North Dakota State College of Science

What North Dakota State College of Science does

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is a public two-year comprehensive residential college founded in 1903 and headquartered in Wahpeton, North Dakota, operating as part of the North Dakota University System. It is one of the oldest two-year residential colleges in the nation and is currently ranked the #1 community college in North Dakota. The institution delivers 100+ career pathways across Career & Technical Programs (automotive, diesel technology, electrical, welding, HVAC/R, plumbing, precision machining, robotics, building construction), Health Sciences (nursing, dental, occupational therapy assistant, pharmacy technician, surgical technology, EMS), and Liberal Arts transfer degrees. It also operates TrainND Southeast, a workforce training division serving 13,000+ employers across 15 counties in southeast North Dakota, plus the Career Innovation Center in Fargo, online degree programs via Blackboard LMS, and a Dual Credit Program for high school students in grades 10-12. Over 1,000 students live on campus across six residence halls and three apartment complexes.

The college's core technology stack is conventional for a higher education institution: Blackboard for online learning delivery, a shared ConnectND CampusConnection student information system, Microsoft 365 for email/collaboration, and a Salesforce-based inquiry form for prospective-student lead capture. Instructional technology is concentrated in technical programs — Robotics/Automation/Mechatronics, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/drones), and Computer Science — but no proprietary platform architecture, AI/ML capability, or differentiated software IP is disclosed. NDSCS's economic moat is operational rather than technological: it derives positioning from durable employer partnerships (Case IH, Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, Sanford Health EMS) that combine classroom training with guaranteed internships, and from a structured NDSU pathway for four-year transfer students.

Revenue mechanics combine per-credit tuition (tiered by ND Resident, Minnesota Reciprocity, U.S. Resident, and International status), housing ($1,610–$3,900/semester per space), meal plans ($985–$2,590/semester), a $35 application fee, and TrainND Southeast corporate/open-enrollment workforce training contracts. Funding is supplemented by state appropriations through NDUS, federal financial aid, and $1.6M+ in institutional scholarships; 75% of degree-seeking students attend tuition free. Customer acquisition runs through a hybrid channel mix: campus visit events (SEE NDSCS Days, Big Day at NDSCS, Allied Health Day), high school counselor partnerships, dual credit outreach, social media, and targeted military/veteran recruitment with application fee waivers.

Name

North Dakota State College of Science

Legal name

North Dakota State College of Science

Website

https://ndscs.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1903

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

North Dakota State College of Science is a public two-year comprehensive residential college founded in 1903 in Wahpeton, North Dakota. It delivers 100+ career and technical, health sciences, and liberal arts pathways to over 1,000 on-campus students and workforce training for 13,000+ employers across southeast North Dakota.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community College Education

NAICS

Junior Colleges (61121), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG), Technical Community Colleges (Applied/CTE-Focused) (EDAHADAD)

Keywords

• Community college education
• Career technical training
• Workforce development
• Liberal arts degrees
• Dual credit programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Wahpeton, ND

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: NDSCS generates revenue through tuition charged per credit, with rates based on residency status (North Dakota Resident, Minnesota Reciprocity, U.S. Resident, International). Additional revenue comes from per-credit fees, instructional fees, and program-specific materials.
2. Financial Aid Services: The college facilitates federal financial aid including grants, work-study, and low-interest loans. Financial aid also includes institutional scholarships ($1.6M+ available) and state programs.
3. Housing and Dining: Revenue from on-campus housing (six residence halls and three apartment complexes) and dining services with various meal plans.
4. Workforce Training (TrainND Southeast): Customized training programs and open enrollment courses for employers and individuals in areas including CDL/Truck Driving, CNA, CPR/First Aid, industrial/manufacturing, computer technology, and professional development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is a two-year, comprehensive residential community college offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across more than 100 career pathways. Core offerings include Career & Technical Programs (automotive, diesel, electrical, welding, HVAC/R, plumbing, machining, robotics, building construction), Health Sciences Programs (nursing, dental, OTA, pharmacy technician, surgical technology, EMS), and Liberal Arts programs designed for transfer to four-year universities. Supporting offerings include Online Learning via Blackboard, TrainND Southeast workforce training for employers across 15 counties, Dual Credit courses for high school students, Youth summer camps, and on-campus Residential Life.

Product overview

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is a two-year comprehensive residential college founded in 1903, offering a portfolio of career and technical programs, health sciences programs, and liberal arts transfer degrees. The institution operates its main Wahpeton campus and a Fargo location, serving over 1,000 on-campus students with more than 100 career pathways. Key products include: Career & Technical Programs (automotive, diesel, electrical, welding, HVAC, plumbing, precision machining, robotics, building construction, powersports, UAS/drones); Health Sciences Programs (nursing, dental, OTA, pharmacy, surgical technology, EMS, health information); and Liberal Arts for university transfer. Supporting products include Online Learning via Blackboard LMS for distance education, TrainND Southeast workforce training services covering 15 counties, Dual Credit for high school students, Youth Programs (summer camps), CampusConnection student portal, and comprehensive Student Support Services including tutoring, counseling, and accessibility services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TrainND Southeast: Workforce training division providing training opportunities for employers in North Dakota's workforce, covering 15 counties in southeast North Dakota including Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Lamoure, Logan, Mcintosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, Traill, and Wells.

Products and services

• Career & Technical Programs Two-year degree and diploma programs in career and technical fields including automotive technology, diesel technology, electrical technology, welding, HVAC/R, plumbing, precision machining, robotics, building construction, powersports, and unmanned aircraft systems. Targeted at students seeking direct entry into skilled trades and technical careers.
• Health Sciences Programs Healthcare-focused programs including nursing, dental assisting, dental hygiene, occupational therapy assistant, pharmacy technician, surgical technology, health information, community health worker, and EMS/paramedic training. Aimed at students pursuing allied health careers and healthcare credentials.
• Liberal Arts Programs Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees designed for seamless transfer to four-year universities, covering general education requirements in arts, humanities, and sciences. Targeted at students planning to complete a bachelor's degree.
• Online Learning Distance education programs allowing students to complete degrees 100% online through the Blackboard LMS, with dedicated online advising and support services. Several degree programs are available fully online for students who cannot attend on-campus.
• TrainND Southeast Workforce Training Workforce development and continuing education division covering 15 counties in southeast North Dakota, offering CDL training, CNA/CMA certification, CPR/First Aid, industrial manufacturing, computer technology, and professional development courses through open enrollment and customized corporate programs for over 13,000 employers.
• Dual Credit Program College credit courses for high school students in grades 10-12, offered at high schools, through ITV/IVN, online, or on campus, with reduced tuition rates. Students earn transferable college credit while completing high school requirements.
• Youth Programs Summer enrichment camps for K-12 students including culinary camp, math Olympics, Scrubs Camp, and Titan Machinery Diesel Camp, designed to provide early exposure to college and career pathways.
• Residential Life On-campus housing with six residence halls and three apartment complexes, paired with meal plans and living-learning communities, serving over 1,000 students with semester-based rental rates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% of degree-seeking students attend tuition free through financial aid and scholarships
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• North Dakota State University (NDSU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPathway Program collaboration between NDSCS and NDSU helps first-year students prepare for university life by building academic, personal, and social skills while earning college credit. Creates a seamless transfer pathway for students completing associate degrees.
• Sanford Health EMS EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNDSCS-Fargo and Sanford Health EMS Education partnership offers two-year degree and certificate options in Emergency Medical Services, combining clinical training with academic instruction.
• Case IHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiesel Technology partnership combining state-of-the-art on-campus training with internships at sponsoring Case IH dealerships. Students receive hands-on experience with Case IH equipment.
• CaterpillarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCaterpillar Dealer Service Technician program develops skilled service technicians for Caterpillar Dealerships through combined classroom and internship experiences.
• John DeerecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNDSCS partnered with John Deere to offer a focused two-year technician program with dealer internships, preparing students for careers in agricultural equipment service.
• KomatsucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiesel Technology partnership with Komatsu combines on-campus training with internships at sponsoring Komatsu dealerships for heavy equipment technician careers.
• Metro College AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership of five institutions of higher education enabling students to access courses and resources across multiple colleges in the metro area.
• North Dakota University System (NDUS)coreOthersNDSCS is part of the North Dakota University System. TrainND Southeast serves 13,000+ employers across 15 southeast North Dakota counties including Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Lamoure, Logan, Mcintosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, Traill, and Wells.
• Good Jobs Challenge GranteesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating grantee in workforce development programs through SkillsND and Good Jobs Challenge Grants focused on expanding training capacity for high-demand occupations.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bismarck State College: Another public two-year college within the North Dakota University System, offering similar career and technical programs plus liberal arts transfer pathways. Comparable in mission, funding structure, and student demographics to NDSCS.
• Williston State College: NDUS two-year college with comparable technical program mix and energy-sector workforce training orientation. Direct competitor for North Dakota students and employer-training contracts.
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College: Minnesota-based two-year college system offering similar career-technical and transfer programs; key competitor in the Fargo-Moorhead border region where NDSCS has its satellite campus.
• Dakota College at Bottineau: NDUS two-year college offering career-technical certificates and associate degrees, including natural resources and allied health. Comparable in size, mission, and rural-North-Dakota student base.
• Northland Community and Technical College: Minnesota two-year college with technical programs in diesel, manufacturing, healthcare, and IT — directly overlapping NDSCS program mix and competing for workforce-training contracts along the MN-ND border.
• Lake Region State College: North Dakota University System two-year college with similar mix of career-technical and transfer programs. Closest in scale and rural geographic focus, with overlapping workforce-training and dual-credit offerings.

Regional players

• Central Lakes College: Minnesota two-year college offering career-technical, healthcare, and transfer programs. Comparable in scale and mission; competes for border-region students and employer-training relationships.
• Mitchell Technical College: South Dakota technical college focused on skilled trades, energy, and healthcare programs. Highly comparable program mix to NDSCS's career-technical offerings; serves as a regional benchmark for technical-college outcomes.
• Southeast Technical College: South Dakota public technical college with strong career-technical and healthcare program mix. Comparable in mission and program portfolio, though operating in a different state than NDSCS.
• Riverland Community College: Minnesota State two-year college with technical, healthcare, and transfer pathways. Comparable in program breadth and workforce-training mission; serves southern Minnesota near the Iowa/Minnesota border region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ndscswildcats
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/NDSCSWildcats
• Facebookfacebook.com/NDSCS
• Instagraminstagram.com/ndscs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/north-dakota-state-college-of-science

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North Dakota State College of Science