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 in the North Dakota University System (NDUS).

Growing Enrollment

More students are flocking to UND! Our fall 2025 first-day headcount was 15,440. That’s up 4.86% over last year and more than our all-time high of 15,250 in fall 2012.

We also serve the largest number of exclusively online students among all nonprofit, flagship universities in the eight-state region.

Student Body Profile

WELCOME WEEKEND 2025 PHOTOS

Beautiful and Safe Campus

UND is one of the most beautiful colleges in the Midwest, and we keep making it better. We're also ranked the safest college in North Dakota.

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

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 #144.

Leaders in Action

Leadership isn’t a buzzword at UND; it’s what we do.

UND is home to the only law school and medical school in North Dakota. We’re also home to the state’s top graduate school and prepare the region’s doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, teachers, business professionals and more.

Meet MOre Students

Watch this video to see how UND students become Leaders in Action.

R1 Research Powerhouse

UND generates $1.5 billion in annual economic impact across the state and region. That influence is amplified by our R1 status, placing us among the world’s most highly regarded research universities. In 2025, just 187 universities in the nation held this prestigious designation.

All Belong at UND

We strive to ensure a sense of belonging for all members of our campus community.

Community & Belonging

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

Land Acknowledgment

UND isn’t just a university, it’s a community. Jim Kleinsasser, UND Alum '99 and 13-year Minnesota Viking Speaking at UND Commencement, May 17, 2025

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.