College Costs in Bismarck, ND 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Bismarck, North Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$4,788
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$21,240
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,013
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Bismarck Overview
Population
73,622
Student Population
6,384 (8.7%)
Cost of Living Index
108 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
College Cost Calculator for Bismarck
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$70,344
Total After Financial Aid
$70,344
Annual Cost
$17,586
Annual After Aid
$17,586
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $70,344 |
| Monthly Payment | $799 |
| Total Interest | $25,505 |
| Total Loan Cost | $95,849 |
Universities in Bismarck
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Mary | Private | $21,240 |
| Bismarck State College | Public | $4,788 |
| Bismarck State College | Community | $4,788 |
Bismarck has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bismarck vs. National Average
| Category | Bismarck | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $4,788 | $10,940 | -$6,152 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,013 | $1,050 | -$37 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 100 | +8 |
Bismarck's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Bismarck
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,384 students
Bismarck has a total population of 73,622, with approximately 6,384 college students (8.7% of the population). Bismarck has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bismarck
$45,942
Starting Salary
6.8%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bismarck earn a median starting salary of $45,942, which is $10,942 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $70,344 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,539 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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