There were some good posts in a prior thread explaining how this works, how one becomes an All-American in Indoor T & F, Outdoor T & F, and in Cross-Country. It is a little confusing and it is hard to find information on it. However that thread apparently has been deleted, could not find it.
This is a shorter version for outdoor AA status in T & F: the national meet is held over two weekends. The first weekend consists of an eastern regional and a western regional (NDSU is in the western). The top times and distances (in www.tfrrs.org ?) qualify for these regionals - I think it is the top 24 in the east and the top 24 from the west go to their regionals. Relay events, it is a lower number (top 12?)
The top finishers in the west regional and the east regional advance to the second and final weekend. I don't remember how many, I think it is top 12. In the final weekend, the top 8 finishers are 1st team All-American. The next 8 are second team All-American. All others that make it to the final weekend are Honorable Mention.