Originally founded in 1939, Bismarck State College was an experiment during the Great Depression era, being the first two-year city college in North Dakota. The school was first known as Bismarck Junior College, but after many location changes and increases in enrollment, it officially became Bismarck State College in the 1980s, after joining the higher education system of North Dakota a few years prior. Now, the school is the fourth largest in the university system of North Dakota with around 4,000 undergrad students.
Focusing on transfer courses and technical programs, Bismarck State College provides the majority of its students with the initial two years of a bachelor’s degree education in over 20 different fields. Therefore, the school provides numerous associate degrees in both arts and sciences. Additionally, there are over 35 technical programs available to prepare any student for an entry-level position within their specific study area.
The school also offers over 150 courses within their distance-learning program, allowing students to study and learn over the Internet and through the North Dakota Interactive Video Network. Also, Bismarck State College provides continuing education and workforce training for many business and industries in the southwest area of North Dakota. In fact, around 16,000 students annually participate in the school’s continuing education section.
Moreover, Bismarck State College offers educational programs directed at members of the military, allowing them to achieve an associates or bachelor’s degree while serving the United States. Actually, G.I. Jobs named the college in the top 15 percentile for military friendly schools.
The school has been accredited since 1966 and is currently receives its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Bismarck State College.
Admission requirements for Bismarck State College include the submission of a high school transcript or GED, a completed application, a $35 non-refundable application fee and the submission of ACT or SAT results. If standardized test results are not available or the applicant is 25 years or older, the COMPASS placement exam must be taken and its scores need to be submitted. The ACCUPLACER assessment test for math and English can also be taken.
The application deadline for the fall semester is normally in June while the spring semester application deadline is in November.
The school also provides dual credit programs, allowing junior and senior high school students to take classes that satisfy credit requirements for both high school and college. In order to participate, students need to fill out and submit the North Dakota University System Dual Credit Enrollment Application.
Financial Aid
Bismarck State College offers a variety of financial aid options as well as has a specific financial aid office to help any students who may have issues or questions pertaining to the loan or grant process. For most students, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filled out and submitted before the middle of March to be considered for specific financial aid programs such as the North Dakota State Grant, the Federal Perkins Loan and the Federal Work Study program.
Besides grants and federal loans, the school provides a variety of scholarship options. The North Dakota Scholars Program is one of the more known merit-based scholarships, which provides 40 – 45 new, in-state freshmen money to help pay for tuition and other school expenses. Another notable one is the North Dakota Indian Scholarship, which focuses on assisting American Indian students at the higher education level, providing between $700 and $2000 per year in aid.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Bismarck State College 3524th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best North Dakota scholarships and financial aid
Playing within the NJCAA region 13 division, the Bismarck State College Mystics always manage to draw a local crowd to home and away games. With such sports as soccer, volleyball, baseball and men’s and women’s basketball, all enrolled students can dawn the green and white colors and participate in the athletic offerings.
When it comes to matches, the basketball games between the Mystics and the United Tribes are not to be missed. As one of the biggest cross town rivalries, almost everyone in the area comes out to show their Bismarck State College support, especially if the game is held at the Bismarck State Armory.
Alumni
Besides graduating with an associate’s degree or transferring to another university to finish up the last two years of a baccalaureate degree, Bismarck State College alumni are offered the chance to join up with the Alumni Association, where a small membership fee includes many discounts and benefits with such companies as Best Western and Alamo Car Rental.
Also, unlike other schools, Bismarck State College offers alumni the chance to join the 1939 Society, a unique program that commemorates and recognizes the schools historical past and upcoming future. After a one-time, tax deductable donation of $1,939, alumni will become life-long members of the society and will not only receive all alumni organization benefits, but also will receive a certificate of appreciation.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Bismarck State College?
This website and associated pages are not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Bismarck State College. StateUniversity.com has no official or unofficial affiliation with Bismarck State College.
cjljmark ((at)) westriv dot com
I need an official transcript mailed to me. Can you please tell me how to proceed? Thank you. Claire Henke