Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is North Dakota's designated public polytechnic institution offering 2-year and 4-year degrees, certificates, and online programs in cybersecurity, energy, manufacturing, and defense technology, serving traditional students, adult learners, and military-affiliated students.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1979
- HeadquartersBismarck, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Bismarck State College does
Bismarck State College (BSC) is a public polytechnic institution located in Bismarck, North Dakota, operating under the North Dakota University System. Founded in 1979 (originally as Bismarck Junior College), BSC offers associate and bachelor of applied science degrees, certificates, and dual credit programs across more than 100 career pathways, with concentrations in cybersecurity, energy, manufacturing automation, healthcare, agriculture, and defense technology. The college maintains a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and serves traditional college students, adult learners, military-affiliated students, K-12 youth, and industry partners, with both on-campus instruction and online delivery through Blackboard LMS.
The institution's product portfolio includes the Cybersecurity and Computer Networks (AAS), Cybersecurity and Information Technology (BAS), multiple specialized cybersecurity certificates, the new Technical Studies with focus in Defense Technology (developed in partnership with AeroVironment), University Studies (BAS), and youth programs such as Cyber Quest Camp and Cyber Savvy Camp. BSC's competitive positioning rests on its NSA/DHS CAE-CDE designation in cyber defense education, its state-mandated polytechnic role, and formalized employer partnerships including with AeroVironment and GrandSKY. Industry 4.0 curriculum and Competency-Based Education delivery options differentiate its technical offerings.
BSC's revenue mechanics combine tuition and fees (with differentiated in-state and out-of-state rates, payment plan options, and $1.7M in annual scholarships), state appropriations through the North Dakota University System (including $1.2M+ from the Workforce Education Innovation Fund for 2025-2027), and external grants including $150,000 from the Lumina Foundation for digital outreach enhancement and $9.9 million from the U.S. Department of Education awarded in October 2024. Customer segments are broadly distributed across individual learners and employer partners, with distribution channels spanning on-campus enrollment, BSC Online (global reach via Blackboard), dual credit programs for high school students, and continuing education/workforce training.
Bismarck State College firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bismarck State College
- Legal name
- Bismarck State College
- Website
- https://bismarckstate.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1979
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Bismarck State College is North Dakota's designated public polytechnic institution offering 2-year and 4-year degrees, certificates, and online programs in cybersecurity, energy, manufacturing, and defense technology, serving traditional students, adult learners, and military-affiliated students.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bismarck State College industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Higher Education / Polytechnic College
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Services (61)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE)
Keywords
Where Bismarck State College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bismarck
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Bismarck State College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue stream from student tuition and fees charged for credit-bearing degree programs (2-year and 4-year), certificate programs, and continuing education courses. Tuition rates vary for in-state vs. out-of-state students. Payment plan options are available to ease financial burden.
- State Funding (North Dakota University System): Operational funding from the North Dakota University System, a public system of higher education institutions in North Dakota. NDUS provides legislative funding including the Workforce Education Innovation Fund (WEIF) with $10 million for 2025-2027 session.
- Grants and Legislative Funding: External grant funding awarded to support specific institutional initiatives. Lumina Foundation awarded $150,000 grants for digital outreach enhancement. WEIF directed over $1.2 million to create three new degree programs in Behavioral Health, Education, and Construction Management.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | In-state tuition for degree programs |
| Subscription | Annual | Out-of-state tuition for degree programs |
| Other | Annual | Scholarships and Financial Aid |
| Hybrid | Monthly | Payment Plans |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Bismarck State College product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bismarck State College delivers credit-bearing associate (AAS) and bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree programs, certificate programs, dual credit for high school students, continuing education, and youth camps across industries including cybersecurity, energy, manufacturing automation, healthcare, agriculture, and defense technology. As North Dakota's designated polytechnic institution, it combines hands-on applied learning with academic transfer pathways, supported by an online delivery platform (Blackboard LMS) and NSA/DHS-recognized cyber defense curriculum.
Product overview
Bismarck State College is North Dakota's Polytechnic Institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs and services. The institution provides 2-year and 4-year degree options across multiple disciplines including Cybersecurity & Computer Information Technology, Energy, Health Sciences, Manufacturing & Automation, and more. The product portfolio includes Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree programs, along with certificate programs in specialized technical areas. Key offerings include Cybersecurity and Computer Networks (AAS), Cybersecurity and Information Technology (BAS), and multiple cybersecurity certificates (Security Operations, Software Analysis, Security and Hacking, Offensive and Defensive Security, Secure Programming, Modern Computing Technologies, IT and Cybersecurity Governance, Intelligent Machine Learning). The college also offers youth programs including Cyber Quest Camp and Cyber Savvy Camp. Educational delivery utilizes Blackboard Learning Management System. The institution holds CAE-CDE designation from NSA/DHS for cyber defense education.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Mystic Media: Student media organization including the college's student newspaper.
- Merlin the Mystic
- Technical Studies with focus in Defense Technology
Products and services
- Cybersecurity and Computer Networks (AAS) Associate of Applied Science degree combining system administration fundamentals with cybersecurity concepts; prepares students to install operating systems, configure networks, manage servers, and maintain fundamental security practices.
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology (BAS) Bachelor of Applied Science degree providing solid cybersecurity backing to IT tasks; focuses on best practices to implement, administer, and secure technologies used to process, transmit, and store data.
- Security Operations Certificate Certificate program providing skills to detect and respond to network incidents; examines tools and techniques for identifying threat actors within networks and enhancing security analysis knowledge.
- Software Analysis Certificate Certificate program providing skills to analyze malware infections, obtain detailed information about how software works, where it came from, and how it was written; includes solving problems by writing scripts or developing code.
- Security and Hacking Certificate Certificate providing practical experience using security tools on Linux and Windows systems; expands knowledge of information security principles, technologies, and practices to secure computers and networks.
- Offensive and Defensive Security Certificate Certificate covering digital forensics, firewall installation/configuration/management, and network penetration testing; prepares learners with theory and configuration for next-generation firewall technologies.
- Secure Programming Certificate Certificate providing background in Python and Java programming with emphasis on secure programming practices that protect software from vulnerabilities and attacks.
- Modern Computing Technologies Certificate Certificate providing experience installing, configuring, securing, and administering modern data center environments; covers methods, policies, and procedures for maintaining system availability and incident response.
- IT and Cybersecurity Governance Certificate Certificate focusing on management aspects of IT and cybersecurity departments; addresses management of information technology programs, elevating and managing cybersecurity risk for organizations.
- Intelligent Machine Learning Certificate Certificate in the cybersecurity portfolio focusing on AI and machine learning applications within cybersecurity contexts.
- Foundations in Emerging Technologies Certificate Certificate introducing foundational concepts in emerging technologies within the cybersecurity and IT domain.
- Computer Networking Certificate Certificate providing fundamentals of computer networking including practical and conceptual skills for building simple local area networks and configuring routers and switches.
- Business End User Security Certificate Certificate focused on security awareness and practices for business end users.
- Technical Studies with focus in Defense Technology Limited enrollment two-year program combining foundation in electronics with advanced coursework in systems powering aerospace, government, and defense operations; prepares graduates to support radar systems, microwave communications, precision navigation, and embedded electronics.
- Cyber Quest Camp Five-day summer digital experience for students entering grades 6-8, introducing technology and cybersecurity concepts including online safety, digital responsibility, how computers work, and technology career pathways.
- Cyber Savvy Camp Two-day camp for grades 9-12 teaching core cybersecurity concepts including cyber safety, networking basics, networking hardware, and computer hardware components through instructor-led learning and hands-on exploration.
- University Studies (BAS) Bachelor of Applied Science allowing students to design their own path with personalized areas of emphasis; flexible, customizable interdisciplinary program combining coursework from various disciplines.
- Behavioral Health, Education, and Construction Management Degree Programs Three new degree programs funded by the Workforce Education Innovation Fund (WEIF) addressing state-identified workforce shortage areas in Behavioral Health, Education, and Construction Management, developed in partnership with local industry leaders.
Quantifiable outcome
- Graduates of the Technical Studies – Defense Technology program enter the workforce with skills to support advanced electronic systems in aerospace, government, and defense sectors.
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Bismarck State College
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Bismarck State College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Bismarck State College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- AeroVironmentcoreBSC has a formal agreement with AeroVironment (AV), headquartered in Germantown, MD, to support the training of defense technology technicians. BSC's scope of work involves a pilot project to train technicians capable of operating, installing, maintaining, and repairing specialized technology used in the defense industry. The agreement leads to a Technical Studies with focus in Defense Technology program. BSC is also developing a technician certification program with AV and GrandSKY. AV secured a $43M DoD contract for the PANTHER phased array antenna system integrated on DoW SkyRange platforms.
- GrandSKYsupportingBSC is developing a technician certification program in partnership with GrandSKY in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and AeroVironment. This program supports defense technology workforce development in the region.
- North Dakota University System (NDUS)coreThe North Dakota University System established the Workforce Education Innovation Fund (WEIF) with $10 million in legislative funding for the 2025-2027 session to address workforce shortages across the state. Over $1.2 million is directed to BSC to create three new degree programs in Behavioral Health, Education, and Construction Management. Programs are developed in partnership with local industry leaders to meet specific workforce needs.
- Local Industry Leaders (North Dakota)supportingBSC develops new degree programs in Behavioral Health, Education, and Construction Management in partnership with local industry leaders across North Dakota to address specific workforce needs identified by employers. This is part of the WEIF funding initiative directed to the college.
- Lumina FoundationcoreLumina Foundation awarded $150,000 grants to six community colleges across the United States, including Bismarck State College, to enhance their digital outreach and mobile technology capabilities. The funds aim to improve engagement, interest, and access to information for students including adult learners, students of color, working students, and parents. Technical assistance for the digital capabilities enhancement is provided by TrendyMinds, LLC.
- TrendyMinds, LLCsupportingTrendyMinds, LLC provides technical assistance to Bismarck State College as part of the Lumina Foundation digital capabilities enhancement grant. Services include support for digital presence and mobile technology improvements.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Bismarck State College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- North Dakota State College of Science: NDSCS is North Dakota's other public two-year technical college (Wahpeton, ND), offering associate degrees and certificates in technical fields. It is the closest in-state peer to BSC given overlapping polytechnic/technical missions and shared NDUS governance.
- Northern Virginia Community College: NOVA is a large Virginia community college system with an NSA/DHS CAE-CDE-designated cybersecurity program and significant online enrollment. It is a directly comparable peer for a community college cybersecurity center of academic excellence at national scale.
- Fox Valley Technical College: FVTC is a large Wisconsin public technical college with applied technology, IT/cyber, and workforce-aligned programs comparable in mission to BSC's polytechnic focus. It serves as a relevant national peer for technical college scale and program breadth.
- Sinclair Community College: Sinclair is a large Ohio community college (Dayton) known for workforce-aligned programs, Industry 4.0 curriculum, and a robust cyber/IT portfolio. It is directly comparable in polytechnic-style applied learning and CAE-credentialed cybersecurity offerings.
- Williston State College: WSC is a public two-year NDUS college in Williston, ND, with a similar community college/technical program mix and rural North Dakota service area. It is a direct in-state peer for benchmarking enrollment and workforce program design.
- Pikes Peak State College: PPSC is a Colorado community college (Colorado Springs) with extensive technical, cybersecurity, and workforce programs. It is a direct peer for a mid-sized public community college transitioning toward polytechnic/technical identity and Industry 4.0 curriculum.
- Lake Region State College: LRSC is a public community college in Devils Lake, ND, also part of the North Dakota University System. It is directly comparable in scale, mission (two-year degrees, workforce training, transfer pathways), and rural Midwestern context.
- St. Cloud Technical and Community College: SCTCC is a Minnesota State system technical and community college with strong technical/cyber and energy programs. It is a comparable regional peer in scale, mission, and applied-technology focus, useful for benchmarking Midwest polytechnic-style community college operations.
Broad incumbents
- University of North Dakota: UND is the flagship NDUS research university in Grand Forks, ND and the primary four-year transfer destination for BSC graduates. As a broad incumbent in the same state system, it offers comprehensive degree programs and shares the public higher-education funding pool.
- Ivy Tech Community College: Ivy Tech is Indiana's statewide public community college system and the largest in the U.S. It is a broad-incumbent peer for applied technology, cyber, and workforce programs - useful for benchmarking scale, online enrollment, and industry partnership models.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bismarck State College social profiles
Digital presenceBismarck State College compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Bismarck State College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bismarck State College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Bismarck State College subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Bismarck State College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bismarck State College M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bismarck State College
What does Bismarck State College do?
Bismarck State College delivers credit-bearing associate (AAS) and bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree programs, certificate programs, dual credit for high school students, continuing education, and youth camps across industries including cybersecurity, energy, manufacturing automation, healthcare, agriculture, and defense technology. As North Dakota's designated polytechnic institution, it combines hands-on applied learning with academic transfer pathways, supported by an online delivery platform (Blackboard LMS) and NSA/DHS-recognized cyber defense curriculum.
Is Bismarck State College a public or private company?
Bismarck State College is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Bismarck State College founded?
Bismarck State College was founded in 1979. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Bismarck State College based?
Bismarck State College is headquartered in Bismarck, United States, in the North America region.
How does Bismarck State College make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are state Funding (North Dakota University System) and grants and Legislative Funding.
Who are Bismarck State College's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are North Dakota State College of Science, Northern Virginia Community College, Fox Valley Technical College, Sinclair Community College, Williston State College, Pikes Peak State College, Lake Region State College and St. Cloud Technical and Community College. Broad incumbents are University of North Dakota and Ivy Tech Community College.
Does Bismarck State College have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bismarck State College.
What industry is Bismarck State College in?
Bismarck State College's product category is Public Higher Education / Polytechnic College. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAEAB, Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities, with a secondary code of EDAHADAE, Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.