Minot State University, the town attracts students from across the U.S. and abroad. International undergraduate tuition is approximately $8,500–$10,500 per year, making it one of the more affordable public universities for international students. With affordable housing, recreational attractions, cultural events, and convenient city amenities, Minot provides an excellent environment for students to study and grow.

Minot State University 

5. Dickinson

• Safety Index Score: 66.9/100
• Walkability Score: 38/100
• Average Rent: $700–$1,100 per month
• Average Cost of Living (excluding rent/fees): $800–$1,100 per month
• Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Cash Wise Foods, Family Fare, Walmart Supercenter, Prairie Hills Mall Grocery Outlets, Costco Wholesale (nearby)
• Student Spots: Downtown Dickinson, Patterson Lake Recreation Area, Dickinson Museum Center, Prairie Outpost Park, QDoba and local cafés
• Transport Facilities: Dickinson Public Transit, rideshare services, bike-friendly routes, Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities: CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson, Sanford Health Dickinson Clinic, West River Health Services 

Dickinson is a growing college town in western North Dakota. The town is known for its student-friendly community, affordable living, and proximity to outdoor attractions. Home to Dickinson State University, the town provides students with a supportive academic environment and access to opportunities in business, healthcare, education, agriculture, and energy-related industries. International undergraduate tuition is approximately $9,000–$11,000 per year, while graduate tuition varies by program. With affordable housing, recreational opportunities, and a close-knit campus community, Dickinson offers students an excellent balance of academics and quality of life.

Dickinson State University 

Why Students Like Living in North Dakota?

Students enjoy living in college towns in North Dakota because of their affordable cost of living, safe communities, and strong sense of community. Towns in North Dakota offer a balance of academic opportunities and recreational activities, making it easier for students to maintain a healthy study-life balance. Museums, art galleries, live music venues, sporting events, and local farmers' markets provide additional opportunities for cultural engagement and social connection.

North Dakota's college towns host a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Students can attend the Fargo Street Fair, the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, the Grand Cities Art Fest in Grand Forks, the United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck, and community events celebrating the state's diverse heritages. Affordable housing, smaller class sizes, and easy access to campus facilities also contribute to a positive student experience. The attractive towns in North Dakota offer a higher standard of living and access to all necessary amenities when living abroad.

International Student Visa Process for Studying in North Dakota 

International students planning to study in North Dakota must obtain an F-1 Student Visa before traveling to the United States.  

1. The process begins after receiving an admission offer from a North Dakota university. 
2. Once admitted, the university issues a Form I-20, which confirms the student's eligibility to study in the U.S. Students must then pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
3. During the visa interview, applicants must provide their passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee receipt, admission letter, financial documents, and academic records.
4. If approved, students will receive their F-1 visa and can travel to the United States up to 30 days before their program start date. 
5. Upon arrival in North Dakota, students must complete any university check-in requirements and maintain full-time enrollment to remain in compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

North Dakota's college towns offer students quality education, affordable living, welcoming communities, and a variety of cultural and recreational experiences. The state has a growing economy, particularly in healthcare, technology, agriculture, and energy, which provides valuable internship and career opportunities. College towns like Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, and Dickinson are the best destinations for students to grow academically and otherwise. With strong universities, career opportunities, and student-friendly environments, the state provides an excellent place to study, live, and prepare for future success.

#Housing#Lifestyle#University#Academic

Follow us on