Best Community Colleges in North Dakota: Transfer Rates, Tuition & Programs

Why Community College Makes Sense in North Dakota

North Dakota is home to 11 community colleges serving 4,096 students across the state. For many North Dakotans, community college represents the most practical and affordable pathway to a degree, a career credential, or a smooth transfer to a four-year university.

The numbers tell a compelling story: the average in-state tuition at North Dakota community colleges is just $5,128 per year—significantly lower than four-year institutions. This affordability, combined with smaller class sizes and flexible scheduling, makes community college an increasingly popular choice for high school graduates, working adults, and career changers.

Whether you're looking to earn an associate degree, complete general education requirements before transferring, or gain hands-on training in a high-demand field like welding or healthcare, North Dakota's community college system offers genuine pathways to economic mobility. This guide will help you navigate your options.

The Most Affordable Community Colleges in North Dakota

If cost is your primary concern, North Dakota offers several genuinely affordable options:

Cankdeska Cikana Community College (Fort Totten)

Tuition: $3,950/year — the lowest in the state

Located in Fort Totten, Cankdeska Cikana is the most budget-friendly option in North Dakota. The college serves 278 students and has a strong focus on serving Native American communities.

Important note: While tuition is the lowest, the completion rate is 10.5%, and six-year earnings average $15,814. This suggests the college may serve a population with significant barriers to completion (high percentage of part-time students at 48.2%), or that program offerings may be limited. If you're considering this college, speak with an advisor about support services and realistic timelines for completion.

Williston State College (Williston)

Tuition: $4,938/year

Williston State College is the second-most affordable option and serves 686 students. With a net price of $7,164 (after accounting for financial aid), this is genuinely accessible. The completion rate of 36.1% is modest, and six-year earnings average $39,524—solid middle-ground outcomes. The college enrolls 23.2% part-time students, making it a good option for working adults.

Dakota College at Bottineau (Bottineau)

Tuition: $5,347/year

Dakota College at Bottineau is slightly above the state average but still affordable. With 417 students, it's a mid-sized institution with a 41.4% completion rate and six-year earnings of $32,758. The college serves 29.3% part-time students, indicating flexibility for non-traditional schedules.

Best Community Colleges by Student Outcomes

If your priority is earning potential and completion rates, these colleges deliver the strongest results:

North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton) — Clear Winner

Enrollment: 1,733 | Tuition: $5,928/year | Completion Rate: 46.7% | Six-Year Earnings: $48,800

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is the largest community college in the state and produces the best earnings outcomes by a significant margin. Graduates earn an average of $48,800 six years after enrollment—$13,728 more than the state average of $35,072.

The college's strength lies in technical and applied programs. NDSCS is known for engineering technology, healthcare, and skilled trades training. The 46.7% completion rate is the second-highest in the state, and the college has a relatively low part-time student population (15.1%), suggesting more traditional, full-time students.

Median debt: $12,000 — reasonable given the earning outcomes.

This is the clear choice if you want maximum return on your community college investment.

Lynnes Welding Training (Fargo & Bismarck)

Six-Year Earnings: $43,508 | Completion Rate: 87.4% (Fargo location)

Lynnes Welding Training operates two locations (Fargo and Bismarck) and specializes in welding certification. The 87.4% completion rate is exceptional—the highest in the state—and graduates earn $43,508 six years after enrollment.

Welding is a high-demand trade in North Dakota and across the country. If you're interested in hands-on technical work with strong earning potential and high completion rates, this is worth serious consideration. The trade-off: the net price is $23,093, higher than traditional community colleges, but the completion rate and earnings justify the cost for students committed to the field.

Lake Region State College (Devils Lake)

Enrollment: 599 | Tuition: $5,478/year | Completion Rate: 47.5% | Six-Year Earnings: $40,388

Lake Region State College has the highest completion rate in the state (47.5%) and strong earnings outcomes of $40,388. With 599 students, it's a mid-sized college with a good balance of support and accessibility. The college serves 29.9% part-time students, making it flexible for working adults.

Largest Community Colleges in North Dakota

Size matters when choosing a college. Larger institutions typically offer more program variety but may have larger class sizes. Smaller colleges offer more personalized attention but fewer program options.

North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton)

1,733 students — By far the largest

NDSCS dominates enrollment and offers the widest range of programs. This size advantage contributes to its strong outcomes.

Williston State College (Williston)

686 students — Second largest

A mid-sized college offering a good balance of program variety and personal attention.

Lake Region State College (Devils Lake)

599 students — Third largest

Similar size and scope to Williston State College.

Dakota College at Bottineau (Bottineau)

417 students — Smaller, more intimate

Smaller size may mean fewer program options but more personalized advising and support.

Cankdeska Cikana Community College (Fort Totten)

278 students — Very small

The smallest traditional community college, with a focus on serving Native American students.

Specialized Career Training Schools

North Dakota also has several specialized schools focused on specific fields:

• The Salon Professional Academy-Fargo: 173 students, 78.1% completion rate
• Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body (Fargo and Grand Forks): 44-74 students each, 63-66% completion rates
• The Hair Academy (Bismarck): 56 students, 73.3% completion rate

These schools offer focused training in cosmetology and related fields. They have strong completion rates but lower earnings outcomes ($28,950-$31,723) compared to technical programs like welding or engineering technology.

How to Choose the Right Community College in North Dakota

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Are you looking to:

• Transfer to a four-year university? Focus on colleges with strong transfer agreements and academic programs.
• Earn a credential and enter the workforce? Look at program-specific outcomes (welding, healthcare, etc.).
• Explore career options while keeping costs low? Any of the affordable colleges work, but prioritize those with higher completion rates.
• Balance work and education? Choose a college with significant part-time enrollment (30%+) and flexible scheduling.

Step 2: Consider Location and Logistics

North Dakota is large. Travel time matters, especially if you're working or have family responsibilities. The 11 community colleges are spread across the state:

• Fargo area: The Salon Professional Academy, Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body, Lynnes Welding Training
• Bismarck area: The Hair Academy, Lynnes Welding Training-Bismarck
• Williston area: Williston State College
• Devils Lake area: Lake Region State College
• Wahpeton area: North Dakota State College of Science
• Bottineau area: Dakota College at Bottineau
• Fort Totten area: Cankdeska Cikana Community College
• Grand Forks area: Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body

If you can attend full-time on campus, location is less critical. If you need part-time or online options, proximity matters.

Step 3: Evaluate Program Offerings

Not all community colleges offer the same programs. Before applying, confirm that your college of choice offers:

• The specific program or major you're interested in
• Transfer agreements with four-year universities (if that's your goal)
• Support services (tutoring, advising, career counseling)

Step 4: Compare Financial Aid Packages

Tuition is just one part of the cost. After financial aid, the "net price" can vary significantly. For example:

• Cankdeska Cikana: $3,950 tuition, but $9,197 net price after aid
• Williston State: $4,938 tuition, but $7,164 net price after aid
• NDSCS: $5,928 tuition, but $10,802 net price after aid

The net price is what you'll actually pay. Always review the financial aid package before deciding.

Step 5: Look at Completion Rates

A low completion rate (like Cankdeska Cikana's 10.5%) doesn't mean the college is bad—it often reflects the student population served (more part-time, non-traditional students with barriers to completion). But if you're a traditional full-time student, a higher completion rate suggests better support systems.

Completion rates above 40% are solid. Rates above 70% (like Lynnes Welding's 87.4%) are exceptional and suggest strong program design and student support.

Understanding the 2+2 Transfer Path

One of the biggest advantages of community college is the 2+2 transfer pathway: earn your associate degree at a community college in two years, then transfer to a four-year university to earn your bachelor's degree.

This approach saves significant money. At North Dakota's community colleges, you'll pay $5,128/year on average. At a four-year university, you might pay $8,000-$15,000+ per year. By completing your first two years at community college, you save $6,000-$20,000 or more.

Key question: Does your community college have transfer agreements with four-year universities? NDSCS, in particular, has strong partnerships with North Dakota's university system. Before enrolling, ask about:

• Transfer agreements with specific universities
• Whether your credits will transfer without loss
• Whether your community college degree will count toward a bachelor's degree at your target university

Financial Aid and Tuition Savings Tips

1. Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to grants, loans, and work-study. Many students qualify for need-based aid that doesn't require repayment. The average net price at North Dakota community colleges is around $10,000-$12,000 after aid—much lower than the sticker price.

2. Look for Scholarships

Many North Dakota community colleges offer merit scholarships based on academic performance or specific program enrollment. Check each college's financial aid website.

3. Consider Work-Study

Community colleges often offer on-campus work-study jobs that fit around class schedules. This can reduce your need to borrow.

4. Explore Employer Benefits

If you're a working adult, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Many do, especially in healthcare and manufacturing.

5. Investigate Trade-Specific Programs

Programs like welding at Lynnes Training have strong ROI (return on investment). Yes, the net price is higher ($23,093), but six-year earnings of $43,508 and an 87.4% completion rate make it a solid investment.

Next Steps: Explore and Compare

You've learned the basics. Now it's time to dig deeper into specific colleges and programs.

Visit GradeToGrad's community college search tool to compare North Dakota's 11 community colleges side-by-side. Filter by:

• Tuition and net price
• Program offerings
• Completion rates and earnings outcomes
• Location and campus size
• Transfer agreements

Search North Dakota Community Colleges on GradeToGrad

Action Items:

1. Narrow your list to 2-3 colleges based on location, programs, and outcomes
2. Request information from each college's admissions office
3. Schedule campus visits if possible (or virtual tours if distance is an issue)
4. Talk to current students about their experiences
5. Review financial aid packages after you're admitted
6. Confirm transfer agreements if you plan to earn a bachelor's degree

The Bottom Line

North Dakota's 11 community colleges offer genuine value. At an average tuition of $5,128/year, they're affordable. With completion rates ranging from 10% to 87% and earnings outcomes from $15,814 to $48,800, outcomes vary significantly by college and program.

For maximum earnings potential: North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton is the clear choice, with six-year earnings of $48,800 and a 46.7% completion rate.

For affordability: Cankdeska Cikana ($3,950/year) or Williston State College ($4,938/year) offer the lowest tuition, though completion rates vary.

For hands-on career training with strong outcomes: Lynnes Welding Training stands out with an 87.4% completion rate and $43,508 six-year earnings.

For transfer to a four-year university: Any of the larger colleges (NDSCS, Williston State, Lake Region State) offer strong transfer pathways and academic programs.

The best community college for you depends on your goals, location, and circumstances. Use the data in this guide to narrow your options, then explore each college's specific programs and support services. Community college is an investment in your future—choose wisely.

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