Be Confident with Your Decisions

It can be a challenge to know where to find trustworthy resources. When you need the information to help you make confident decisions that affect your life, like if you should continue your education beyond high school, take out a student loan for college or choosing a career, you need to know someone is thinking about you first – not about selling you something.

That’s where Bank of North Dakota steps in. As the bank for the state of North Dakota, it exists to serve North Dakotans. We don’t have sales goals to meet – our job is to help. If you need a student loan for college, we’re happy to spend time and visit with you about your options. We want you to make the best choice for you, even if it isn’t our own loan!

We want you to Be Confident with your decisions and have worked hard the past few years to build up our library of options for you to learn about how to manage your money, ways to reduce education expenses and what to do after high school graduation. Feel free to check out these resources and know that we are just a phone call away, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT at (833) 397-0311.

Smart with My Money

SmartWithMyMoney.nd.gov provides a money personality assessment and then tailors content based on your age, knowledge gaps and interests. This tool can be used throughout your life – from your teenage years through retirement. Click here to learn how you can get Smart with Your Money.

FAFSA Facts

Known by many as “the FAFSA,” the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed annually by students who plan to attend college for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Colleges use the FAFSA information to determine the student’s eligibility for financial aid. Click here to learn more about the FAFSA.

College Cost Guide

Postsecondary education is an investment. Like any investment, the more research and strategizing you do beforehand and throughout, the more likely you will Be Confident with your decisions. You’ll also be more likely to reduce your overall education costs. Click here to learn more about the college costs.

Student Loan Application Steps

Student loans are not free money. Educate yourself on the different types and understand your commitment before you take one out. Click here to learn more about student loan application steps.

Cosigning Student Loans

The decision to cosign a student loan should not be taken lightly. It’s important to understand the impacts it can have. Click here to learn more about cosigning student loans.

Salary-to-Debt Calculator

Financial advisors recommend that your monthly student loan payment be no more than 8% of the gross income you will receive with your certificate, diploma or degree when you graduate. Click here to use our calculator and figure the total amount.

Earn College Credits During High School

Earn college credits while still in high school with dual credit and AP courses. CLEP and DSST exams also provide the opportunity to skip college classes but still receive the credits. Click here to learn how to earn college credits during high school.

North Dakota Dollars for Scholars

North Dakota Dollars for Scholars encourages postsecondary education attendance for North Dakota students. It offers statewide scholarship opportunities and supports local Dollars for Scholars chapters which provide local scholarship opportunities. Click here to learn more about North Dakota Dollars for Scholars.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants (a.k.a FREE Money) don’t need to be repaid, making them the best ways to pay for college. Click here for scholarship application tips along with a list of grants and scholarships.

College SAVE 529 Plan

While college is a good investment, it is expensive. Tuition costs are likely to keep rising, so it’s good to have a plan. Start saving as early as possible. Every dollar saved today is one less you’ll need to find in grants, scholarships and student loans later. Click here to learn more about the College SAVE 529 Plan.

Educational Materials

BND’s educational materials include the Regional College Cost Sheet and checklists for parents and high school students. Click here to view and download these helpful resources.