2025–26 North Dakota In-State Tuition Requirements: Complete Qualification Guide
North Dakota In-State Tuition Requirements at a Glance
Key Requirement: Legal North Dakota residency for 12 consecutive months before the academic term begins, plus demonstration of intent to make North Dakota your permanent home.
2025-26 University of North Dakota Tuition Comparison
| Residency Status | Annual Tuition & Fees | Total Cost of Attendance* |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Residents | $9,868 | $21,915 |
| Minnesota Residents | $11,052 | $23,099 |
| Non-Resident (Other States) | $14,802 | $26,849 |
*Includes tuition, fees, room, and board for 13+ credits/semester. Rates subject to change.
Prefer a shorter version? Get the essential requirements in checklist format.
View Quick Guide ChecklistThe Short Answer: Who Qualifies for North Dakota In-State Tuition
Under North Dakota Century Code § 15-10-19.1, you qualify for North Dakota in-state tuition if you meet any of these criteria:
Primary Qualification Categories
- Independent Students (18+): Legal North Dakota resident for 12 months before term begins
- Dependent Students: Custodial parent/guardian is North Dakota legal resident for 12 months
- North Dakota High School Graduates: Automatic qualification regardless of current residency
- Military Personnel: Active duty, National Guard, reserves, veterans, and their spouses/dependents
- NDUS Employees: Benefited employees and their spouses/dependents
- Former Residents: Legal North Dakota residents for 3+ consecutive years within 6 years of enrollment
- Peace Corps Volunteers: Returned Peace Corps volunteers (effective 2025)
- Gold Star Families: Surviving family members of qualifying veterans
Standard Duration: The 12-month residency requirement must be completed immediately prior to the beginning of the academic term for which you’re applying.
North Dakota In-State Tuition Residency Requirements
Legal Residency Foundation
North Dakota residency for tuition purposes requires both physical presence and intent to make North Dakota your permanent home. According to North Dakota Century Code § 54-01-26, legal residence must be based on:
The 12-Month Rule
For independent students (18 or older), you must establish and maintain legal North Dakota residency for 12 consecutive months immediately before the academic term begins. This means:
Physical Presence Requirements
- Maintain actual North Dakota residence
- Cannot be solely for educational purposes
- Temporary absences allowed for special purposes
- Extended absences require maintaining ND residence
Intent Demonstration
- Assume responsibilities of legal residency
- Obtain North Dakota driver’s license/ID
- Register to vote in North Dakota
- File North Dakota tax returns
Dependent vs. Independent Status
Your dependency status significantly affects North Dakota in-state tuition eligibility:
Dependent Students
Definition: Individual claimed as a dependent on the most recent federal tax return.
Requirement: Custodial parent or guardian must be a legal North Dakota resident for 12 months.
Common Misconception
Simply attending college in North Dakota does not establish legal residency. You must demonstrate intent to make North Dakota your permanent home beyond educational purposes.
International Students and Non-U.S. Citizens
International students face additional requirements for North Dakota in-state tuition:
- Permanent Residents: Must have Alien Registration Receipt Card (Green Card) and meet all other residency requirements
- Refugees: Those with I-94 visas showing indefinite parole, voluntary departure, or conditional entry qualify as U.S. residents for tuition purposes
- Important Note: Time in North Dakota before obtaining I-94 status does not count toward the 12-month requirement
How to Qualify for North Dakota In-State Tuition
Move to North Dakota and establish actual residence. Begin documenting your presence immediately through:
- Secure housing (lease, mortgage, or rental agreement)
- Obtain North Dakota driver’s license or ID within 60 days
- Register to vote after 30 days of residence
- Begin building proof of continuous presence
Show intent to make North Dakota your permanent home:
- File North Dakota resident tax returns
- Register vehicles in North Dakota
- Establish banking relationships
- Obtain employment or professional licenses
- Change address with all institutions
Throughout the 12-month period:
- Maintain North Dakota residence without gaps exceeding 2 weeks
- Document any temporary absences for special purposes
- Keep detailed records of all qualifying activities
- Avoid actions indicating residency in another state
Submit application by the first day of the semester:
- Complete electronic Resident Student Status Form
- Upload required documentation
- Ensure North Dakota ID issued at least 10 months prior
- Provide 12 months of residency proof
Application Deadlines and Process
Applications must be submitted by the first day of the semester for which you’re seeking resident status. The process varies by institution but generally requires:
University of North Dakota Application Process
- Log into Campus Connection
- Click the “UND eForms” tile
- Select “Student Finance” dropdown
- Click “Resident Student Status”
- Complete electronic form with required documentation
Contact: onestop@UND.edu | (701) 777-3000
Evidence & Documentation Requirements
Required Documentation Checklist
Primary Identity and Residency Documents
- North Dakota Driver’s License or State ID: Must be issued at least 10 months before application deadline
- Fall semester: ID issued by November 1 (previous year)
- Spring semester: ID issued by April 1 (previous year)
- Summer semester: ID issued by July 1 (previous year)
12-Month Residency Proof (Any of the following)
- Housing Documentation:
- Home mortgage or lease agreement in student’s name
- Rental payment receipts for at least 12 months
- UND Housing contracts and payment records
- Utility Records:
- Electric, gas, water, or internet bills in student’s name
- Must cover 12 consecutive months
- Employment Records:
- W-2 forms showing North Dakota employment
- Pay stubs covering 12-month period
- Financial Records:
- North Dakota bank statements
- North Dakota resident tax returns
Additional Supporting Documents
- North Dakota voter registration
- North Dakota vehicle registration
- Professional license or certification in North Dakota
- Medical records showing North Dakota provider
Critical Documentation Requirements
- No Gaps: Housing arrangements cannot include gaps exceeding 2 weeks between leases or between lease and mortgage
- Name Matching: Documents must be in the student’s name (not parents’ for independent students)
- Continuous Coverage: Must demonstrate 12 consecutive months of North Dakota residency
Documents That Prove
| Document Type | What It Proves |
|---|---|
| ND Driver’s License/ID | Legal presence & intent |
| Lease/Mortgage | Physical residence |
| Utility Bills | Continuous presence |
| Employment Records | Economic ties |
| Tax Returns | Legal residence |
| Voter Registration | Civic engagement |
Documentation Tips
- Organize documents chronologically
- Ensure no time gaps in coverage
- Keep originals and make copies
- Translate foreign documents if needed
- Document any temporary absences
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Military Personnel and Veterans
Military members, veterans, and their families receive significant benefits for North Dakota in-state tuition qualification:
Automatic Qualification (No Residency Requirement)
The following individuals qualify for North Dakota resident tuition rates regardless of actual state of legal residency:
- Active-duty military (more than 30 days, not for training)
- National Guard members
- Armed Forces Reserve Component members
- U.S. military veterans
- Spouses of the above
- Dependents of the above
- Contracted ROTC cadets at UND
Peace Corps Volunteers (New in 2025)
Under House Bill 1529, signed into law in 2025, returned Peace Corps volunteers now qualify for North Dakota resident tuition rates. This represents a significant expansion of eligibility.
Employment-Based Exceptions
- NDUS Employees: Benefited employees of the North Dakota University System and their spouses/dependents qualify immediately
- Employment Intent: While not required, North Dakota employment can help demonstrate intent to establish permanent residency
Former North Dakota Residents
Individuals who previously lived in North Dakota may qualify under the “returning resident” provision:
- Must have been a legal North Dakota resident for at least 3 consecutive years
- Within 6 years prior to the beginning of the academic term
- No current residency requirement needed
Gold Star Families
Surviving family members of qualifying veterans receive special consideration:
- Child, spouse, widow, or widower of veterans who were:
- Killed in action or died from service-connected causes
- Totally disabled from service-connected causes
- Prisoners of war
- Declared missing in action
Refugee and Asylee Status
Certain non-citizens may qualify for resident treatment:
- Refugees: Must hold I-94 visas with appropriate endorsements
- Covered Individuals: Those defined under Public Law 113-146 (Veterans Access Act)
- Time Restriction: Time in North Dakota before obtaining qualifying status doesn’t count toward the 12-month requirement
Regional Tuition Savings Programs
Important Distinction: Price vs. Residency
These programs provide tuition discounts but do not establish North Dakota residency for tuition purposes unless specifically stated. Students remain classified based on their actual legal residency.
Minnesota Reciprocity Program
The most significant tuition agreement for North Dakota institutions:
Eligibility
- Minnesota residents and their dependents
- Must apply through Minnesota Office of Higher Education
- Subject to program capacity limits
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester: December 31
- Spring Semester: May 31
- Summer Semester: August 31
Minnesota Reciprocity Application Process
- Create account at Minnesota Office of Higher Education
- Complete “Tuition Reciprocity 2025-2026 Application”
- Wait for approval notification
- Notify UND through Campus Connection e-forms
Note: Not available for UND Medical School and Law School students.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
WICHE program offering 150% of North Dakota resident tuition rate:
WUE Eligible States and Territories
- Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado
- Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada
- New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah
- Washington, Wyoming
- Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands, Guam
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
Students from MSEP states pay 150% of North Dakota resident tuition:
- Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri
- Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin
Contiguous States and Provinces
Bordering states and provinces (excluding Minnesota) receive special rates:
- States: Montana, South Dakota
- Provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan
- Rate: 150% of North Dakota resident tuition
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
Graduate students in select programs may qualify for resident tuition rates:
Eligible Programs
- Counseling Psychology, Ph.D.
- Medical Laboratory Science, M.S.
- Nursing, D.N.P.
- Public Health, M.P.H.
Eligible States/Territories
- All WUE states and territories
- Must be enrolled in qualifying program
- Automatic application – no separate form needed
Program Exclusions
- Online Programs: Tuition agreements do not apply to online programs
- Aviation Programs: UND School of Aerospace Sciences programs excluded from most agreements (except Minnesota Reciprocity)
- Professional Schools: Medical and Law schools have separate policies
Timeline and Decision Support
Planning Timeline for North Dakota In-State Tuition
18+ Months Before Enrollment
- Begin researching North Dakota residency requirements
- Plan move to North Dakota
- Consider employment and housing options
12+ Months Before Enrollment
- Establish North Dakota residence
- Obtain North Dakota driver’s license/ID immediately
- Register to vote
- Begin employment if possible
10+ Months Before Application
- Ensure North Dakota ID is issued by this point
- Maintain continuous documentation
- File North Dakota tax returns
6 Months Before Enrollment
- Begin gathering residency documentation
- Organize 12 months of proof
- Review application requirements
Application Semester
- Submit residency application by first day of semester
- Provide all required documentation
- Follow up on application status
Decision Flowchart
Quick Qualification Assessment
- Are you active military, veteran, or dependent?
→ YES: You automatically qualify for resident rates
→ NO: Continue to question 2 - Did you graduate from a North Dakota high school?
→ YES: You automatically qualify for resident rates
→ NO: Continue to question 3 - Are you a returned Peace Corps volunteer?
→ YES: You qualify for resident rates (as of 2025)
→ NO: Continue to question 4 - Have you been a legal North Dakota resident for 12+ months?
→ YES: You likely qualify – submit application with documentation
→ NO: Continue to question 5 - Are you from Minnesota, or a WUE/MSEP state?
→ YES: You may qualify for reduced tuition (not resident status)
→ NO: You will pay non-resident tuition rates
University System Links and Contacts
University of North Dakota
One-Stop Student Services
- Phone: (701) 777-3000
- Email: onestop@UND.edu
- Residency Info: und.edu/one-stop/residency.html
- Campus Connection: studentadmin.connectnd.us
North Dakota State University
One-Stop Services
- Residency Info: ndsu.edu/onestop/account/residency
- Registration & Records: Contact for residency change questions
North Dakota University System
- Main Office: (701) 328-2960
- Email: ndus.inquiry@ndus.edu
- Reciprocity Processor: (701) 328-2964
- Website: ndus.edu
- Policies: SBHE Policy 504
Key Policy Documents
- SBHE Policy 504: Residency for Tuition Purposes
- NDUS Procedure 504: Implementation Guidelines
- Tuition Schedules: 2025-26 Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be a legal resident of North Dakota for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the beginning of the academic term. For dependent students, their custodial parent or guardian must meet the same 12-month requirement.
Yes, active-duty military members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their spouses and dependents qualify for North Dakota resident tuition rates regardless of their actual state of legal residency.
Required documents include a valid North Dakota ID or driver’s license issued at least 10 months prior to application, and proof of North Dakota residency in your name for 12 consecutive months, such as lease agreements, utility bills, or rental payment receipts.
Yes, students from certain states may qualify for reduced tuition through reciprocity programs including Minnesota Reciprocity, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), and special rates for contiguous states.
Yes, as of 2025, returned Peace Corps volunteers qualify for North Dakota resident tuition rates under HB 1529, which added Peace Corps volunteers to the list of eligible individuals for in-state tuition purposes.
You have the right to appeal residency decisions. Contact the institution’s residency office immediately to understand the denial reasons and appeals process. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes and provide additional evidence addressing the denial reasons.
Legal Disclaimer and Methodology
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Residency determinations are made by individual institutions based on specific circumstances. Laws and policies may change. Always consult with the institution’s residency office and consider consulting with an attorney for complex situations.
The author, Roger K. Neustadt, JD (Georgia Bar #539120), has reviewed this content for legal accuracy as of the publication date. However, this does not create an attorney-client relationship, and readers should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional legal advice.
Methodology
This guide is based on primary source research including:
- North Dakota Century Code statutes and recent amendments
- North Dakota State Board of Higher Education policies and procedures
- Official university websites and policy documents
- Recent legislative changes including HB 1529 (2025)
- Current tuition schedules and reciprocity agreements
Last Updated: 2025-09-24
Last Reviewed: 2025-09-24
Academic Year: 2025–26
Next Scheduled Update: Fall 2026
Sources and References
- North Dakota Century Code § 15-10-19.1, “Nonresident and resident student for tuition purposes defined.” https://codes.findlaw.com/nd/title-15-education/nd-cent-code-sect-15-10-19-1/
- North Dakota Century Code § 54-01-26, “Legal residence determination.” North Dakota Legislative Branch.
- North Dakota State Board of Higher Education Policy 504, “Residency for Tuition Purposes.” https://ndus.edu/sbhe-overview/sbhe-policies/500-heading-policies
- North Dakota University System Procedure 504, “Residency for Tuition Purposes Implementation Guidelines.” https://bismarckstate.edu/uploads/32/NDUSProcedureonResidency.pdf
- University of North Dakota, “Residency and Reciprocity Tuition.” https://und.edu/one-stop/residency.html
- University of North Dakota, “UND Tuition Model and Student Fees.” https://und.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/cost-details.html
- North Dakota House Bill 1529 (2025), “Resident student tuition for peace corps volunteers.” North Dakota Legislative Assembly.
- North Dakota University System, “Reciprocity and Student Exchange.” https://ndus.edu/paying-for-college/reciprocity-and-student-exchange
- Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), “Western Undergraduate Exchange.” https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
- Minnesota Office of Higher Education, “Tuition Reciprocity Programs.” https://mnaid.guarantorsolutions.com/
Data Retrieved: September 24, 2025
Tuition Rates Source: Official university websites and NDUS system data, verified September 2025