North Dakota Graphic Design Schools: Most Expensive to Least Expensive

North Dakota is home to a small collection of quality colleges that offer a wide variety of degree programs for artists and designers—including graphic designers. The state’s 21 Title IV degree-granting institutions (1) have accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, (2) have been in business for at least 2 years, (3) have signed a participation agreement with the Department, (4) grant an associate's degree or higher, and (5) offer a program of at least 300 clock hours in length. These requirements must be met before a school can claim Title IV status. Not only does Title IV status speak volumes about the quality of education offered, it also makes each school eligible for Title IV financial aid programs.

Tuition costs for North Dakota’s Title IV schools vary. Fortunately, students will have access to a variety of financial aid programs to help meet the costs of attendance whether it’s $2,000 a year or $10,000. If you’re ready to shop and compare North Dakota’s graphic design schools to others across the U.S., take a look at the most expensive to least expensive schools below and what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind that resident tuition is usually lower than non-resident tuition.

Most Expensive to Least Expensive North Dakota Graphic Design Schools

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks – Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $7,092, nonresidents $16,767 for the 2011 – 2012 school year, including mandatory fees.

Valley City State University, Valley City – Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $6,196, nonresidents $13,784 for the 2011 – 2012 school year, including mandatory fees.

Minot State University, Minot - Tuition Information:  Undergraduate $5,638 for the 2011 – 2012 school year, including fees.

Dickinson State University, Dickinson - Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $4,414, nonresidents $11,784 for the 2011 – 2012 school year (see additional information below). Tuition does not include fees of $1,193 per year.

More Graphic Design related programs to consider:  

Although North Dakota’s graphic design schools are affordable compared to schools in other states such as New York, California, and Illinois, in addition to having access to federal financial aid programs, thanks to title IV status, students are eligible for a number of tuition discounts. Students from Minnesota, Montana, and contiguous states are eligible for tuition discounts. 

Students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming may apply for tuition discounts through the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. Students from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin may apply for tuition discounts through the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Merit and need-based scholarships are available. North Dakota residents are encouraged to apply for state-sponsored grants and scholarships.

North Dakota Graphic Design Scene

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report (March 27, 2012), North Dakota is home to 540 salaried graphic designers. This field is popular among freelancers and independent contractors, so the talent pool is estimated to be much higher than 540. Graphic designers here work in computer systems design, specialized design services, advertising, printing and related services, and publishing. They average around $34,330 per year, which is lower than the national average of $43,500. However, salaries for North Dakota graphic designers have gradually increased since 2002, when the average was $27,950.

While the industry expects an impressive 13 percent increase in employment between 2010 and 2020, at a whopping 61 percent, the largest increase will be in the computer systems design industry. Employment for graphic designers working in specialized design services can expect a 27 percent increase in employment, and advertising and public relations designers can expect a 17 percent increase.

Fortunately, the state of North Dakota has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, the state has created jobs faster than most other states over the years, and it is home to more than 200 technology firms, more than 100 creative agencies, and 100+ advertising and public relations companies. Just a few options include Odney Creative Services (Bismarck, Minot, and Fargo), KK Bold (Bismarck, Minot), and Flint Communications in Fargo.

It’s possible to find employment in the graphic design industry in smaller cities and towns throughout the state. However, many of the best opportunities are in the state’s largest city—Fargo, and other major cities such as Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and West Fargo.