North Dakota

In this report, we examined five kinds of equity-focused metrics in state OBF policies to determine the extent to which states prioritize the enrollment and success of students of color and students from low-income backgrounds:

  1. Enrollment metrics for students of color
  2. Success metrics for students of color
  3. Enrollment metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  4. Success metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  5. Metrics related to campus racial climate

While the inclusion of these metrics in policies is essential, how they are deployed is equally as important. Therefore, we also considered whether the metrics were mandatory, optional, or weighted. Weighted metrics are the most ideal. These are mandatory and are given additional value, so strong institutional performance on a weighted metric would garner greater advantage or funding.

Two- and Four-Year Institutions

North Dakota adopted outcomes-based funding in 2013. It is allocated as base funding annually.

North Dakota transitioned to performance-based funding in 2013 (SB 2200). Per the state funding formula, institutions get a fixed rate based on the number of completed credit hours. There are two important distinctions, however. First, the rates for community college courses and university courses are different. Second, the per-student credit hour rate differs by institution type.

Institutions are provided base funding, and outcomes-based funding is awarded on the basis of the following:

  • credit hours completed
  • credit completion factor
  • institutional size factor

Credit hours are determined by the number of credit hours completed by students during the two-year period ending on June 30th of each odd-numbered year. Course completions are weighted according to an instructional program classification factor, and higher-level and more specialized courses are typically weighted more heavily. For example, a lower-division course in agriculture counts for 1.9 credit hours, while a graduate-level course is weighted at 10 credit hours.

The credit completion factor is a multiplier that is applied based on the number of credit hours completed at the institution. For example, if the number of credit hours is 100,000 or more, the completion factor is 1.00. If the number of credit hours is less than 5,000, the completion factor is 2.00.

The policy does not have a metric that measures campus climate.

The policy is overseen by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. To learn more, visit. https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t15c18-2.pdf#nameddest=15-18p2-01.

Two-Year Institutions

Enrollment of Students of Color None
Success of Students of Color None
Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Measure Related to Campus Climate None

Four-Year Institutions

Enrollment of Students of Color None
Success of Students of Color None
Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds None
Measure Related to Campus Climate None

Outcomes-Based Funding Map Placeholder
Outcomes-Based Funding Map