About UND

The University of North Dakota has always been ahead of its time.

Founded in 1883, six years before the state itself was established, UND gave North Dakota its name when the former Dakota territories separated into two distinct states. Today, UND is a busy 521-acre campus, the state’s largest. Our enrollment continues to grow, defying national trends. We've emerged as a leader in engineering, medicine, aviation, space, and unmanned aircraft systems.

Facts About UND

UND continues to build on its record of developing leaders. We've earned national recognition for our academic programs. We also serve the largest number of exclusively online students among all nonprofit, flagship universities in the eight-state region.

Student Body Profile

Best Value University

Every accredited university offers education, but not every school prepares students to make an impact the way UND does. UND is increasingly regarded as one of the top institutions in the nation for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes. In fact, the National Science Foundation ranks UND #151.

Growing Enrollment

More students are flocking to UND. Our enrollment is growing, with 14,172 students attending classes this fall – an increase of 296 students or 2.13% over fall 2022. This year marks UND’s strongest growth in 10 years in both absolute terms and percentage figures.

UND is experiencing this growth when schools across the nation and in the Upper Midwest are reporting enrollment declines. Nationwide, total graduate and undergraduate enrollment fell 7% from spring 2019 to spring 2023, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

All sectors of the UND student population are growing. Using 2022 enrollment figures as a comparison, enrollment increases include:

• New freshman enrollment: +0.74%
• New transfer students: +10%
• Total undergraduate enrollment: +2.9%
• New freshman Presidential Scholars: +16.63%
• First-time, full-time student retention rate: +4.09%
• Student credit hours: +1.6%

UND Campus

UND one of the most beautiful colleges in the Midwest — and we keep making it better. We built a new Memorial Union, Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, and student housing. Our Chester Fritz Library and several academic buildings were renovated. The historic home of UND’s first president was renovated to a center for graduate students.

Schedule a visit or take a look around campus on our Google Map.

All Belong at UND

We take active steps to ensure a sense of inclusion among all members of our campus community. 

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Grand Forks, North Dakota is the land of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate people.

Land Acknowledgment

The Engine of Opportunity

UND is the only university in North Dakota with law and medical schools. We also have the top graduate school in North Dakota. We continue to lead in educating the region's doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists and business professionals. Our efforts provide $1.7 billion in overall economic impact to the state and region.

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.President Theodore Roosevelt

Mission

To provide exceptional educational experiences that enrich the lives of North Dakotans and the global community through excellence in teaching, innovative research, and meaningful engagement.

Vision

To inspire a sense of wonder, a love of discovery, and a commitment to serve.

A sense of wonder reflects our belief that critical thinking and dynamic educational experiences are rich soil for cultivating engaged citizens who will be lifelong learners. By fostering a love of discovery, we advance creativity, research, and innovation as ways to overcome our greatest challenges. And by affirming our commitment to serve, we aspire to help make our communities better. None of this would be possible without a deep commitment to our students, employees, alumni, and greater community. We express this commitment by ensuring the University of North Dakota is a place where everyone knows they belong: a place that embraces diverse peoples, perspectives, and ideas.

This plan will take a collective effort, one in which each of us leads as we are able. As leaders we’re defined by the characteristics we embody and the unique perspectives we share with the world. We all have the capacity to lead, as evidenced by our community’s civic engagement, sense of responsibility, willingness to try new ideas and adapt—and most important, our ability to listen to and value the perspectives of others and lead with integrity.