Senator discusses strategies for attracting and retaining students in North Dakota

The Higher Education Institutions Committee of the North Dakota Legislature convened on August 22, 2025, to discuss critical strategies for enhancing student recruitment and retention in state universities. The meeting highlighted the importance of financial aid, internship opportunities, and innovative program offerings as key factors in attracting and keeping students.

Committee members emphasized the need for effective financial aid programs, both need-based and merit-based, to eliminate financial barriers for prospective students. The discussion pointed out that providing robust internship and apprenticeship opportunities is essential for engaging students early in their career paths, which can significantly influence their decision to enroll and remain in the state.

A significant topic of conversation was the evolving landscape of tuition models for out-of-state students. Many institutions have shifted to flat tuition rates to avoid deterring potential students, particularly as competition increases among states. The committee noted that while some universities, like those in Michigan and Wisconsin, continue to charge higher rates for out-of-state and international students, others have adopted more inclusive pricing strategies.

Representative Sanford raised concerns about the tendency of North Dakota institutions to maintain traditional offerings without exploring innovative or futuristic programs. He argued that to remain competitive, universities must adapt to the changing preferences of students and consider what they truly desire from their educational experiences. The committee referenced a successful initiative from Minnesota, where universities focused on specific areas of excellence, allowing them to deepen their commitment to particular fields such as healthcare and technology.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for North Dakota's higher education institutions to evolve and diversify their offerings to attract a broader range of students. The committee plans to continue exploring these strategies to enhance the state's educational landscape and ensure its institutions remain competitive in the higher education sector.