Effective September 1975, the states of Minnesota and North Dakota enacted a tuition reciprocity agreement. This means that legal residents of Minnesota and their dependents may attend North Dakota State University and pay a special tuition rate that is lower than the non-resident rate. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education determines if a student is eligible.
**Effective Fall 2025, all new students (e.g., incoming freshmen) from Minnesota will need to apply for reciprocity with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Current students with reciprocity that earned at least one credit from NDSU in the 2024-2025 academic year do not need to re-apply. Submit the online application by July 1 to ensure you receive the accurate tuition rate and avoid mid-semester financial aid corrections.
Reciprocity Notes
- A student who was enrolled, received reciprocity, and earned credits during any term of the academic year will automatically have benefits renewed for the following term at the same institution.
- Any student who is enrolling and has taken a break in semesters or is a transfer student, must complete a new reciprocity participation application.
- Returning students who have previously filed for tuition reciprocity but have not enrolled in a course or earned credit at NDSU during the past academic year need to re-file for reciprocity through the state of Minnesota.
Please note: Until reciprocity is granted, students are required to pay the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP/MHEC) tuition rate, which is higher than the MN Resident rate. The Minnesota Reciprocity tuition rate is granted only to students that have received approval from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and will be applied for the current term and concurrent future terms.
Residency FAQs
Can I change my residency?
Students wishing to change their residency status will log into Campus Connection and click on the "NDSU eForms" tile to access the Application for Resident Status. Click on "Resident Student Status Form" on the left side of the page. Students should monitor their NDSU email for any communication about the completion of the form. Please note that updating your permanent/home/mailing address in Campus Connection does not result in a residency change; the eForm is required.
Can I change a previous tuition rate?
NDSU will not change previous term tuition rates. Adjustments in tuition rates will only be made for the current term; no previous terms will be adjusted.
Where can I view my current tuition rate?
We recommend that you verify your tuition rate at the beginning of each term so that any corrections can be made promptly. Log in to Campus Connection, select the Financial Account tile, click Account Summary, select your Institution and Account Term. Tuition Rate Type will display under Charges.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my Minnesota reciprocity application?
Contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education at 651.642.0567 or 800.657.3866 or info.ohe@state.mn.us
Which Application Do I Complete if I Want Reciprocity Benefits for the Summer Term?
The summer term is treated as the last term of each academic year. For example, if you wanted reciprocity benefits for the 2024 summer term, you would complete the reciprocity application for the 2023-2024 academic year which started with the 2023 fall term and goes through the end of summer term 2024.
How to Apply
To be certified for Minnesota Reciprocity at NDSU, Minnesota students must complete the following:
- File an NDSU admission application (Office of Admission, Graduate School)
- File a reciprocity participation application with Minnesota:
- Go to www.ohe.state.mn.us
- Click on (or hover over) Paying for College
- Click on Online Applications
- Click on the Tuition Reciprocity link (listed below "Online Applications" header)
- Locate the heading "For which academic year are you applying for benefits?" and select an academic year (and/or semester).
- Select Yes to continue on to the "Online Tuition Reciprocity Application"
- Select North Dakota State University, Fargo from the "Eligible Colleges" drop-down, complete the form*, and press Continue
- Print off a copy of the "Congratulations" letter for your records
Questions may be directed to:
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108-5227
1-800-657-3866 or 1-651-642-0567