Bismarck State College

School Overview

Bismarck State College is located in Bismarck, ND, 58506, set within a suburban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #32 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Bismarck State College has an acceptance rate of 73%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 880-1270 and ACT scores of 16-22. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.2.

Bismarck State College enrolls 4,206 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 65% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 54%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Bismarck State College include Operations Management and Supervision (79% of students, median early-career salary: $130,501), Computer and Information Systems Security / Auditing / Information Assurance (18% of students), and Finance and Financial Management Services, Other (3% of students, median early-career salary: $130,501). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $8,299. However, the average net price after financial aid is $11,625, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Bismarck State College's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Bismarck State College combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Bismarck State College is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.