Turtle Mountain Community College: $2,626 Tuition

$2,626Tuition

613Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,079Earnings

#7 in North DakotaPrivate nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Turtle Mountain Community College

This tribal college serves the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians with culturally relevant education that connects traditional knowledge with modern academics. The college enrolls 613 students in a rural-remote North Dakota setting where indigenous culture remains central to the educational mission. Students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 ratio while maintaining strong ties to their community and heritage.

The financial picture makes college accessible for Native families. Students pay an average net price of $3,474 after aid, with tuition set at just $2,626 for everyone regardless of residency. About 58% receive financial aid, though graduates earn a median of $32,079 ten years after graduation. The low debt burden combined with steady employment opportunities creates a practical pathway to higher education for tribal members.

Every enrolled student comes from in-state, reflecting the college's deep community roots. Women make up 63% of the student body, and the campus maintains a perfect 100% retention rate. The Mighty Mikinocks field three varsity sports with just 12 total athletes, emphasizing participation over competition. With a 54% six-year graduation rate and 91% employment rate, students find meaningful work that often keeps them connected to their home community.

Academics & Faculty

Turtle Mountain Community College serves the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians with culturally relevant programs that blend traditional knowledge with modern education. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in a close-knit learning environment. With a 46% four-year graduation rate, the college focuses on practical skills and cultural preservation rather than traditional academic metrics. Students can choose from associate and bachelor's degree programs designed to meet tribal community needs. The college emphasizes Native American studies, education, and business programs that prepare graduates to serve their communities. All 613 students come from in-state, creating a tight community where 100% of first-year students return for their second year.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 71.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 46.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.5%
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,079
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$47,260
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$28,212
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,194

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

This tribal college sits on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in north-central North Dakota, about 100 miles from Grand Forks and roughly 15 miles from the Canadian border. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, making a heavy coat essential for the long months between November and March. The 613 students are all from North Dakota, with 97% identifying as Native American, creating a tight-knit community centered on Ojibwe culture and traditions.

The rural-remote setting means entertainment options are limited, but students often gather for cultural events, powwows, and traditional ceremonies that connect academic learning with tribal heritage. Women make up 63% of the student body, and the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally. The Mighty Mikinocks field just three varsity sports with only 12 total athletes, making athletics more about participation than competition. Most students commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus. Weekends might involve trips to larger towns for shopping or staying local for family gatherings and community events that blend college life with reservation traditions.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1972

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: -3°–15°F
July Avg: 54°–75°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Turtle Mountain Community College serves the local Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians with all students coming from North Dakota. The student body is nearly two-thirds women, reflecting the college's strong programs in education, health sciences, and human services that traditionally attract more female students. Most students qualify for federal Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission to provide affordable higher education to tribal members and rural communities. The 613 enrolled students represent families seeking culturally grounded education that honors Ojibwe traditions while preparing graduates for careers serving their communities.

Men: 36.5%
Women: 63.5%
White: 2.3%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.3%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 58.3%

Location

Belcourt sits in the heart of North Dakota's Turtle Mountain region, about 200 miles northwest of Fargo. The campus serves a deeply rural area where 97% of students are Native American, primarily from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Rolling prairie stretches in every direction, with the nearest significant town being Rolla, just a few miles away. This remote setting creates an intimate educational environment where all 613 students come from in-state. The Turtle Mountain region is known for its strong cultural traditions and tight-knit community bonds. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Turtle Mountain Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Belcourt, North Dakota 58316

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,079
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,826
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $20,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Turtle Mountain Community College?

Turtle Mountain Community College maintains a 100% retention rate, indicating strong student support and engagement. The tribal college serves the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians with culturally relevant education programs designed to meet community needs.

How much does Turtle Mountain Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,474 annually, with tuition set at $2,626 for all students regardless of residency status. The college serves 100% in-state students from the local tribal community, making education accessible with 58.26% receiving financial aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Turtle Mountain Community College?

The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio among its 613 enrolled students. This small class environment supports the institution's mission of providing personalized, culturally relevant education to Native American students.

What are the employment outcomes for Turtle Mountain Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.3% employment rate with median earnings of $32,079 ten years after graduation. The college's focus on serving tribal community needs helps prepare students for careers that benefit their local area.

Where is Turtle Mountain Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in rural Belcourt, North Dakota, serving a student body that is 63.46% women and represents the local tribal community. The Mighty Mikinocks compete in 3 varsity sports with just 12 total athletes, reflecting the intimate campus environment.

Does Turtle Mountain Community College serve a specific population?

The tribal college primarily serves the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, with 97.72% of students identifying as Native American. Founded in 1972, it has maintained its mission of providing culturally relevant higher education to preserve and strengthen tribal identity while preparing students for modern careers.