Cost Comparisons 

One of the biggest myths among students is that off-campus living is cheaper than living on campus. Here we break it down and give you all the information to help you make the right decision for next year.

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. See for yourself. 

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 $455 - $600 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 expanded meal plan options. 
How much is your time worth?
  1. Location: A 15-minute drive does not seem like a big deal… until it turns into a 25-minute wintery commute with a 10-minute search for parking before you actually get to 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 just made a huge investment in making sure the Internet on campus including in our units is lightning fast for hyflex classes and streaming.
  4. Support: When you live on campus you experience fast service when your unit needs repairs and on-campus support for anything and everything from IT issues to mental health. 
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 $645/month is per person, making the off-campus unit $1,290/month. That’s pretty spendy. At NDSU, our apartment prices are listed per unit. 

How much is due upon signing? At most locations, you need to provide 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? At most locations, you are locked in for six to 12 months, and the six-month lease is usually more expensive. At NDSU, you can lease an apartment 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 does 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 Housing Sign Up

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