BSC vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than BSC based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 4,206 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bismarck State College is located in Bismarck, ND (Small City setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Bismarck State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bismarck State College 13:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

BSC vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSC or NDSU? 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 NDSU ($10,462 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bismarck State College are 16.7% lower than at North Dakota State University Main Campus ($8,273 vs. $9,928).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 111.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSC (about $5,863 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $5,247.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115% higher at NDSU than at Bismarck State College (about $8,433 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $7,331.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Dakota State University Main Campus than at Bismarck State College (81% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Bismarck State College students ($6,409 vs. $5,049).

BSC vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSC or NDSU? 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 NDSU and BSC.

• Bismarck State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorth Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorth Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSC - Open admission; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.

BSC vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSC and NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than BSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bismarck State College graduates have a $12,259 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($11,041 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, BSC graduates have an estimated $126 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($114 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSC students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.