Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is a public university in Bismarck, ND earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 2,629 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 70.7% first-year retention, and 48.0% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $10,725, about $6,273 less than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,401. That's about $6,713 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Bismarck State College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Bismarck State College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,195 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,300 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,400 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $15,274 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.0% of Bismarck State College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,499 to $13,615 depending on family income. Use Bismarck State College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $12,736/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,615/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,401
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,277
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $6,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 74.0%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Bismarck State College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Bismarck State College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Bismarck State College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Bismarck State College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,629
- Full-Time Students 70.0%
- Part-Time Students 30.0%
- Retention Rate 70.7%
- Graduation Rate 48.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Bismarck State College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Bismarck State College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Bismarck State College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Bismarck State College undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians, and Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 40.6%
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians 9.1%
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians 7.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.0%
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installers 4.4%
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing 3.8%
See more majors
- Agricultural Business and Management 3.2%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Associate Degree Programs
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $130,501
- 2. Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $114,086
- 3. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $113,847
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians $106,999
- 5. Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians $106,364
- 6. Electrical and Power Transmission Installers $78,479
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $67,782
- 8. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $61,629
- 9. Agricultural Business and Management $59,268
- 10. Electrical and Power Transmission Installers $57,065
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $130,501—129% more than Electrical and Power Transmission Installers ($57,065). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Bismarck State College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Agricultural Business and Management (Associate's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 27 graduates)
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Associate's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 15 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Associate's Degree, 13 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (11 programs)▼
- Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Carpenters
- Precision Metal Working
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Insurance
- Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,629
- Full-Time Students 70.0%
- Part-Time Students 30.0%
- Male Students 56.5%
- Female Students 43.5%
- Caucasian 81.4%
- Asian 0.7%
- Hispanic 5.6%
- Black 3.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Bismarck State College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Bismarck State College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bismarck State College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bismarck State College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 81.4% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 14.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Bismarck State College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Bismarck State College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Bismarck State College serves as an affordable community college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,725 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $50,401 median earnings. The 48.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a community college. While 70.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
Community College Value: Bismarck State College's Strengths
Unranked with a Unranked grade, Bismarck State College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Community Colleges like Bismarck State College excel at providing affordable education ($10,725 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Bismarck State College's 70.7% retention and 48.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical community college performance. Career outcomes ($50,401 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Bismarck State College and $10,725 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 48.0% six-year graduation rate sits 14.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.7% first-year retention is 6.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $50,401 run about 15% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,725 is roughly $6,393 lower than the national median of $17,118.
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Pell participation at 14.0% trails the national share by 24.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Bismarck State College, a public university in Bismarck, ND, secures a Unranked grade in our latest review. Completion earns Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
70.7% of learners come back after year one while 48.0% complete the degree within six years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $10,725 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $15,274.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $4,549 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $6,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $50,401 at the median. This is roughly 15% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Bismarck State College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Note: EDsmart’s national college rankings compare four-year, bachelor’s-granting institutions. Certificate- and trade-focused schools are not included in that ranking pool. The schools below are four-year references in the same state only, not peer comparisons.
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Contact Information
- Address 1500 Edwards Ave., Bismarck, ND 58506-5587
- Website bismarckstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$24.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate15.1%