College & Education in North Dakota

14 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

14 Resources

1. North Dakota University System Scholarships — Free

State scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for North Dakota residents attending the eleven public campuses of the ND University System, including resources for returning adult fathers. The Bismarck office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 328-2960 or visit ndus.edu. Many scholarships are free to apply for. Have your high school transcript, current FAFSA SAR, and a list of target schools ready when you contact staff.

(701) 328-2960 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. FAFSA — North Dakota — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid used by North Dakota students to qualify for federal Pell Grants, work-study, and subsidized loans plus most state and college aid. Apply 24/7 online at studentaid.gov/fafsa or call (800) 433-3243 for help. There is no cost to file. Useful for adult fathers returning to school. Have Social Security numbers, prior-year tax returns, and bank-account balances ready when completing the form.

(800) 433-3243 · Online application · 24/7 online · Visit Website

3. North Dakota State University — Paid

Four-year public land-grant university in Fargo offering undergraduate, graduate, online, and distance programs with flexible scheduling suitable for working fathers. The Administration Avenue campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 231-8011 for admissions. Tuition applies; in-state rates and financial aid reduce cost significantly. Bring photo ID, high school or prior-college transcripts, and FAFSA results when meeting with an admissions counselor.

(701) 231-8011 · 1340 Administration Ave, Fargo, ND 58102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. University of North Dakota — Paid

Comprehensive public research university in Grand Forks offering undergraduate, graduate, medical, law, and online programs with strong supports for adult and first-generation students including fathers balancing work and family. The Centennial Drive campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 777-2011 for admissions. Tuition applies; FAFSA aid is widely used. Bring photo ID, transcripts, and FAFSA results when meeting with an advisor.

(701) 777-2011 · 264 Centennial Dr, Grand Forks, ND 58202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Bismarck State College — Paid

Two-year community and technical college in Bismarck offering affordable associate degrees, workforce training, online programs, and transfer pathways useful for working fathers seeking new careers. The Edwards Avenue campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 224-5400 for admissions. Tuition applies at low in-state rates and FAFSA aid is widely used. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results when enrolling.

(701) 224-5400 · 1500 Edwards Ave, Bismarck, ND 58506 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. North Dakota State College of Science — Paid

Two-year public technical college in Wahpeton offering associate degrees, certificates, and hands-on workforce training in trades, healthcare, and agriculture suited to fathers retraining mid-career. The 6th Street N campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 671-2301 for admissions. Tuition applies at low in-state rates and FAFSA aid is widely used. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results when enrolling.

(701) 671-2301 · 800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58076 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. North Dakota GED Program — Free

Free GED preparation classes and low-cost testing sites for North Dakota adults including fathers seeking a high-school credential to open doors to jobs and college. Coordinated by the state Department of Public Instruction Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2393. Find classes through adult-learning centers statewide. Prep classes are free; test fees apply. Bring photo ID to register. Have a current address and phone number ready for scheduling.

(701) 328-2393 · Multiple locations statewide · Varies · Visit Website

8. Pell Grant — ND Students — Free

Federal need-based grant that does not require repayment for eligible low-income North Dakota students attending approved colleges, trade schools, and career programs. Apply through the FAFSA 24/7 online at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell or call (800) 433-3243. There is no application fee. Useful for working fathers returning to school. Have Social Security number, tax returns, and school selections ready when filing.

(800) 433-3243 · Online application · 24/7 online · Visit Website

9. Minot State University — Paid

Affordable four-year public university in northwest North Dakota offering arts, sciences, business, education, and online programs with services for adult learners including working fathers. The University Avenue W campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 858-3000 for admissions. Tuition applies at low in-state rates with financial aid widely used. Bring photo ID, high school or prior-college transcripts, and FAFSA results when enrolling.

(701) 858-3000 · 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND 58707 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Dickinson State University — Paid

Four-year public liberal arts university in southwest North Dakota offering undergraduate and online programs at affordable in-state tuition, with services for first-generation students and working parents. The Campus Drive campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 483-2507 for admissions. Tuition applies and financial aid is widely used. Bring photo ID, high school or prior-college transcripts, and FAFSA results to an admissions meeting.

(701) 483-2507 · 291 Campus Dr, Dickinson, ND 58601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Lake Region State College — Paid

Two-year public community college in Devils Lake offering associate degrees, workforce certificates, and transfer programs at affordable in-state rates, including flexible options for working fathers. The College Drive N campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 662-1600 for admissions. Tuition applies and financial aid is widely used. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results when meeting with an admissions advisor.

(701) 662-1600 · 1801 College Dr N, Devils Lake, ND 58301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Williston State College — Paid

Community college in western North Dakota offering workforce training, associate degrees, and transfer programs oriented to the Bakken oil region including skilled-trades programs useful for fathers retraining for higher-wage jobs. The University Avenue campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 774-4200 for admissions. Tuition applies at low in-state rates. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, and FAFSA results when enrolling.

(701) 774-4200 · 1410 University Ave, Williston, ND 58801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Turtle Mountain Community College — Paid

Tribal college in Belcourt serving the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and regional communities with associate and bachelor's programs blending academics with Anishinaabe culture and language. The Box 340 campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 477-7862 for admissions. Tuition applies at low rates and tribal and federal aid is widely used. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, tribal ID if applicable, and FAFSA results.

(701) 477-7862 · Box 340, Belcourt, ND 58316 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Sitting Bull College — Paid

Tribal college in Fort Yates serving the Standing Rock Sioux community and regional students with associate and bachelor's programs that integrate Lakota and Dakota language and culture into academics. The Highway 24 campus is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 854-8000 for admissions. Tuition applies at low rates and tribal and federal aid is widely used. Bring photo ID, high school or GED transcript, tribal ID, and FAFSA results.

(701) 854-8000 · 9299 Highway 24, Fort Yates, ND 58538 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.