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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

Best Associate College

#1 in ND


• Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.

2024 Recognition

Best Associate College

Best Associate College

#1 in N.D.


Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.

Best Online Community College

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

Best Online in GIS

#1 in N.D.


Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.

Best Online Colleges

Best Online Colleges

#1 in N.D.


Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.

Best Bachelor’s Colleges

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Online Associate Degrees

#16 in U.S.


Rankings based on tuition cost, retention rate, graduation rate, and graduate starting salary.

Top Regional Colleges

Top Regional Colleges

#39 in Midwest


Top Public Schools

Top Public Schools

#4 in Midwest


Top Performers on Social Mobility

Top Performers on Social Mobility

#71 in Midwest


Best Nursing Schools

Best Nursing Schools

#1 in N.D.


Rankings based on current and historical NCLEX-RN pass rates.

Best College Campuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.