About North Dakota State College of Science
The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $10,802 annually, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,222. Graduates earn a median of $50,513 ten years after enrollment while carrying only $12,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $127, easily manageable on technical salaries. The 97.5% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.
Men outnumber women 64% to 36%, reflecting the school's focus on traditionally male-dominated trades. The 152 student-athletes compete in six NJCAA sports as the Wildcats. With 54% of students coming from in-state, the campus draws heavily from North Dakota's agricultural communities. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in labs and workshops where career skills are actually developed.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 89.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,513
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,673 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $49,102 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,808 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $45,383 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,426 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,565 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $40,821 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,489 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $34,704 |
Campus Life
The male-heavy student body (63.53% men) reflects the college's focus on technical trades like automotive technology and agriculture. Students spend most weeknights studying in dorms or the library given the 12:1 student-faculty ratio that means smaller classes and more homework accountability. Weekends revolve around Wildcats athletics, with 152 athletes competing across 6 varsity sports in NJCAA competition. Many students drive to Fargo for shopping or nightlife, though campus programming keeps plenty busy locally. The technical program structure means students often form study groups around their specific trades, creating professional networks that last beyond graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,125 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1903
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- -1°–18°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 25.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 63.5%
- Women
- 36.5%
- White
- 80.0%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 4.3%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 54.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.7%
Location
- Address
- Wahpeton, North Dakota 58076-0002
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,513
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,699
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at North Dakota State College of Science?
North Dakota State College of Science has an open admission policy for most programs, meaning qualified applicants are generally accepted. The college enrolls 1,733 students and focuses on hands-on technical training rather than selective admissions. Students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to begin most two-year programs.
How much does North Dakota State College of Science cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,802 per year for students at North Dakota State College of Science. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,222 annually after aid. With median debt of only $12,000 upon graduation, the college keeps costs manageable for technical education.
What programs is North Dakota State College of Science known for?
The college specializes in two-year technical and career programs across agriculture, automotive technology, and health sciences. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on training in practical fields. The curriculum prepares graduates for immediate entry into skilled trades and technical careers.
What are the job prospects after graduating from North Dakota State College of Science?
Graduates achieve a 97.5% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the region. Median earnings reach $50,513 ten years after graduation, with many students entering well-paying trades immediately. The loan repayment rate of 66.72% shows graduates can manage their debt with steady employment.
Where is North Dakota State College of Science located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Wahpeton, North Dakota, a small town near the Minnesota border. Housing capacity of 1,125 can accommodate most of the 1,733 enrolled students who want to live on campus. The Wildcats compete in 6 NJCAA sports with 152 total student athletes.
How long has North Dakota State College of Science been training students?
Founded in 1903, the college has over 120 years of experience in technical education. The institution has adapted its programs over more than a century to meet changing workforce needs. This long history has established strong relationships with regional employers who actively recruit graduates.
