About United Tribes Technical College
The financial picture tells a compelling story for Native American students seeking affordable higher education. Students pay an average net price of just $2,010 per year, making this one of the most accessible colleges in the country. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay around $2,000 annually. Graduates earn a median of $25,292 ten years after graduation, though the college's mission extends beyond purely financial outcomes to include cultural preservation and community service.
Women make up 65.41% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in tribal college enrollment. The college fields two varsity sports with 32 total athletes competing as the Thunderbirds. With an 85.1% employment rate, graduates find work in their communities and beyond. The 33.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the unique challenges many Native American students face, including family obligations and cultural responsibilities that traditional metrics don't capture.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 20.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $25,292
- Carnegie Classification
- Tribal College
Campus Life
With 532 total students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like extended family gatherings than lectures. Women make up 65% of the student body, and the college serves primarily Native American students from tribes across the region. Students gather in the campus cultural center for powwows and traditional ceremonies that honor tribal heritage alongside academic learning. Weekend activities often center around basketball games, with the Thunderbirds competing in NCCAA athletics, or cultural events that blend education with celebration. The small size means student government and clubs welcome anyone willing to participate. Many students find mentorship through elders-in-residence programs that connect traditional knowledge with modern career training.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 573 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 2°–23°F
- July Avg
- 57°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 17.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 51.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.6%
- Women
- 65.4%
- White
- 1.9%
- Black
- 0.6%
- Hispanic
- 0.2%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 52.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 75.1%
Location
- Address
- Bismarck, North Dakota 58504
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $25,292
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,172
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $16,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 16.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at United Tribes Technical College?
United Tribes Technical College primarily serves Native American students with a focus on accessible education and cultural preservation. With 532 enrolled students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the college emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention for career-focused programs.
How much does United Tribes Technical College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is just $2,010, making it one of the most affordable colleges in the nation. With 75.10% of students receiving financial aid and identical in-state and out-of-state tuition of $4,252, the college prioritizes accessibility for Native American students pursuing technical education.
What academic programs is United Tribes Technical College known for?
The college specializes in career-focused technical programs designed to serve Native American communities. With an 85.1% employment rate after graduation, students gain practical skills while preserving cultural traditions through specialized coursework and community engagement.
What are the graduation rates at United Tribes Technical College?
The 6-year graduation rate stands at 33.80%, with a 4-year rate of 20.09%. As a tribal college serving predominantly first-generation college students, these rates reflect the unique challenges and support systems needed for Native American students in higher education.
Where do students live at United Tribes Technical College?
The campus in Bismarck has a housing capacity of 573 students, which exceeds current enrollment of 532. Women make up 65.41% of the student body, and the college provides a culturally supportive environment for Native American students from across the region.
Does United Tribes Technical College have strong cultural programs?
Founded in 1969 as a tribal college, the institution serves students who are 97.5% non-white, primarily Native American. The college uniquely combines technical career training with cultural preservation, helping students maintain their heritage while developing job skills for modern careers.
