BSC vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND with Minot State University in Minot, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bismarck State College is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (4,206 students vs. 2,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bismarck State College is located in Bismarck, ND (Small City setting); Minot State University is in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Bismarck State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Minot State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bismarck State College 13:1; Minot State University 11:1.

BSC vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSC or MSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bismarck State College than MSU ($10,462 vs. $13,092).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bismarck State College are 3.1% lower than at Minot State University ($8,273 vs. $8,534).
• Minot State University is 65.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSC (about $3,455 more per year; $8,702.00 vs. $5,247.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.7% higher at MSU than at Bismarck State College (about $1,371 more per year; $8,702.00 vs. $7,331.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minot State University than at Bismarck State College (90% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minot State University students is 19.2% larger than aid received by Bismarck State College students ($6,016 vs. $5,049).

BSC vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSC or MSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MSU and BSC.

• Bismarck State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMinot State University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMinot State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSC - Open admission; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027.

BSC vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSC and MSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Bismarck State College earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bismarck State College graduates have a $7,684 lower median loan debt than MSU graduates ($11,041 vs. $18,725).
• Among borrowers, BSC graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSU graduates ($114 vs. $193).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSC students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.