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.
Other Cities in North Dakota
Fargo
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,318
Grand Forks
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,008
Minot
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,620
West Fargo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Williston
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Mandan
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Dickinson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Jamestown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Wahpeton
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Watford City
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Devils Lake
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Valley City
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bismarck
How we compile Bismarck college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Bismarck institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Bismarck's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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