Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Williston, North Dakota
Williston State College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$18,119Annual Cost
$44,017Grad Salary
20.4%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$7,164
Need-Based Aid
20.4% receive Pell
Williston State College is a public institution in North Dakota that provides a wide range of associate degrees, transfer pathways, and technical training. The college is recognized for its strong community ties, small-campus atmosphere, and commitment to helping students achieve their educational and career goals. Whether students are looking to transfer to a four-year university or gain immediate skills for the regional workforce, the college offers an accessible, high-value education that emphasizes personalized attention and student success.
Williston State College Acceptance Rate
Williston State College (WSC) 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 WSC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Williston State College's verified institutional data
--%
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.
Williston State College (WSC) 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 WSC Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Williston 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 WSC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
WSC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Understand that "open admission" doesn't mean "no gate" - placement testing is the real gate
Per NDUS Procedure 402.1.2, ALL degree-seeking students must submit placement scores (ACT, SAT, EdReady, or Accuplacer) for admission purposes, even though there's no GPA/test-score minimum to be admitted. Advise students to take the ACT or SAT before enrolling if at all possible - it's the only route that avoids the $10-per-subject Accuplacer/EdReady testing fee and avoids default placement into non-credit remedial coursework.
Use North Dakota dual-credit/concurrent enrollment to walk in already placed
Transfer applicants (including those with dual-credit Math/English from high school) who've already "successfully transferred in" college-level Math and English are explicitly exempted from placement testing. ND high schoolers should be pushed hard toward concurrent enrollment courses specifically in English and Math before senior year - this directly shortens time-to-degree at WSC.
Target Petroleum Technology & Automation as the flagship differentiator
This program only makes sense in the context of Williston's location in the Bakken oil-field region - it's not a generic gen-ed community college pathway. Students interested in it should contact the program directly before applying to ask about current industry-sponsor relationships, since employer partnerships in oil-and-gas regions shift with commodity cycles and matter more to actual job placement than the general college application does.
International and Canadian applicants must front-load testing
Unlike domestic Early Entry students, international and Canadian applicants are explicitly required to submit ACT, SAT, or placement scores with no exceptions listed - this should be flagged early since it changes the applicant's timeline versus a domestic peer.
Expert Insight:
A specific and repeated failure pattern: students and parents treat "open admission" as the finish line, submit the free application, and skip placement testing - then get blindsided when they're registered into non-credit remedial Math/English in their first semester, which doesn't count toward the degree and can affect financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress timelines. Placement testing needs to be treated as part of "admission," not a post-admission afterthought.
WSC Profile
Full Name
Williston State College (WSC)
City
Williston
State
North Dakota
ZIP Code
58801
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a WSC Degree Worth It?
Getting into WSC 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. WSC 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 WSC is $44,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.53%.
How much does a degree from WSC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Williston State College is $18,119. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Williston State College is $7,164.
20.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 15.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to WSC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Williston 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 WSC as your choice in the form.
How much does a WSC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $44,017. An average WSC 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 WSC
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Williston State College →
Frequently Asked Questions About WSC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44,017 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $18,119 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
20.4% 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.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all North Dakota Colleges
Average SAT Score of North Dakota Colleges
Average ACT Score
Highest Acceptance Rate in North Dakota
Bachelor Programs in North Dakota
Test Optional Colleges in North Dakota
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Best High Schools in North Dakota