Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck State College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$15,274Annual Cost
$54,277Grad Salary
14%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$10,725
Need-Based Aid
14% receive Pell
Bismarck State College, established in 1939, is a public community college in North Dakota. It offers programs in energy management, cybersecurity, and theater. The campus includes a national energy center and a polytechnic academy.
BSC is unranked but a leader in energy education. Its location near the Bakken oil fields supports STEM and trades careers.
Bismarck State College Acceptance Rate
Bismarck State College (BSC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at BSC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Bismarck State College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Bismarck State College (BSC) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into BSC Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Bismarck State College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for BSC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
BSC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Understand BSC's status as North Dakota's only Polytechnic institution before choosing energy programs
BSC holds North Dakota's sole polytechnic designation and its National Energy Center of Excellence was federally designated in 2007 as the National Power Plant Operations Technology and Education Center - this isn't marketing language but a specific federal recognition tied to real curriculum depth in power plant, nuclear power, and electric power technology. A student targeting energy-sector careers should treat this designation as a genuine differentiator worth naming specifically in any transfer or scholarship essay, not generic "hands-on technical education" language.
Check current enrollment status for Power Generation Technology and Process Technology before planning around them
Both the Power Generation Technology and Process Technology AAS programs show new-enrollment restrictions effective Summer 2025 - a live, current-cycle change that could catch a family off guard if they're working from slightly older program materials. A student interested in either path should contact an academic advisor directly before finalizing plans, since alternative options exist but require this conversation rather than a standard online application.
Confirm whether your target major is a Limited Enrollment Program with its own placement threshold
BSC explicitly states that general admission acceptance does not automatically guarantee entry into a Limited Enrollment Program - some majors require specific placement scores and cap enrollment per semester, separate from BSC's otherwise open general admission. A student should ask directly whether their intended program is capacity-limited and what placement score it requires, since "admitted to BSC" and "admitted to your program" can be two different outcomes here.
Nuclear/energy program applicants: prepare for physical and background requirements, not just academics
Process Technology and related energy programs list real physical requirements (lifting 50+ pounds, climbing ladders, confined spaces), plus drug screening and color-vision testing tied to industry standards - these aren't abstract "career readiness" notes but actual admission-adjacent expectations tied to employability after graduation. A student should treat these as genuine planning factors (e.g., addressing a colorblindness concern early) rather than fine print to skim past.
Expert Insight:
Because BSC is functionally open-admission at the institutional level, families sometimes assume every specific technical program follows the same open-door policy - but several energy and process programs are Limited Enrollment with their own placement thresholds and, as of Summer 2025, active new-enrollment restrictions on two flagship programs (Power Generation Technology and Process Technology), meaning a plan built purely around BSC's general open admission can run into a closed program door that requires an academic advisor conversation to navigate.
BSC Profile
Full Name
Bismarck State College (BSC)
City
Bismarck
State
North Dakota
ZIP Code
58506-5587
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a BSC Degree Worth It?
Getting into BSC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. BSC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at BSC is $50,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.85%.
How much does a degree from BSC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Bismarck State College is $15,274. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Bismarck State College is $10,725.
14% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to BSC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Bismarck State College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist BSC as your choice in the form.
How much does a BSC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $54,277. An average BSC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at BSC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Bismarck State College →
Frequently Asked Questions About BSC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54,277 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $15,274 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
14.0% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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