Recognition
With one of the highest placement rates in the state of North Dakota and the second lowest tuition, Bismarck State College provides high-quality education at a fraction of the cost. The national and state rankings below are evidence of our ongoing commitment to excellence.
2025 Recognition
Best Associate College
#1 in ND
• Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
2024 Recognition
Best Associate College
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Community College
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online in GIS
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Colleges
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Bachelor’s Colleges
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Associate in Network Administration
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
#2 in U.S.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
#4 in U.S.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Associate in Human Services
#6 in U.S.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Associate in Business
#9 in U.S.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online Associate Degrees
#16 in U.S.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Top Regional Colleges
#39 in Midwest
Top Public Schools
#4 in Midwest
Top Performers on Social Mobility
#71 in Midwest
Best Nursing Schools
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on current and historical NCLEX-RN pass rates.
Best College Campuses
#2 in N.D.
Rankings based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation.
Best Value Colleges
#2 in N.D.
Rankings based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation.
Best College Food
#2 in N.D.
Rankings based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation.
Best College Locations
#3 in N.D.
Rankings based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation.
Safest College Campuses
#4 in N.D.
Rankings based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation.
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education Designation
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Bismarck State College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) for its Cybersecurity and Computer Networks program through the academic year 2029. The two federal organizations stated that BSC’s ability to meet the increasing demands of program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure.
2023 Recognition
Best Online Associate & Community
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Associate Degree Programs
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Online College Programs
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
Best Bachelor’s Programs
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.
2025 Aspen Prize Eligible
Top 150 in the U.S.
The Aspen Institute named Bismarck State College (BSC) – North Dakota's Polytechnic Institution – as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. This is the third consecutive cycle BSC has been chosen as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College.
The Aspen Institute names BSC among top 150 colleges eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize | Bismarck State College
Best Nuclear Engineering School
#1 in U.S.
Rankings based on student success metrics, post-graduation wages, and availability of online/flexible learning options.
Best Mechanic & Repair Technologies School
#1 in N.D.
Rankings based on student success metrics, post-graduation wages, and availability of online/flexible learning options.
Best Associate Degree School
#15 in U.S.
Rankings based on student success metrics, post-graduation wages, and availability of online/flexible learning options.
Best Agriculture School
#3 in N.D.
Rankings based on student success metrics, post-graduation wages, and availability of online/flexible learning options.
Most Popular Agriculture Associate Degree Schools
#36 in U.S.
Rankings based on student success metrics, post-graduation wages, and availability of online/flexible learning options.