Williston State College: $4,938 Tuition

$4,938Tuition

686Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,017Earnings

#10 in North DakotaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Williston State College

The Bakken oil boom transformed this North Dakota community college into a workforce development powerhouse. Williston State College serves 686 students in the heart of the oil-rich Williston Basin, training workers for one of America's most active energy regions. The college has built its reputation on practical programs that feed directly into high-demand jobs in petroleum technology, welding, and diesel mechanics.

Students pay surprisingly little for this career-focused education. The average net price hits just $7,164 annually, making it accessible even for families earning under $30,000 who pay only $4,393. Graduates earn a median of $44,017 ten years after starting, while carrying just $10,099 in debt. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $107. The employment rate reaches 97.2%, reflecting strong industry connections in the booming Bakken region.

The student body leans female at 60.79%, unusual for a school so focused on traditionally male-dominated trades. Only 20.37% of students receive federal Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than the lowest income brackets. The Tetons compete in five NJCAA sports with 111 total athletes. Campus housing accommodates 196 students, creating a tight-knit community in this remote but economically active corner of North Dakota.

Academics & Faculty

Williston State College serves the booming Bakken oil region with career-focused programs designed for immediate workforce entry. The college specializes in trades and technical training that align with North Dakota's energy economy. Students work closely with faculty in a 17:1 ratio that allows for hands-on instruction in welding, diesel technology, and petroleum production. The 39.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Programs in nursing, agriculture, and heavy equipment operation prepare graduates for high-demand regional jobs. The college's workforce development mission means academics emphasize practical skills over theoretical study.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 96.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,017

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,415
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,774

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

Williston sits in North Dakota's oil-rich Bakken region, three hours from Fargo and isolated by miles of prairie. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, making heavy coats essential for the long walk between buildings. Only 29% of the college's 686 students live in the limited on-campus housing that accommodates 196 residents.

Most students commute from town or nearby work sites in the booming oil industry. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the workforce development programs that serve local energy companies. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities when weather permits, though many students work part-time jobs in the oil fields. The Tetons compete in five NJCAA sports with 111 total athletes, giving the small campus some school spirit. With 69.6% of students from North Dakota, the atmosphere feels distinctly local and practical. Students here are focused on getting credentials quickly and entering the workforce, reflected in the 97.2% employment rate after graduation.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 196 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 0°–21°F
July Avg: 55°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 28.7"
Annual Snowfall: 83.1"

Student Demographics

Students come to Williston State from across North Dakota and beyond, drawn by job training programs that serve the booming Bakken oil fields. The college attracts more women than men, reflecting strong nursing and business programs alongside traditional trades. Many students work full-time while earning certificates and degrees that lead directly to employment. The student body includes a notable Hispanic population and draws from diverse economic backgrounds. Most graduates stay in the region, filling crucial workforce needs in energy, healthcare, and agriculture sectors that drive North Dakota's economy.

Men: 39.2%
Women: 60.8%
White: 53.4%
Black: 5.0%
Hispanic: 19.4%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 69.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.4%

Location

Williston sits in northwestern North Dakota, roughly 150 miles from Minot and 250 miles from Fargo. The town serves as the heart of the Bakken oil region, where energy development has transformed a once-quiet agricultural community. Nearly 70% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce pipeline. The remote setting means outdoor recreation opportunities abound, from hunting and fishing to hiking in the nearby badlands. Campus housing accommodates 196 students in a town where oil workers and college students create an unusual mix. The semester calendar aligns with industry training cycles that support the region's energy economy. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Williston State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Williston, North Dakota 58801

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,017
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,241
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 62.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $107/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,099

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to get into Williston State College?

Williston State College has open enrollment as a community college, meaning students with a high school diploma or equivalent can be admitted. The school serves 686 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education in North Dakota's remote Bakken oil region.

How much does Williston State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,164 after financial aid, with particularly low costs for lower-income families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,393 net price, while the sticker price for tuition is $4,938 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Williston State College?

The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, providing relatively small class sizes for a community college setting. The school is known for workforce development programs that prepare students for jobs in the booming Bakken oil industry and other regional employment opportunities.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Williston State College?

Graduates have an impressive 97.2% employment rate, reflecting the school's strong ties to local industries. The median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $44,017, with many graduates finding work in North Dakota's energy sector and related fields.

Does Williston State College have on-campus housing?

The college provides on-campus housing for 196 students, with room and board costing $8,581 annually. Given that 69.61% of students are from North Dakota, many local students commute while others from distant areas utilize the residence halls.

What sports teams does Williston State College have?

The Tetons compete in 5 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 111 total student-athletes participating. The athletic program receives $283,399 in scholarship funding, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this remote North Dakota community.