Central ND News

Bismarck State College (BSC) has reported its highest-ever enrollment for the fall 2025 semester, with 4,549 students registered. This figure represents an 8.16% increase compared to last year’s enrollment of 4,206 students and marks the seventh consecutive semester of growth for the institution.

The college saw a 10.3% rise in full-time enrollment and a 6% increase in part-time students. BSC attributes this continued growth to its focus on applied learning and workforce-oriented education.

“This record enrollment tells the story of students who are choosing BSC because of our focus on affordability, applied learning and pathways into the workforce,” said Interim President Dan Leingang. “Seven straight semesters of growth show that our polytechnic mission is not only resonating but making a real difference for students and the industries we serve.”

This semester also saw a record number of residential students, with 530 living on campus—the largest in BSC’s history. The opening of Health Science Hall provided space for an additional 55 residents, meeting increased demand for on-campus housing.

BSC’s athletics program began competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Frontier Conference this fall. The Mystics now have 292 student-athletes across 19 programs, facing competition from four-year colleges and universities in the region.

Students are benefiting from expanded facilities such as the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), which features high-tech labs and industry-driven training spaces. Construction continues on the Bavendick Center athletic facility, scheduled to be completed by spring 2026, where BSC will hold its 86th Commencement Ceremony in May.

The college launched twelve new academic programs this fall, including certificates in CPA Accounting and Education Foundations; associate degrees like Electrician Technician and Integrated Behavioral Sciences; and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in areas such as Behavioral Health, Sports and Exercise Science, Integrated Marketing & Communication, Intelligent Machine Learning, and Organizational Management and Leadership.

“We are building programs where industry tells us they need skilled workers,” said Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Alicia Uhde. “From automation and energy to healthcare, business and the humanities, our growth is proof that students see BSC as the place to prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.”

With these additions, BSC now offers thirteen bachelor’s degrees aimed at providing affordable four-year options linked directly to job market needs. The most popular bachelor’s programs this fall are Energy Management, Finance, Cybersecurity and Information Technology.

In national rankings released by U.S. News & World Report on September 23rd for its 2026 Best Colleges list, BSC was named #4 among Top Public Colleges (Regional Colleges Midwest), #7 among Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Colleges Midwest), #32 among Best Regional Colleges Midwest overall, and #62 among Top Performers on Social Mobility (Regional Colleges Midwest). These rankings consider factors such as graduation rates, retention rates, student-faculty ratios, student outcomes and more.

“To see BSC ranked among the best public colleges in our region underscores what our students already know. This is a place where opportunities are relevant and affordable,” Leingang said. “We’re proud to be recognized nationally while staying focused locally on serving North Dakota and the region.”