[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]North Dakota’s online colleges offer programs that prepare students for some of the highest-paying careers in medicine, architecture, and criminal justice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of North Dakota’s top-paying industries require a college degree. Professionals in business, advanced manufacturing, natural resources management, and healthcare benefit from earning an online degree. Online colleges in North Dakota grant associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees at affordable tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online colleges offer a flexible route to a college degree. Learners can choose between [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]asynchronous, accelerated, and self-paced programs[/hen-ui-link]. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many colleges to move to an online-only system. The necessity of providing online education increased the amount of resources institutions devoted to their distance learning programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]North Dakota’s colleges stand out for their diverse programs and affordability. In the 2018-2019 school year, public universities in the U.S. charged an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/dt19_330.20.asp/” target=”_blank”]average tuition rate[/hen-ui-link] of $9,200 per year. In contrast, North Dakota’s public universities cost around $8,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This page ranks the best online colleges in North Dakota. Prospective applicants can use this ranking to find the right fit for their unique needs and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Colleges in North Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] ​ [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”employment”]Employment in North Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The employment outlook in North Dakota remains strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.nd.htm/” target=”_blank”]unemployment rate[/hen-ui-link] remained at a below-average 4% in June 2021, compared to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm/” target=”_blank”]national unemployment rate[/hen-ui-link] of 5.9%. In May 2020, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nd.htm/” target=”_blank”]mean annual wage[/hen-ui-link] in North Dakota was $52,450. North Dakotans also benefit from a low cost of living. Compared to the national [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/north_dakota/” target=”_blank”]cost of living index[/hen-ui-link] of 100, North Dakota reports an 89.9.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]North Dakota’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nd.gov/innovation-industries/” target=”_blank”]major industries[/hen-ui-link] include energy, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. Careers in these fields typically require a college degree. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ND/” target=”_blank”]July 2019 census data[/hen-ui-link], 30% of North Dakotans hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, slightly below the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219/” target=”_blank”]national average[/hen-ui-link] of 32.1%.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]North Dakotans with a college degree stand out in the job market. The state’s colleges charge [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/dt19_330.20.asp/”]below-average tuition rates[/hen-ui-link], making earning a degree in North Dakota a smart investment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following information compares the highest-paying roles that employ more than 1,000 individuals in North Dakota. Salary information applies specifically to North Dakota, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Careers in North Dakota[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Median Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$212,990[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Medical degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$140,740[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]15%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Lawyers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$113,480[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Law degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Construction Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$110,190[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Pharmacists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$103,440[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]-3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctorate degree (Pharm.D)[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm/” target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Most Common Careers in North Dakota[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Median Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Office Clerks[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$43,540[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]-5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]High school diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Retail Salespersons[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$34,080[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]0%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]No formal education[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Fast Food and Counter Workers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$26,400[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]10%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]No formal education[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$54,550[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]High school diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2020)”]$69,630[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Associate degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm/” target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”associate-degrees”]Online Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree provides basic training for the workforce. The degree also helps students who are seeking an affordable route to a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many North Dakota community colleges offer online associate degrees in academic and vocational subjects. At [hen-ui-link href=”https://bismarckstate.edu/bsc-online/degree/” target=”/"_blank"”]Bismarck State College[/hen-ui-link], students can pursue business administration, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and management programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The college’s vocational programs include options for administrative assistants, electronics technicians, and information processing specialists. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ndscs.edu/become-wildcat/admission-information/online-learning/” target=”_blank”]North Dakota State College of Science[/hen-ui-link] offers associate degrees for restaurant managers, web developers, and pharmacy technicians.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”graduate-degrees”]Online Graduate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online colleges in North Dakota offer graduate degrees with flexible enrollment options. A master’s degree in business, education, or computer science helps professionals increase their earning potential and move into leadership roles. The pandemic increased North Dakota’s online degree options, allowing more students to earn their degrees remotely.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the [hen-ui-link href=”https://und.edu/academics/online/” target=”/"_blank"”]University of North Dakota[/hen-ui-link], graduate students can pursue degrees in accounting, counseling, data science, and nursing. UND also offers an online MBA program. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://online.umary.edu/” target=”/"_blank"”]University of Mary[/hen-ui-link] offers online programs in high-demand areas like business, education, and nursing. When considering an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online degree[/hen-ui-link], a prospective applicant should consider [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]class enrollment options[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer credit policies[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”faqs”]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in North Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] ​ [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Online College Cheaper in North Dakota?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. North Dakota colleges charge below-average tuition rates. For example, while four-year public colleges charge over $9,200 per year on average in tuition and fees, North Dakota public colleges cost around $8,000, according to 2018-2019 data from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/dt19_330.20.asp/” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in North Dakota?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an online bachelor’s degree in North Dakota typically takes four years. Most associate programs take two years, as do most master’s programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Most Popular Degree in North Dakota?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students in North Dakota pursue degrees in business, healthcare, education, and technology. These degrees prepare graduates for in-demand career paths.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”970,170,905″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]