Lake Region State College: $5,478 Tuition

$5,478Tuition

599Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,502Earnings

#2 in North DakotaPublic2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Lake Region State College

Lake Region State College focuses on career training and transfer preparation for students across rural North Dakota. The college serves 599 students in Devils Lake, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit campus community. Students can choose from workforce programs in fields like nursing, agriculture, and trades, or complete general education requirements for transfer to four-year universities.

The financial picture looks promising for a two-year college. Students pay an average net price of $10,989 after aid, regardless of whether they come from in-state or out-of-state. Graduates earn a median of $49,502 ten years after starting, while typical student debt sits at just $10,293. The monthly loan payment of $109 makes this education highly affordable compared to most college options. With a 97.5% employment rate, students find work quickly after graduation.

The Royals compete in eight NAIA sports with 107 total athletes sharing $357,783 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 59.6% of students, and 80% come from North Dakota. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small for a community college. Only 10.54% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than low-income backgrounds.

Academics & Faculty

Lake Region State College serves as a career-focused community college offering both workforce training and university transfer pathways. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors in this rural setting. With a 50.6% graduation rate, about half of students complete their programs within six years, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college emphasizes hands-on career preparation in fields like nursing, agriculture, and trades that serve North Dakota's economy. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates designed for immediate employment, or complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities. The focus remains practical and community-oriented.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 84.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,502

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,776
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$50,606
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$43,798
Agricultural Business and Management.	Associate	$38,289
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$38,289

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

Devils Lake sits 90 miles from Grand Forks, making this a true small-town college experience. With only 200 beds for 599 students, just one-third of students live on campus. The rest commute from the surrounding farming communities or rent apartments in town. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so students bundle up for the walk between buildings during North Dakota's long, snowy season.

The Royals compete in 8 NAIA sports with 107 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community where nearly 18% of students play varsity sports. With 80% of students coming from in-state, many already know each other from high school. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Weekends often revolve around Royals games, trips to nearby lakes for fishing and boating in warmer months, or heading home to family farms. The 97.5% employment rate reflects the college's focus on practical career training that connects directly to regional job opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, and trades.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 200 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 0°–16°F
July Avg: 59°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Lake Region draws primarily local students, with 80% coming from North Dakota. The student body reflects the rural character of the region, with about two-thirds being white students and the remainder representing diverse backgrounds. Women make up 60% of enrollment, likely reflecting the college's strong programs in health sciences and education that traditionally attract female students. Most students come from families who can afford the modest tuition without extensive federal aid, as only 11% receive Pell Grants. This creates a tight-knit campus community where students often know each other from nearby towns and farming communities.

Men: 40.4%
Women: 59.6%
White: 68.0%
Black: 4.2%
Hispanic: 9.5%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 80.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 10.5%

Location

Lake Region State College sits in Devils Lake, North Dakota, about 90 miles from Grand Forks and 100 miles from Fargo. The campus serves as an educational anchor in this remote northern plains community of roughly 7,000 residents. Devils Lake itself is North Dakota's largest natural body of water, though the area remains quint rural prairie country. With 80% of students coming from in-state, the college draws primarily from farming and ranching communities across the region. The town-remote setting means students experience genuine small-town North Dakota life, far from urban distractions. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, making the indoor recreation facilities essential. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Lake Region State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Devils Lake, North Dakota 58301-1598

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,502
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,723
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $109/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,293

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lake Region State College?

Lake Region State College has open enrollment as a community college, meaning they accept all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 599 students primarily from rural North Dakota communities. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in the region.

How much does Lake Region State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,989 annually at Lake Region State College. The total cost of attendance is $15,627, but 23.54% of students receive institutional grants averaging $5,100. Monthly loan payments for graduates average just $109, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability.

What academic programs is Lake Region State College known for?

Lake Region State College offers career-focused two-year programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions. The school maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. With a 97.5% employment rate, graduates find success in technical fields and regional industries.

What are the job prospects for Lake Region State College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $49,502 ten years after graduation, with strong employment prospects in North Dakota's growing economy. The 97.5% employment rate demonstrates the value of the college's practical training programs. Many alumni work in agriculture, healthcare, and technical trades throughout the region.

Where is Lake Region State College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Devils Lake, North Dakota, a remote town setting that creates a close-knit campus community. Housing capacity serves 200 students out of the total 599 enrollment. The Royals compete in 8 NAIA varsity sports with 107 total athletes, fostering school spirit in this small college environment.

Does Lake Region State College offer good value for rural students?

The school charges the same tuition rate of $5,478 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it accessible to students from neighboring states. With 80.11% of students coming from North Dakota, it serves as a vital educational resource for rural communities. The median debt of just $10,293 keeps graduates from being burdened by excessive loans.