1890

NDSU was founded

11,952

Students enrolled Fall 2024

96,000

NDSU Alumni

This is NDSU

From major milestones to everyday moments, here’s a look back at a year full of Bison pride.

Serving the Land and the People of North Dakota

Our mission at NDSU is to provide transformational education, create knowledge through innovative research as a leading R1 research institution and share knowledge through community engagement that meets the needs of North Dakota and the world. NDSU ensures exceptional education is accessible to all, fostering a diverse and welcoming environment where individuals collaborate respectfully and responsibly.

student stands in field while researching monarch butterflies

From Our Roots to Your Horizon

Founded in 1890 as North Dakota Agricultural College, we became the state's only land-grant institution dedicated to agricultural research and education. Over the decades, our institution grew beyond our agricultural roots. In 1960, after a 40-year effort, NDAC officially became North Dakota State University, reflecting the increasing field of study breadth. Today NDSU serves as an economic engine, conducting groundbreaking research, creating new knowledge and advancing technology that benefits the state and beyond.

More about history and traditions at NDSU
Men grading street with horses near Old Main building

92

Undergraduate majors

116

Graduate programs

35

Average class size

17:1

Student-to-faculty ratio

Top five undergraduate majors:

Engineering, business, health professions, agriculture, and family and consumer sciences

View more institutional highlights

Where Purpose Meets Community

At the crossroads of opportunity and ability, we connect individuals and inspire collaboration.

A Vibrant Community

On campus, friendships grow and ideas thrive. Students get involved through jobs, clubs, leadership and volunteer programs, and hundreds of organizations and events. From campus life to Bison Athletics, there are endless ways to connect, get involved and show your Bison pride.

Bison Life

In the Heart of the Upper Midwest

Located in Fargo, North Dakota’s largest city, NDSU offers a supportive campus in a vibrant, fast-growing region. Fargo-Moorhead blends small-town comfort with big-city energy and is consistently ranked among the best places to live.

Fargo & the Community

Connecting Education & Industry

NDSU’s industry partnerships help shape a responsive education that meets workforce needs. Through hands-on experience, applied research and early networking opportunities, students gain real-world skills while contributing to regional innovation and economic growth.

Industry Relations

Transforming Futures through Service

NDSU Extension empowers North Dakotans through science-based education in areas like agriculture, wellness and 4-H youth development. With a presence in every county, Extension brings research-backed programs directly to communities across the state.

NDSU Extension

From the President’s Office

David Cook is the 15th president of NDSU, having stepped into his role in May 2022. His leadership focuses on the university’s strategies to enhance student success, expand groundbreaking research and foster innovative partnerships that drive economic growth and community impact.

President Cook taking photo with graduate at commencement

Your Future, Our Focus

Our students are doing amazing things in the workforce after they graduate. Every year the Career and Advising Center publishes an employment report of graduates with baccalaureate degrees to showcase how many are entering the workforce, what their salary is and how many are furthering their education.

business owner graduate working at his plant store

A Hub of Exciting Activity

Students, staff and faculty are making impacts across campus and the community every day. Check out some of the recent coverage on these amazing stories.

NDSU News