North Dakota Board of University and School Lands

The North Dakota Board of University and School Lands is a Government Agency based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Established in 1889, the firm manages 2.6 million mineral acres, 700,000 surface acres, and 13 permanent education trusts, including the Common Schools Trust Fund, currently valued at over $7.5 billion. Since 2014, the Common Schools Trust Fund has distributed more than $2 billion to support North Dakota K-12 education, reducing the burden on local property taxpayers and the state's general fund. During the 2025-2027 biennium, the Common Schools Trust Fund will distribute $585 million, translating to approximately $2,508 in funding per K-12 student and contributing 24% of the state funding share. The Department operates under the direction of the five-member board, chaired by the governor of North Dakota. Mineral royalty income, agricultural rents, and easement revenues from state-owned lands are invested to provide income and grow trusts to benefit education now and for future generations.