BSC’s Biggest Year Yet: Growth across campus leads to record enrollment
Published: Aug 29 2025
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The first week of classes at Bismarck State College (BSC) has set the tone for what promises to be a milestone year in the college’s history. From full residence halls and busy labs and classrooms, to new athletic opportunities and academic programs in high-demand occupations, the signs of growth and energy are everywhere on campus.
At the close of Week One, BSC recorded a 9.26% increase in students and a 10.29% increase in the number of credit hours students are taking compared to last fall. And students are still enrolling. On September 22, BSC will submit its official student count to the North Dakota University System, which is the same date used by all state colleges and universities.
When all is said and done in September, BSC will have the highest enrollment in school history, easily breaking the record of 4,445 students set in the spring semester of last year.
That growth is visible on campus. The opening of Health Science Hall, the newest BSC residence facility, means more students are calling the BSC campus home than ever before. With 530 students, BSC has reached its highest level of on-campus housing in history.
This fall marks BSC’s first year competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Frontier Conference, a move that elevates Mystics Athletics into competition with four-year colleges and universities. The Mystics have 292 student-athletes across 17 men’s, women’s and co-ed athletic programs, including two new teams in their inaugural seasons this fall, women’s wrestling and co-ed competitive dance. These additions expand opportunities for students to continue their athletic careers, compete for their college, engage in the campus community, and build a strong fan following of Mystics Athletics.
BSC continues to align its academic offerings with North Dakota’s workforce needs in response to industry leaders’ requests. For the 2025-26 academic year, the college has launched 12 new programs, including program certificates in CPA Accounting and Education Foundations (Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary); associate degrees in Electrician Technician, Integrated Behavioral Sciences, and Strategic Communication; and several new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees in fields such as Behavioral Health, Integrated Marketing & Communication, Sports and Exercise Science, Intelligent Machine Learning, and Organizational Management and Leadership.
With these additions, BSC offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, ensuring students have affordable, applied, four-year options that prepare them for in-demand careers.
BSC Interim President Dan Leingang says the college’s momentum is rooted in its commitment to students and workforce needs. “Our polytechnic approach, combined with new programs aligned to in-demand careers, helps students feel confident they will land good-paying jobs after graduation. Paired with affordable tuition, four-year athletics and flexible schedules, BSC is delivering the kind of education and experience students are seeking today.”
In addition to the growth in programs, athletics and enrollment, new facilities on campus are also taking the BSC student experience to the next level. This is the first full year of hands-on classes in the Advanced Technology Center, a hub of high-tech labs, collaborative learning spaces, and industry-aligned training. Meanwhile, construction continues on the Bavendick Center athletic facility, which is expected to be completed in early spring. The new arena will host BSC’s 86th Commencement Ceremony in May, giving graduates a fitting stage to celebrate their success.
Leingang said the excitement is tangible across campus. “We’ve noticed a significant increase in energy among our students, faculty and staff this fall. With record-high enrollment and housing, new career pathways, and new athletic opportunities, it’s an exciting time to be part of MysticNation.”