Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.0%
- Retention Rate
- 70.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $54,277
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,533
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $122/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $119,805 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $104,749 | $15,250 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $83,669 | $12,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $76,773 | $11,892 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $74,576 | $12,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,964 | $20,479 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $53,358 | $7,153 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,937 | |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $48,823 | $12,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $48,600 | $5,500 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $46,087 | $16,005 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $36,848 | $5,775 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,687 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $31,670 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,500 | $10,887 |
Outcomes Overview
Bismarck State graduates earn a median of $54,277 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt of $11,533, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 21 percent. Monthly loan payments of $122 represent only 2.7 percent of median income, well below the recommended 10 percent threshold. The college's energy and agriculture programs feed directly into North Dakota's booming oil fields and farming operations, where demand for skilled technicians remains high. An impressive 98.3 percent employment rate reflects strong industry connections. Nearly three-quarters of borrowers successfully repay their loans. For students seeking technical training in high-demand fields, Bismarck State delivers a strong return on investment.