Dakota College at Bottineau: $5,347 Tuition

$5,347Tuition

417Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,576Earnings

#5 in North DakotaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Dakota College at Bottineau

Dakota College at Bottineau serves 417 students in a small North Dakota town near the Canadian border. This two-year community college has built a reputation around hands-on training programs that connect directly to local industries. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, you get personal attention that's hard to find at larger schools. The rural setting means you're studying in a quiet environment where outdoor recreation and close-knit community feel define daily life.

The financial picture here makes sense for most students. The average net price is $12,515 per year, but students from families making under $30,000 pay just $9,245. Graduates earn a median of $40,576 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $10,507. Monthly loan payments average only $111, which means the education pays for itself without crushing debt. The 100% employment rate shows that local employers actively hire graduates.

Women make up 66.43% of students, creating a campus culture that's different from most colleges. Only 12.22% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than extreme poverty. The Lumberjacks compete in seven sports with 122 total athletes, giving this small school a surprisingly active athletic program for students who want to stay involved in sports.

Academics & Faculty

Dakota College at Bottineau focuses on hands-on career training rather than traditional academic theory. The college offers programs in forestry, natural resources, nursing, and business that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors work closely with each student, but the 53.40% graduation rate shows that community college success still requires commitment. The school serves students who want practical skills over research, and many programs connect directly to North Dakota's agriculture and energy industries. Classes emphasize real-world application, and the small size means students get personal attention from instructors who often have industry experience.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,576

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,860
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$17,717

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Dakota College at Bottineau sits in a town of about 2,200 people, roughly 40 miles from the Canadian border and 150 miles from any major city. You'll need serious winter gear here - temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February, and snow can last from October to April. The campus houses 259 students, meaning about 62% of the 417 total students live on campus. This creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.

With 66% women and 33% men, the student body skews female, largely due to strong nursing and education programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Weekends often revolve around the Lumberjacks athletic teams, with 122 students (nearly 30% of enrollment) competing in 7 varsity sports through the NCCAA. When you're not at games, options are limited - this is rural North Dakota. Students often drive to Minot (45 minutes away) for shopping or entertainment, or they create their own fun through dorm activities and outdoor recreation when weather permits.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 259 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -4°–16°F
July Avg: 55°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.1"
Annual Snowfall: 94.2"

Student Demographics

Dakota College at Bottineau draws students who want hands-on training close to home. About 61% come from North Dakota, showing this school serves local communities across the rural state. The student body is two-thirds women, which reflects the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and other care-focused fields. This isn't a place for students chasing prestige. With 417 students total, everyone knows each other. Most students are working-class kids who need affordable training for stable careers in healthcare, forestry, and technical trades.

Men: 33.6%
Women: 66.4%
White: 60.9%
Black: 5.5%
Hispanic: 7.9%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 60.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 12.2%

Location

Dakota College at Bottineau sits in Bottineau, North Dakota, about 10 miles south of the Canadian border and roughly 250 miles northwest of Fargo, the state's largest city. This rural-remote setting puts students in the heart of North Dakota's Turtle Mountains, surrounded by lakes, forests, and rolling hills that contrast sharply with the state's typical prairie landscape. The town of Bottineau has about 2,200 residents and serves as a gateway to the International Peace Garden, a 2,300-acre park straddling the US-Canada border. With 60.66% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to this small-town atmosphere where outdoor recreation like hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling are part of daily life. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Dakota College at Bottineau with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bottineau, North Dakota 58318-1198

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,576
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,524
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,507

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Dakota College at Bottineau?

With an enrollment of just 417 students, Dakota College at Bottineau maintains a small, accessible community college environment. The school focuses on providing practical career training and transfer programs rather than selective admissions. Students can expect personalized attention with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

What does Dakota College at Bottineau cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $12,515 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $9,245 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost. Graduates typically leave with manageable debt of $10,507 and monthly loan payments of just $111.

What academic programs is Dakota College at Bottineau known for?

Dakota College at Bottineau operates on a semester system and maintains strong career-focused programs typical of rural community colleges. The school achieves a 100% employment rate for graduates, reflecting its emphasis on job-ready skills training. With 66.43% female enrollment, the college attracts students seeking practical education in a supportive environment.

How successful are graduates from Dakota College at Bottineau?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 53.40%, which is solid for a two-year institution. Graduates earn a median of $40,576 ten years after enrollment, with strong immediate earning potential of $48,260 just one year post-graduation. The 55.53% loan repayment rate indicates most alumni successfully manage their educational investments.

What is campus life like at Dakota College at Bottineau?

The rural-remote campus houses up to 259 students, creating an intimate college experience in North Dakota's northernmost region. The Lumberjacks compete in seven varsity sports through the NCCAA with 122 total athletes receiving $80,888 in athletic scholarships. About 60.66% of students come from in-state, fostering strong local connections.

Does Dakota College at Bottineau offer good financial aid opportunities?

Only 12.22% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a mix of income levels. Just 14.63% receive institutional grants averaging $6,090, while 16.76% take federal loans. The college's strength lies in keeping overall costs low rather than providing extensive financial aid packages.