Bismarck State College
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,629 students.
About This School
Bismarck State College is a public institution located in Bismarck, North Dakota with approximately 2,629 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $10,725 per year. The graduation rate is 48%, and the typical graduate earns $53,600 within 10 years of enrollment.
Bismarck State College (BSC) is a public college in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States. It is the third largest college in the North Dakota University System with 3,781 students as of September 2016. Established in 1939, it is a comprehensive community college that offers the first two years of education toward a bachelor's degree in most fields as well as 20+ bachelor's degree and several undergraduate programs in conjunction with other university system institutions. In 2020, Bismarck State College became the first polytechnic college in North Dakota. Approximately 35 technical programs are offered and more than 150 courses are offered online. Unique to the institution are degrees in energy, including power and process plant technology, nuclear power technology, electric power technology, and renewable energy.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $10,725/year average net price and a remarkably low median debt of $6,750 at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree you'll find anywhere. That said, the 48% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly half of students don't finish, so incoming students should honestly assess their readiness and have a clear plan before enrolling. If you're looking for an affordable two-year start or a career-focused technical program in the Bismarck area, and you're committed to following through, it's worth a serious look.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,629 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in North Dakota
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University of Mary
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Minot State University
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North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND · Public
Dickinson State University
Dickinson, ND · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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