BSC reaches record-breaking enrollment this fall

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Seventh consecutive semester of growth solidifies BSC's polytechnic momentum

Bismarck State College (BSC) has once again set a new enrollment record. Official numbers released on Sept. 23 by the North Dakota University System show that 4,549 students have enrolled at BSC this fall. That's an 8.16% increase over last fall's 4,206 students and marks the seventh consecutive semester of enrollment growth.

Full-time enrollment grew by 10.3%, while part-time enrollment increased by 6%, reinforcing the continued strength of BSC's applied learning model.

"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," says BSC 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."

Student Life and Campus Expansion
This fall, 530 students are living on the BSC campus. This is the largest residential student population in BSC's history. The opening of Health Science Hall added space for 55 more residents, reflecting the increased demand for a vibrant on-campus living and learning experience.

BSC's athletics program also entered a new era this fall as the Mystics began competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Frontier Conference. With 292 student-athletes across 19 programs, the Mystics are now competing at a higher level against four-year colleges and universities across the region.

This fall, students are also benefiting from expanded learning spaces, including the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), home to high-tech labs, collaborative classrooms, and industry-driven training. Construction continues on the Bavendick Center athletic facility, slated for completion in spring 2026, where BSC's 86th Commencement Ceremony will be held in May.

New Academic Programs and More 4-year Degrees
This fall marks the launch of 12 new academic programs, including new including program certificates in CPA Accounting and Education Foundations (Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary); new associate degrees in Electrician Technician, Integrated Behavioral Sciences, and Strategic Communication; and several new Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in fields 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," says 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 program additions, BSC now offers 13 bachelor's degrees, giving students affordable four-year options that are directly tied to workforce needs. This fall, the three bachelor's programs with the highest enrollments are Energy Management, Finance, and Cybersecurity and Information Technology.

Regional Recognition
Adding to this momentum, U.S. News & World Report also released its 2026 Best Colleges rankings on Sept. 23, naming BSC:

• #4 in Top Public Colleges (Regional Colleges Midwest)
• #7 in Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Colleges Midwest)
• #32 in Best Regional Colleges Midwest
• #62 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (Regional Colleges Midwest)

Institutions are ranked based on in-depth analysis of 17 academic quality factors, including graduation rates, first-year retention rates, student-faculty ratios, student outcomes, and others.

"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 says. "We're proud to be recognized nationally while staying focused locally on serving North Dakota and the region."