Cost Comparisons 

Living on campus can save you thousands of dollars. Below we break it down so you can see for yourself. 

Apartment Cost Comparisons

You cannot find an apartment close to campus that offers the same amenities, security, quality, and variety for a lower all-inclusive price.

Now break it out and see the difference after a year (or academic year). If you want to save money, live on campus!

Don't forget about Residence Halls! 

When you're considering your options don't forget to check out our apartment-style, suite-style and traditional halls. 

• The prices range from $475 - $615 per month, over 9 months.
• The price INCLUDES internet, RHA Cinema (video streaming), laundry, electricity, and garbage/recycling.
• All residence halls are furnished.
• Meal plans are optional in apartment-style halls. In others, upper-division students have NEWexpanded meal plan options for next year! 

How much is your time worth?

Not only is on-campus living easier on the wallet, but it's also easier on your schedule. 

1. Location: A 15-minute drive doesn't seem like a big deal until it turns into a 25-minute wintery commute, a 10-minute search for parking, and a long-cold walk to class.
2. Convenient parking and bus stops: Plenty of parking and bus stops right outside your door.
3. Internet speeds: How fast is your internet, really? NDSU's internet is lightning fast for online classes, streaming and more.
4. Maintenance: Residence Life works with NDSU's Facilities Management to ensure your maintenance issues are addressed as quickly as possible. 

Essential Questions

When you’re comparing prices, make sure you know the answer to these questions.

What is included in the price? NDSU offers all-inclusive pricing, meaning our rent prices include internet, heat, electricity, video streaming service, water, sewer, and garbage. With off-campus options, some or all of these may not be included.

What type of security do they offer? With campus police coverage, keycard access, security cameras and regular building safety inspections, NDSU cannot be beat in this area and you shouldn’t settle for less. Most off-campus options lack most, if not all, of these security measures.

Is the listed price per person or per unit? This one is super sneaky and one of our closest off-campus competitors is guilty of it. That two-bedroom apartment listed for $840/month is per person, making the off-campus unit $1,680/month. 

How much is due upon signing? At many off-campus locations, you need to provide the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit, and an application fee. That can run upward of $2,500. At NDSU, you only need $200 for apartments – which is fully refundable AND it goes directly toward your first month’s rent when you move in. For residence halls, it's only $100.

How long is the lease, and can you cancel? Off-campus options lock you in for a 12-month lease. At NDSU, you can lease an apartment for as short as four months or as long as you like. Residence Halls are for the academic year. Additionally, you can get out of either contract for school-involvement purposes (co-op, internship, study abroad etc).

How do management, staffing and maintenance work? NDSU apartments and residence halls have an entire Residence Life department to help ensure you have a positive and successful living experience with us. We have on-site staff who are dedicated to your academic and personal success, on-site custodians who take pride in their buildings, and facilities management team members who are here to serve you! We not only answer the phone when you call, we care about you and make sure any concerns are addressed. Off-campus options typically have far fewer staff to help meet your needs.

Do your homework, make the comparisons, and apply to live on campus! 

Apply for an Apartment     Residence Hall Renewal 

Information and cost comparisons represent the 2023/2024 academic year.