Best Community Colleges in North Dakota

Jennifer Lee
By
Updated on October 18, 2024
Edited by
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The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top community colleges in North Dakota. Start planning your future today.

Although North Dakota is among the least populated and visited states, the Peace Garden State possesses a surprising amount of beauty, experiences all four seasons, and features some of the best online community colleges. The University of North Dakota offers one of the top rural medicine programs in the country, making it possible for community college students to complete their four-year education without leaving the state.

With several community colleges to choose from throughout the state, North Dakota’s students can find small class sizes in a variety of programs. North Dakota offers a truly unique college experience.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Accredited Community Colleges in North Dakota

#1 Best Community Colleges in North Dakota

North Dakota State College of Science

  • Location-markerWahpeton, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,928
  • Out-of-state$6,926
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled2,942
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Community Colleges in North Dakota

Williston State College

  • Location-markerWilliston, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,140
  • Out-of-state$4,140
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate60%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled924
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Community Colleges in North Dakota

Cankdeska Cikana Community College

  • Location-markerFort Totten, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,600
  • Out-of-state$3,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate53%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled316
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Community Colleges in North Dakota

Lake Region State College

  • Location-markerDevils Lake, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,249
  • Out-of-state$4,249
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,679
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment57%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Community Colleges in North Dakota

Dakota College at Bottineau

  • Location-markerBottineau, ND
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,663
  • Out-of-state$6,344
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,080
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes

Why Study in North Dakota?

From the educational opportunities to the gorgeous fall leaves and the delightful four-season climate, North Dakota boasts some of the best-kept secrets when it comes to education, culture, and simple living.

Educational Opportunities

Among the biggest pluses of the North Dakota community college system is the ease of admission. With no ACT or SAT scores required, a student with a high school or GED diploma will most often be admitted.

Despite this, course quality remains high, and North Dakota ranks ninth in the country for chance for success as determined by EducationWeek. Even with only a handful of community colleges and universities, North Dakota possesses an outstanding adult education track record.

Economy

The North Dakota economy is surprisingly robust, with a large energy development sector and continued development in agriculture, along with real estate and government jobs. With a strong 4.3% GDP growth rate since 2018, the state maintains a low unemployment rate. The median income continues to rise as well, largely due to improvements in education.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in North Dakota falls below the national average in nearly every category including housing, groceries, and utilities. Even in the most populated areas near Grand Fork, housing costs are well below the national average, with a median home price of only $240,200.

Cultural and Community Offerings

Arts and culture are extensive in North Dakota. The state houses theaters, art, and museums, along with casinos that provide a rich nightlife and concerts by big-name acts and local musicians alike. The state offers something for everyone to enjoy year-round. Food festivals, state fairs, art walks, and countless other activities draw locals and tourists to this rich and still developing arts and culture scene.

Climate

The climate in North Dakota varies by the geographic boundary of the Missouri River. West of the Missouri River, higher temperatures dominate the summer, but the winters tend to be milder. East of the river, North Dakota residents see long, cold winters and warm summer days.

Much of the state sees snow, fall colors, spring rains, and a typical four-season climate.

Top Degree Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota Employment Outlook

Employment in North Dakota increased by 5.5% from June 2020 to June 2021, and unemployment fell to 2.6% when seasonally adjusted. The top employment fields continue to be energy development, agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality.

While the demand for healthcare workers rises annually, much like other states, North Dakota experiences less growth in the tech industry. Education is booming, however, and when compared with neighboring states, the North Dakota economy thrives.

5 North Dakota Jobs in Demand


Drafter

Drafters assist engineers and architects by turning their ideas into scale drawings, diagrams, and plans, usually presented digitally. Drafters generally work on computers in offices. They can work remotely, but sometimes go into the field with engineers and architects.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary: $57,960
  • Job Growth Projection:-2%

Medical Assistant

A medical assistant usually performs administrative and clinical duties in a physician’s office or hospital. The position requires an associate degree or, in some cases, a career certificate from a vocational school, along with some experience and good customer service skills.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary: $35,850
  • Job Growth Projection:18%

Civil Engineering Technicians

Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers in designing and planning infrastructure projects. They often help in the building process as well. They spend most of their time in offices, but they occasionally work on construction job sites when required.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary: $54,080
  • Job Growth Projection:2%

Software Development

Software developers create programs or applications for computers. They usually work in offices and can sometimes work remotely. Software developer jobs usually require a relevant associate degree, but many employers want a bachelor’s degree or on-the-job training.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary: $110,140
  • Job Growth Projection:22%

Industrial Mechanic

The duties of the industrial mechanic involve installation, maintenance, and repair of factory and other industrial machinery. Mechanical engineering is the most common associate degree for these professionals, and many industrial mechanics go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree and complete on-the-job training.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary: $54,290
  • Job Growth Projection:19%

Popular Career Paths in North Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in North Dakota

Yes. Community colleges in North Dakota charge an average tuition of $4,270 for in-state students and $7,571 for out-of-state learners. Community colleges in North Dakota remain some of the most affordable online community colleges in the nation.

Remember to factor in other expenses when calculating your college budget, however. Textbooks, fees, technology costs, and transportation can all add up.

North Dakota is home to the following public community colleges:

  • Bismarck State College
  • Williston State College
  • Lake Region State College
  • North Dakota State College of Science
  • Dakota College at Bottineau

The state also has several tribal community colleges and private community colleges. If you’re looking to transfer to a four-year college or university in North Dakota after finishing a two-year degree at a community college, you’ll have several options to choose from, including University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and North Dakota State University in Fargo.

The cheapest public community college in North Dakota is Bismarck State College, with an in-state tuition rate of $4,730. However, be sure to check the most recent tuition costs at multiple schools throughout the state when making your decision, as tuition costs are frequently updated. You may also be able to find grants, scholarships, or other forms of financial aid to help cover your college costs.

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