About Bismarck State College
The financial picture looks solid for most students. Average net price sits at $10,725 annually, but students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,499 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $54,277 ten years out, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $11,533. Monthly loan payments average only $122, making the degree affordable relative to earning power.
The student body skews heavily local, with 94% coming from within North Dakota. Men outnumber women 56% to 44%, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated technical fields. Nine varsity sports compete at the NJCAA level under the Mystics nickname. With a 98.3% employment rate, students typically find work quickly after graduation. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on training in specialized programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 85.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.0%
- Retention Rate
- 70.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,277
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $119,805 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $104,749 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $83,669 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $76,773 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $74,576 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $53,358 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,937 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $48,823 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $48,600 |
Campus Life
The Mystics compete in 9 NJCAA sports, drawing 170 student-athletes who help anchor campus social life. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation when weather permits, though students often head home or work part-time jobs in the energy sector. The campus operates on practical rhythms that mirror the working world students are preparing to enter. Coffee shops and study groups fill the gaps between classes focused on energy technology and agricultural programs. Students here embrace a no-nonsense approach to education, with many balancing coursework alongside internships at local farms or oil operations. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates genuine mentoring relationships that extend beyond graduation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 438 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1939
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 3°–22°F
- July Avg
- 58°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 50.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 56.5%
- Women
- 43.6%
- White
- 81.4%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.6%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 94.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.0%
Location
- Address
- Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5587
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,277
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,739
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $122/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,533
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Bismarck State College?
Bismarck State College maintains an open admission policy with a 70.72% retention rate for first-year students. The college focuses on serving North Dakota residents, with 94.09% of students coming from in-state. Students can enroll in energy and technical programs without stringent admission barriers.
How much does Bismarck State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,725 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $5,195, making it one of the most affordable options in North Dakota. Graduates leave with a median debt of only $11,533, lower than national averages.
What programs is Bismarck State College known for?
The college specializes in two-year programs designed for North Dakota's energy and agriculture industries. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on training in technical fields. The programs directly support the state's oil boom and farming economy.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Bismarck State College?
Graduates achieve an impressive 98.3% employment rate within their field of study. The median earnings reach $54,277 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in North Dakota. Most graduates find work in the state's thriving energy sector.
Where do students live at Bismarck State College?
The campus houses 438 students in on-campus facilities with room and board costing $8,300 annually. Most of the 2,629 total students commute from the surrounding Bismarck area. The small city setting provides easy access to internships and jobs in North Dakota's capital.
Does Bismarck State College offer athletic scholarships?
The Mystics compete in NJCAA athletics across 9 varsity sports with 170 total student-athletes. The college awards $398,137 in athletic scholarships annually to support its programs. Athletics provide an additional pathway for students pursuing technical education in North Dakota.
