Returning students, expanding bachelor’s programs drive BSC’s record-setting enrollment
Published: Sep 23 2026
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Bismarck State College has reached its highest fall enrollment in college history, with 4,668 students enrolled for Fall 2026, an increase of 3% from Fall 2025. This is according to the official North Dakota University System Fall 2026 census data released yesterday.
The record enrollment reflects continued growth across the college, driven largely by strong retention and returning-student enrollment. The number of returning students increased by 9% from Fall 2025 to this fall. Returning students account for 56% of BSC’s total enrollment.
“Enrollment growth is important, but what is particularly encouraging is seeing more students return and continue progressing toward their career goals. Students are choosing BSC, staying here and seeing value in the education and opportunities available to them. That tells us we are responding to what students and our workforce need,” said BSC President Brian Kalk.
BSC continues to expand its bachelor’s degree offerings, creating more opportunities for students to earn four-year degrees in Bismarck. The college currently offers 15 bachelor’s degree programs designed in response to student interest and workforce needs.
One of BSC’s newest bachelor’s degree pathways is already demonstrating that demand. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Foundations of Teaching has 71 students enrolled this fall. The program grew out of conversations with K-12 partners across North Dakota about the ongoing challenge of recruiting teachers, as well as years of interest from prospective BSC students.
“We have heard consistently from our K-12 partners that filling teaching positions is a significant challenge, and at the same time, prospective students have told us for years that they want the opportunity to earn an education degree through BSC,” said Karen Erickson, BSC Enrollment Management. “We have responded to the needs of both and are building a pipeline of future teachers for North Dakota schools while giving students a pathway at BSC to prepare for their teaching careers.”
BSC works closely with industry leaders to understand where workforce gaps exist and what knowledge and skills graduates need to be successful.
“Our approach is to listen first. Industry insights, combined with intensive hands-on learning, allow students to graduate confident that they are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute from day one,” said Kalk.
That workforce-driven approach is reflected across BSC’s programs. This year, in response to industry demand and a consistent student waitlist, BSC expanded its Lineworker program by 20 seats, increasing capacity to 82 students preparing for careers in the electric utility industry.
BSC is also extending its workforce-focused education to military learners nationwide. The United States Naval Community College selected the college to provide an online Associate of Applied Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to enlisted Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. This collaboration builds on BSC’s experience in providing flexible technical education and gives military students the applied skills needed for a rapidly evolving technology field.
“Our students come to BSC with a goal. They want an education that leads somewhere. When we bring educators and industry together to build programs around real workforce needs, everybody benefits,” Kalk said.
The Fall 2026 enrollment census continues a period of sustained growth for BSC and reflects gains across multiple student populations.
“BSC’s growth is ultimately about opportunity and hands-on learning. That is at the heart of our mission as the state’s polytechnic institution,” said Kalk.