BSC-Bismarck vs Dakota State
Bismarck State College and Dakota State University, both esteemed institutions in North Dakota, offer distinct educational experiences. Bismarck State College, with an acceptance rate of 100%, welcomes students from all backgrounds, while Dakota State University, with a more selective admissions process and an acceptance rate of 88%, attracts high-achieving students. Bismarck State College excels in associate's degrees, with popular programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, and healthcare, while Dakota State University specializes in bachelor's and master's degrees, with notable programs in computer science, business, and education. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional program offerings, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and career goals.
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![]() Bismarck State College |
![]() Dakota State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Bismarck, North Dakota | Madison, South Dakota |
Campus setting | City: Small | Town: Distant |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 72.0% | |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | Open Admission | 85.6% |
Application fees | $35 |
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | N/A | 1000 - 1245 |
ACT range | N/A | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 11.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 80.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 681 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 583 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 366 | |
Yield rate | 62.8% | |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | |
High school GPA | N/A | Required |
Recommendation letters | N/A | Not required |
High school transcript | N/A | Required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | N/A | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$16,883
Out of state:
$18,887
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In state:
$24,073
Out of state:
$27,175
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Average net price | $10,249 | $17,572 |
Tuition |
In state:
$4,007
Out of state:
$6,011
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In state:
$7,616
Out of state:
$10,718
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$3,649
Meal plan:
$3,808
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Room/dormitory:
$4,116
Meal plan:
$3,308
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
61.0%
Average amount $3,903 |
79.0%
Average amount $4,645 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
43.0%
Average amount $4,890 |
58.0%
Average amount $4,987 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $8,086 |
11.0%
Average amount $9,288 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,549
Men 52.5% Women 47.5% |
2,751
Men 60.9% Women 39.1% |
Graduate students | N/A |
468
Men 74.8% Women 25.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 5.2% | N/A |
International students | 0.4% | 4.5% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Town: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 425 | 925 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | North Dakota Minnesota South Dakota Montana Iowa | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 14:1 | 18:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 52.6% | 46.8% |
Dropout rate | 26.1% | 49.8% |
Transferred out | 13.7% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Agricultural Business and Management (Associate's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Associate's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (Associate's Degrees)
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Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
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