Summary

Fall Enrollment: 4,206 (2024-2025)
Types of Degrees: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Certificate
Number of Programs: 112
Average Class Size: 14
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1

Campus Life

The third largest college in the ND University System, BSC students can get involved in student media and publications, organizations and government as well as music and performing arts, intramurals and varsity athletics. With six residence halls, a new state-of-the-art library, a remodeled student union, and the availability of the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center, students find a true college experience at BSC.

Location

The 107-acre campus, in the vibrant, capital city of Bismarck, is beautifully situated overlooking the Missouri River with easy access to the Interstate as well as the many amenities found in the sister cities of Bismarck and Mandan. Safe and easy to navigate, the area has a growing population of more than 100,000.

The Area

Bismarck-Mandan boasts outstanding parks, trails and recreational opportunities along the Missouri River and throughout the surrounding area. You’ll find award-winning golf courses, indoor ice arenas, cross-country and downhill skiing, hunting, fishing and hunting. Entertainment abounds year-round with sporting events, concerts, rodeo events, local festivals, live theater, restaurants, and a dynamic downtown with local retail, eateries and entertainment.

Admission Requirements

All students are welcome to apply, including currently enrolled high school students. Some technical programs have limited enrollments, academic and/or medical requirements. Students are encouraged to apply early to these in-demand programs.

Requirements include placement exams such as ACT or Accuplacer; high school transcript or GED; other college transcripts; proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella; proof of immunity to meningitis (meningococcal); $35 application fee.

Accreditation

BSC is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA).

2023-24 Academic Year Costs

TUITION: $177.63 per credit hour

FEES: $42.84 per credit (capped at 12 credits per semester)

ROOM & BOARD: $7,252

* North Dakota full-time resident rates; non-resident rates are available at ndus.edu. Room and board rates assume double occupancy and standard meal plan. .

Scholarships

The BSC Foundation offers more than $1 million in scholarships annually to BSC students. Apply at bismarckstate.edu/scholarships.

Priority Deadlines

SCHOLARSHIPS: January 1

FAFSA: October 1

HOUSING: Limited space, apply as soon as possible

ADMISSIONS: Some programs have limited enrollment available, apply as soon as possible

Types of Distance Education

Online courses and programs, Interactive Video Network (IVN), interactive television.

Other

BSC offers a wide array of dual-credit for high school students; several 2+2 programs, as well as a number of four-year degree programs that can be completed on campus in cooperation with Dickinson State University and Minot State University.

Find the Next Version of You at BSC

Small classes, hands-on learning and tuition you can handle. All of this plus 100+ programs to prepare you for what comes next. Maybe you’d like to be job-ready in two years or less. Our many technical programs offer a wide range of careers. You might be looking to start at BSC and transfer on to a four-year institution. We can help you there as well. Online and on-campus, you’ll find a program you love and a path to what’s next.

BSC

ND’s Only Polytechnic Institution

As North Dakota’s only polytechnic institution, BSC gives students a unique advantage by providing hands-on learning that leads to higher wage earnings. Specialized programs developed by industry leaders create distinctive majors that allow students to pursue a career path they’re passionate about.

BSC students will find flexible pathways to rewarding careers and work-learn opportunities like internships, professional practice and field experience that ensure they graduate ready to be relevant, invaluable contributors to their workplaces and communities. In addition to traditional undergraduate degrees, students also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, certifications, certificates and degrees with apprenticeship options – all of which can be combined to create customized, stackable degrees.

At BSC, students learn through an experiential approach that combines in-depth study with practical, technology-based skills training. This applied learning approach is a unique characteristic of a polytechnic institution—it’s intense and highly technical, but also incredibly rewarding.

As a polytechnic, BSC offers integrated technical degrees that cross disciplines and build upon each other. As they pursue certificates, two- and four-year degrees, students engage in hands-on learning grounded in the principles of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics – readying them to solve complex social, economic and community problems and achieve success in the real world.

Points of Pride

Four-year degrees on campus - Dozens of bachelor’s degrees are offered on campus through our partnerships with Dickinson State University, Minot State University, Valley City State University and the University of North Dakota. BSC also offers five bachelor of applied science (BAS) degrees online –in cybersecurity, energy management, finance, mechatronics engineering technology, and operations management. Additional BAS degrees will be added in upcoming semesters.

Transfer ready – BSC is proud to serve as a launching pad for students’ four-year academic pursuits. Nearly half of BSC students start here and successfully transfer on to a four-year college, with easily transferable credits making the transition simple.

Technologically advanced – Programs like Agriculture, Engineering Tech and Energy Services & Renewable Technician offer hands-on and virtual labs leveraging BSC-generated online curriculum. The BSC Health Sciences Building is home to a virtual hospital allowing students to work collaboratively just as they will on the job. Some BSC programs, like Nuclear Power, are offered fully online.

 

Ready to meet ND’s needs – Whether they earn a degree in cybersecurity or welding, nursing, or mechanical maintenance, BSC graduates thrive in the nation’s fastest-growing, high-demand careers.

Beautiful campus – Nestled in the heart of Bismarck, near a vibrant downtown and miles of walking and biking trails, the BSC campus provides stunning views of the Missouri River. New residence halls, the light-filled, modern Library English and Arts building (LEA Hall), a remodeled Student Union, the Health Sciences Building housing both classrooms and a virtual hospital, and the state-of-the-art National Energy Center of Excellence anchor our campus. By Fall 2024, the BSC campus will also include a polytechnic advanced technology center complete with non-traditional, academic, collaborative learning spaces, flex labs and configurable instructional spaces, unique digital technology environments, and a live event venue. Beginning in Spring 2024, BSC will begin construction on the Bavendick Center ¬¬– a 2,000 seat Mystics athletic facility in the heart of campus and near the BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center and MDU Resources Community Bowl.

Tuition you can live with - For about $5000 a year, BSC is your affordable choice.

BSC - Riley Mueller

Riley Mueller

Cybersecurity and Computer Networks Student

“I was eyeing BSC even before I knew what I wanted to do. I saw they had a cybersecurity program and they were expanding it into a 4-year program and that’s what I wanted. BSC fit well. I didn’t have to move, and it was very affordable.”

Mueller was a top 10 finisher in the Palo Alto Networks Secure the Future Competition – a months-long national competition against dozens of cybersecurity students from universities across the nation. Additionally, he was one of five finalists to land a prestigious paid summer internship at Palo Alto Networks corporate headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.

Image of BSC

Bismarck State College

1500 Edwards Ave
PO Box 5587
Bismarck, ND 58506–5587
701.224.5400
800.445.5073
www.bismarckstate.edu

Admissions / Enrollment Services

Karen Erickson
701.223.5424
Karen.Erickson@bismarckstate.edu

Financial Aid

Scott Lingen
701-224-5441
scott.lingen@bismarckstate.edu

Student Life / Housing

Heather Sheehan
701.224.5465
Heather.Sheehan@bismarckstate.edu

Career Services

Joshua Randolph
701.224.5666
Joshua.Randolph.1@bismarckstate.edu