At $10,725/yr net price, Bismarck State College graduates earn $54,277/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,277/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,725 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,277/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,277/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,533 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,499/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,726/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,658/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,736/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,615/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
48.0% of students at Bismarck State College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bismarck State College delivers strong financial returns for technical fields but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nuclear engineering technology program stands out with graduates earning $119,805 annually, making it one of the best ROI programs you'll find at any community college nationwide.
Your major choice matters enormously here. Business administration graduates earn $104,749 with manageable debt of $15,250, while industrial production and electrical engineering technologies both provide solid middle-class incomes above $75,000. These technical programs align well with North Dakota's energy sector jobs, particularly in oil, gas, and power generation.
The school's 48% graduation rate creates significant risk if you're not committed to finishing. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. The low 14% financial aid rate means you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket, though the $10,725 annual net price remains affordable for most families.
Bismarck State works best if you're pursuing one of the high-earning technical programs and can handle the hands-on curriculum demands. The school makes less sense for liberal arts or undecided students, as those programs show weaker earnings potential. North Dakota residents get the best deal, while out-of-state students should carefully compare costs against similar programs elsewhere.
The median debt of $11,533 stays manageable, but only if you graduate. With a 70% retention rate from first to second year, many students struggle with the transition to college-level work or discover the technical focus isn't right for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bismarck State College worth the cost?
Bismarck State College offers strong value with a low net price of $10,725 annually and graduates earning $54,277 after 10 years. The nuclear engineering and business programs provide excellent returns, though the 48% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Bismarck State College?
Nuclear engineering technology leads with $119,805 median earnings, followed by business administration at $104,749. Industrial production and electrical engineering technologies also pay well above the school average.
How much debt do Bismarck State College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $11,533, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. This debt level is reasonable for most of the school's higher-paying technical programs.
What is the graduation rate at Bismarck State College?
Only 48% of students graduate from Bismarck State College. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that prospective students should consider when evaluating the school's value.