University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public state research university in Grand Forks offering 250+ on-campus and online degrees, with a national-security-oriented portfolio in aerospace, UAS, space systems, and rural health funded by federal agencies and private philanthropy.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1883
- HeadquartersGrand Forks, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What University of North Dakota does
The University of North Dakota (UND), founded in 1883 and headquartered in Grand Forks, is a public state university and the oldest and largest institution in the North Dakota University System. It offers more than 250 accredited on-campus and online degree programs across six major divisions — Aerospace & Aviation, Arts & Science, Business, Education, Engineering, and Medicine, Nursing & Health — serving traditional college-age students, online/distance learners, and a significant out-of-state population whose tuition supports university operations. Specialized units include the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and the College of Engineering and Mines; the Fighting Hawks athletics program competes at NCAA Division I.
UND's research portfolio is concentrated in aerospace, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), space systems, defense, environmental technologies, and rural health. Notable proprietary or transferred technologies include the MoonLight autonomous plant-sensing platform (hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR, and AI), the NASA Divergent Deployable Wastewater Treatment Facility for lunar/Mars habitat testing, a pilot rare-earth extraction facility processing 10 tons of lignite coal daily, and the Arctic Knowledge-Based System (A-KBS) predictive analytics platform running on a Kubernetes supercomputing cluster. Strategic federal partnerships span NASA, FAA (including the first FAA-embedded research medical officer), DOE, DOD, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Space Development Agency, alongside multi-decade commercial alliances such as the Voyager Technologies Starlab collaboration. Revenue is generated through tuition and fees (on-campus and online), state appropriations, federal grants and contracts (Department of Commerce, DOE, NASA, FAA, DOD, NIH), and philanthropic donations, including a recent $5 million Tareen Family gift to establish a Department of Dermatology.
University of North Dakota firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- University of North Dakota
- Legal name
- University of North Dakota
- Website
- https://und.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1883
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- The University of North Dakota is a public state research university in Grand Forks offering 250+ on-campus and online degrees, with a national-security-oriented portfolio in aerospace, UAS, space systems, and rural health funded by federal agencies and private philanthropy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
University of North Dakota industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- STEM-Focused Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Specialized Military Schools (Aviation, Naval, Cyber, Intelligence, Medical) (EDAHAOAG), Land-Grant Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAB), Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK)
Keywords
Where University of North Dakota is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand Forks
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
University of North Dakota business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Revenue from on-campus and online degree programs, with significant reliance on out-of-state online tuition
- Federal Grants and Research Funding: Department of Commerce healthcare investment ($1.3 million), DOE grants, DOD contracts, NASA research partnerships
- Research Grants: Funding for unmanned systems technology ($500,000), aerospace research, and specialized research programs
- Philanthropic Donations: Major gifts such as $5 million Tareen Family donation for Department of Dermatology establishment
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | 250+ accredited on-campus and online degrees |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
University of North Dakota product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The University of North Dakota is a public state university offering 250+ accredited on-campus and online degrees spanning undergraduate, graduate, and professional education. It operates specialized schools including the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and College of Engineering and Mines. The university also conducts federally funded aerospace, defense, UAS, space, and environmental research and provides community-facing services such as the Rural Health Information Hub and FAA medical certification services.
Product overview
The University of North Dakota (UND) is the state's oldest and largest university, offering 250+ accredited on-campus and online degrees across academic divisions including Aerospace & Aviation, Arts & Science, Business, Education, Engineering, and Medicine, Nursing & Health. UND operates specialized schools including the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and College of Engineering and Mines, providing educational programs as its primary service offering alongside student support services such as Student Health Services, University Counseling Center, and Student Disability Resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Fighting Hawks: The athletic teams of University of North Dakota, competing in NCAA Division I athletics.
- John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
- Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
- Rural Health Information Hub
Products and services
- Higher Education Degree Programs Comprehensive accredited undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs delivered on-campus and online across disciplines including Aerospace & Aviation, Arts & Science, Business, Education, Engineering, and Medicine, Nursing & Health. Designed for traditional college-age students, online learners, and working professionals seeking career advancement.
- Aerospace and Aviation Training Specialized flight training, air traffic management, UAS operations, and aerospace sciences programs delivered through the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences with FAA Part 141 pilot training certification and AT-CTI program pathways. Serves students pursuing aviation and aerospace careers and pilots needing certification.
- Medical and Health Sciences Education Medical, nursing, and health sciences degree programs including the newly established Department of Dermatology supported by a $5 million Tareen Family donation. Designed for students pursuing healthcare careers and addressing rural healthcare workforce needs.
- Rural Health Information Hub National clearinghouse providing resources and technical assistance to improve healthcare in rural communities. Serves rural healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations seeking rural health information and best practices.
- FAA Medical Certification Services Aerospace medicine services including FAA physicals and HIMS AME services for pilots. Serves pilots requiring FAA medical certification and aeromedical examinations.
- Energy and Environmental Research Center Services Applied research services in energy and environmental sciences, including critical minerals extraction from coal (10 tons lignite coal daily processed to produce critical minerals) and environmental technology development. Serves federal agencies, industry partners, and state governments.
- Online Distance Learning Programs Distance education degree programs and courses delivered online to out-of-state students domestically. Designed for working adults and remote learners seeking flexible access to UND's degree programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 84% first-to-second-year retention rate
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use University of North Dakota
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
University of North Dakota technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability7 records
Feature4 records
University of North Dakota partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Modern Technology Solutions (MTSI)coreDonated three Responsive Airborne Test Solution (RATS) uncrewed aircraft to UND Aerospace. Partnership aims to provide experiential learning opportunities for UND students while supporting the region's UAS ecosystem. MTSI views North Dakota as a hub for defense technology innovation.
- NASAcoreNASA transferred its Divergent Deployable Wastewater Treatment Facility to UND for testing in simulated extraterrestrial mission conditions. System uses three specialized bioreactors for closed-loop habitat operations supporting future lunar and Martian missions.
- NASAcoreMobile wastewater treatment system called Divergent Deployable Wastewater Treatment Facility delivered to UND for testing under simulated lunar and Martian habitat conditions using biological reactor systems.
- M1 Support ServicescoreTeam M1 selected for Phase IV of U.S. Army's Flight School Next competition. Team includes M1, General Dynamics Information Technology, Robinson Helicopter Company, Quantum Helicopters, and UND Aerospace Foundation for comprehensive rotary wing training solution.
- Q Station Aerospace Acceleratorminor$4 million partnership between HIVE innovation center and Q Station aerospace accelerator to connect local businesses with military funding opportunities in Grand Forks.
- Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF)corePartnership established by retired NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg. ASF scholarship established in 1984 by NASA's Mercury Seven astronauts supports rising juniors and seniors studying STEM subjects with mentorship and networking opportunities.
- BuzzcareminorSt. Cloud startup developing drone delivery services for prescriptions collaborating with UND engineering students to create modular drop system for multiple deliveries per flight.
- Voyager TechnologiesflagshipMulti-decade partnership with space engineering firm developing the Starlab commercial space station. Collaboration focuses on national security research, machine learning, and space-related disciplines. Partnership leverages UND's aerospace facilities and academic expertise alongside Voyager's commercial execution capabilities.
- Boldyn NetworkscoreCompleted second phase of campus-wide network transformation expanding high-density wireless coverage and deploying next-generation firewalls. Project improves connectivity in academic, research, and residential areas.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)coreFive-year, $5 million research partnership to boost aeromedical research on campus, marking the first time the FAA has embedded a research medical officer into a university. Supports the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine.
- SafetySpect Inc.minor$150,000 SBIR Phase I award for MoonLight project developing autonomous plant sensing platform integrating hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR, and AI for monitoring crop health in extraterrestrial environments.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
University of North Dakota competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle is the leading US private university specializing in aviation, aerospace, and UAS education, directly competing with UND's Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences for the same student segment in pilot training, air traffic management, and aerospace engineering.
- North Dakota State University: NDSU is UND's in-state public research peer within the North Dakota University System, competing head-to-head for North Dakota students, state appropriations, and federal research dollars across STEM, business, and engineering disciplines.
- South Dakota School of Mines: South Dakota Mines is a STEM-focused public university near Rapid City that, like UND, emphasizes engineering and applied research with a smaller enrollment, directly competing for STEM undergraduates and federal research dollars in the Upper Midwest.
- Air University: Air University is the US Air Force's graduate-level institution for aerospace and defense education, directly comparable to UND's Odegard School in aviation/aerospace training and a partner/competitor for DOD-funded advanced pilot and space training programs.
- Wichita State University: Wichita State operates the National Institute for Aviation Research and is a leading public university in aviation/aerospace engineering and UAS research, making it one of UND's closest public-sector peers in applied aerospace R&D.
Broad incumbents
- Purdue University: Purdue is a large public research university with a top-ranked aerospace engineering program and significant NASA/DOD research funding, competing with UND for out-of-state STEM talent and federal research awards while serving as a broader incumbent in aerospace higher education.
- University of Minnesota: UMN is a large Big Ten public research university with comparable engineering, medical, and online programs, competing with UND for Upper Midwest students, faculty talent, and federal research funding across a much broader portfolio.
Regional players
- South Dakota State University: SDSU is the regional land-grant public university peer in neighboring South Dakota, competing with UND for Upper Midwest students in agriculture-adjacent, engineering, and health sciences disciplines without overlapping UND's aerospace niche.
- University of South Dakota: USD is the regional flagship public university in South Dakota, comparable to UND in size and mission mix (health sciences, business, education) and competing for similar in-region students in the northern Plains.
- Minnesota State University Moorhead: MSUM is a regional public university located adjacent to UND's primary feeder market in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area, competing for non-aerospace undergraduate students and overlapping in select business, education, and health programs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Customer concentration
University of North Dakota social profiles
Digital presenceUniversity of North Dakota financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
University of North Dakota leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
University of North Dakota funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors5 records
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University of North Dakota M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about University of North Dakota
What does University of North Dakota do?
The University of North Dakota is a public state university offering 250+ accredited on-campus and online degrees spanning undergraduate, graduate, and professional education. It operates specialized schools including the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and College of Engineering and Mines. The university also conducts federally funded aerospace, defense, UAS, space, and environmental research and provides community-facing services such as the Rural Health Information Hub and FAA medical certification services.
Is University of North Dakota a public or private company?
University of North Dakota is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was University of North Dakota founded?
University of North Dakota was founded in 1883. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is University of North Dakota based?
University of North Dakota is headquartered in Grand Forks, United States, in the North America region.
How does University of North Dakota make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are federal Grants and Research Funding, research Grants and philanthropic Donations.
Who are University of North Dakota's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, North Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines, Air University and Wichita State University. Broad incumbents are Purdue University and University of Minnesota. Regional players are South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota and Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Does University of North Dakota have an API?
No public API is recorded for University of North Dakota.
What industry is University of North Dakota in?
University of North Dakota's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAE, STEM-Focused Public Research Universities, with a secondary code of EDAHAOAG, Specialized Military Schools (Aviation, Naval, Cyber, Intelligence, Medical). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.