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Fall 2024 marks the fifth consecutive semester of enrollment growth at BSC | Bismarck State College

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Fall 2024 marks the fifth consecutive semester of enrollment growth at BSC

Published: Sep 25 2024
Fall 2024 marks the fifth consecutive semester of enrollment growth at BSC - Photo
Bismarck State College (BSC) is celebrating another milestone this fall with 4,206 students enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester, marking a 3.5% increase over last year and the fifth consecutive semester of growth. This year’s enrollment is the highest the college has seen since enrollment peaked in 2011 with 4,392 students and signals a strong, ongoing demand for BSC’s polytechnic-focused education model.
 
“We’re seeing more and more students turn to BSC to achieve their education and career goals,” says BSC President Doug Jensen. “Every year, our programs evolve to meet the needs of industries critical to our state’s workforce. This benefits our students, our communities and North Dakota as a whole.”
 
One of the most encouraging trends is the rise in the number of full-time students enrolled, which jumped by 11.6% this year. This reflects a growing number of students eager to complete their programs in a short amount of time, gain the skills they need, and enter the workforce as soon as possible. BSC’s credit hour enrollment also surged by 8.2%, with students enrolling in 42,182 credits.
 
The Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Ranch Operations, and Advanced Digital Technologies programs at BSC have seen the most growth this fall, with more students seeking training in these high-demand fields. The three programs with the most students enrolled are BSC’s Liberal Arts/Transfer programs, Cybersecurity and Computer Networks, and Electric Power Technology. 
 
“As the college continues to focus on hands-on, real-world education, it’s clear that students are recognizing the value of the practical skills and industry connections BSC offers,” says Jensen.
 
To accommodate enrollment growth and best prepare students for the workforce, the college broke ground in November 2022 on the BSC Advanced Technology Center—a state-of-the-art, polytechnic-focused facility designed to foster hands-on learning and industry collaboration. This facility, on track to be completed in December, will be a key driver for future program expansion and workforce training in areas like energy, cybersecurity, and manufacturing.
 
In addition to academic program growth, BSC is also expanding its athletic and campus life offerings thanks to a generous donation from the Frank and Joanne Bavendick family. In June, the college began construction on the Bavendick Center, an 80,000-square-foot facility that will house collegiate sports, recreation activities, and campus events. Set to open in early 2026, the Bavendick Center is a sign of the growing vibrancy on campus and will provide space for BSC’s growing athletic programs. The wrestling and rodeo programs began competing this year, and other programs are in the early exploration stages.
 
Looking ahead, BSC is positioned to continue its upward trajectory, further reinforcing its role in driving workforce and economic development in North Dakota. The college anticipates enrollment will keep increasing as the polytechnic institution adds new academic programs in high-demand fields such as agriculture, cybersecurity, energy, health sciences, manufacturing and automation and multiple others.
 
“Our primary focus is and always will be our students’ success,” Jensen says. “Whether they’re with us for a few semesters to complete a short-term certificate or four years to complete one of our Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, we want each student to leave BSC with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. It’s that commitment to their success that’s driving our growth.”