Williston State College
Out-of-state tuition
$6,114
$15,318 with room and board
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
934
Student-faculty ratio 21:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
39.5%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 43.7%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Williston State College (WSC) is a community college located in Williston, North Dakota. Established in 1961, WSC offers a broad range of academic programs and vocational training aimed at meeting the educational needs of local and regional students. The college's mission emphasizes student success, community engagement, and lifelong learning, creating a supportive environment for all learners. WSC is particularly known for its strong focus on technical and community workforce development, providing numerous programs that cater to local industry demands.
The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas. Students have access to various resources such as the Learning Resource Center, which supports academic research and study, and the campus sports complex, which promotes a healthy lifestyle through various athletic programs. WSC also fosters a vibrant campus culture with numerous student organizations, clubs, and events that encourage personal growth and community involvement. With a commitment to excellence in education and a strong emphasis on student support, Williston State College continues to empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Williston State College
Over the years, Williston State College has experienced significant fluctuations in several critical metrics, particularly regarding tuition rates, student enrollment, and graduation rates. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has shown a noticeable increase, rising from $3,624 in 2014 to $5,768 in 2023, reflecting a 59% increase over the decade. This trend mirrors the broader national concern about rising higher education costs, which can deter prospective students, especially those from lower-income families.
In terms of enrollment, the number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, peaking at 1,132 in 2020 but subsequently dropping to 924 by 2023. This decline raises concerns about the college's ability to attract and retain students in a competitive educational landscape. The retention rate, however, has shown a positive trend, increasing to 60.1% in 2023 from approximately 50.3% in 2013. This suggests that while fewer students are enrolling, those who do are more likely to remain and complete their studies.
Graduation rates, particularly the on-time graduation rate, have been inconsistent. The rate saw a significant drop to 16.2% in 2016, but has since improved to 35.7% in 2023. This improvement is a positive indicator of the college's efforts to enhance student support services and academic advising, which are crucial for improving student outcomes.
Overall, while the college faces challenges with rising tuition and fluctuating enrollment numbers, the upward trends in retention and graduation rates indicate a commitment to student success. Addressing the cost of attendance will be essential for sustaining and growing the student body in the coming years.
This college
- Setting
- Remote town
- Nearest major city
- Minneapolis, about 540 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 540 mi
- Also known as
- WSC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Bernell Hirning (President)
- Phone
- 7017744200
- City
- Williston, North Dakota
- Address
- 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND 58801
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Williston State College
The graduation data from Williston State College in 2023 reveals intriguing trends, particularly in the fields of business, health, and technology. Notably, the general education program stands out with the highest number of graduates, totaling 137 for associate degrees. This indicates a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences, which may cater to a diverse range of career paths for students.
In contrast, many specialized fields, particularly within the medical and technical disciplines, show limited graduation rates. For example, the medical assistant and practical nursing tracks recorded low figures, with only 4 and 24 graduates, respectively. This could reflect the rigorous demands of these programs, or perhaps a lack of interest from students, especially in a time where healthcare professions are in high demand.
Looking at the international student representation, the data reveals a modest presence. The business sector attracts a few international students, with 2 graduates in both associate and bachelor categories. However, other fields, especially in medical and technical areas, show no international graduate representation. This might suggest barriers such as visa restrictions or the linguistic challenges that international students face in these programs.
Overall, the graduation figures from Williston State College highlight the importance of business and general education in preparing students for the workforce, while indicating potential areas for growth in specialized fields, especially as the job market evolves post-pandemic. It may be beneficial for the college to enhance recruitment efforts or support systems for international students and those pursuing rigorous technical and health-related programs.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $35,917 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $41,857 | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $69,882 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automation Engineer Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | - |
Students
934 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 66.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 294
- First-year undergraduates 250
- Transfers and others 390
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (934)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Williston State College in 2023
The student body at Williston State College in 2023 presents a notable gender distribution and ethnic diversity among various classifications. The data indicates that undergraduate freshmen constitute a significant portion of the student population, with 251 enrolled. Of these freshmen, 40.2% are male and 59.8% are female, suggesting a higher enrollment of female students at this level, which is consistent with national trends where female students often outnumber males in higher education.
In the undergraduate junior category, there are 344 students, with an even more pronounced gender disparity: only 32% are male while 68% are female. This trend may reflect broader societal shifts towards increased female participation in higher education and could also highlight the supportive environment that Williston State College offers to its female students.
The data for undergraduate transfer students is less robust, with only 53 reported. However, the gender ratio remains similar to other categories, indicating a consistent trend across different student types. The overall demographics indicate a strong representation of female students, a trend that is increasingly evident in many colleges across the United States.
The diversity of the student body is also noteworthy, with the majority of students identifying as White. However, the presence of other ethnic groups, including Asian, Latino, and African American students, contributes to a more inclusive educational environment. This diversity is essential in fostering a rich learning experience, encouraging cross-cultural interactions, and preparing students for a globalized world.
Overall, the demographic data from Williston State College illustrates a growing trend of female enrollment and a diverse student body, reflecting both local and national educational patterns. This evolution in student demographics is crucial for driving institutional policies and programs that support a balanced and inclusive campus culture.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Williston State College in 2023
The age distribution of students at Williston State College reveals interesting trends in enrollment. The data shows a significant concentration of students under the age of 19, with 64 male and 138 female undergraduates, making up about 49.5% of the total student population. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that younger students tend to pursue higher education immediately after high school.
As the age increases, the number of students decreases markedly. For those aged 20-21, there are 66 male and 60 female undergraduates. The numbers drop even further for the 22-24 age group, with only 24 male and 35 female undergraduates. This could suggest that many students are either graduating or leaving the college system as they age.
Interestingly, the data indicates that there are no graduate students enrolled in any age category, which could highlight a potential area for growth for the college. Graduate programs could attract older students looking to further their education, which could diversify the age range and enrich the campus community.
The data also shows that students aged 25 and older are significantly underrepresented, with only a handful of students in each category. This might reflect broader societal trends, as many individuals in this age group may be balancing work and family commitments, making traditional college attendance more challenging.
In conclusion, the age composition at Williston State College predominantly consists of younger students, with an opportunity to engage more adult learners. Addressing the needs of non-traditional students could enhance educational offerings and promote a more diverse academic environment.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
75 in 2025 · 6.3% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Williston State College
The data on international student enrollment at Williston State College reveals a fluctuating yet generally upward trend in the proportion of international undergraduates over the years. Starting from a mere 1.72% in 2004, the percentage of international students in undergraduate programs saw a significant increase, peaking at 8.06% in 2012. This surge may reflect the institution's efforts to attract a more diverse student body, possibly influenced by global trends in higher education that emphasize internationalization.
The total number of undergraduate students rose from 871 in 2004 to 1,124 in 2019, indicating an overall growth in enrollment. However, the international student numbers fluctuated, with 2012 marking a significant spike. The rise in 2012 could be attributed to various factors, including improved recruitment strategies, increased awareness of the college's programs, or broader geopolitical circumstances that made studying abroad more appealing to international students.
From 2020 onwards, there was a noticeable increase in the number of international students, with percentages climbing to 6.93% in 2023, suggesting that Williston State College is successfully regaining momentum in attracting international students post-pandemic. This aligns with a wider trend in higher education, where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of a diverse student population.
In conclusion, while challenges remain, the data indicates that Williston State College is making strides in increasing its international student enrollment, thereby enriching the educational experience for all students and enhancing the institution's global standing.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$15,318
- Undergraduate tuition
- $6,114
- Room and board
- $9,204
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 9% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -4%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$21.7M
Expenses$19.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 54 | - |
| Basketball | 20 | 16 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 54 | - |
| Basketball | 20 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 47 | - |
| Basketball | 19 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
Nearby & Safety
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Williston State College:
-
University of North Dakota - Ranked 236th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its research initiatives.
-
North Dakota State University-Main Campus - With a rank of 249, this comprehensive university is recognized for its strong engineering and agricultural programs.
-
University of Wyoming - Holding the 216th rank, this comprehensive university provides quality education across various disciplines and is known for its beautiful campus.
-
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53rd, this major research university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is part of a vibrant urban environment.
-
Saint Johns University - A liberal arts college ranked 82nd, it is known for its strong emphasis on a holistic education and community service.
-
College of Saint Benedict - Ranked 73rd, this liberal arts college is committed to empowering women through education and leadership opportunities.
-
Macalester College - With a rank of 27, this liberal arts college is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to internationalism and diversity.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic environment surrounding Williston State College.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Williston State College
The crime statistics from Williston State College over the years reflect a fluctuating safety environment for students. In 2013, the average crime rate was 6.68 per 1,000 students, which decreased significantly in 2014 to 2.42. However, the following years saw a steep rise in incidents, peaking in 2019 with an alarming rate of 41.28 per 1,000 students. This spike raises concerns and suggests potential underlying issues that may have contributed to this surge.
Particularly noteworthy is the increase in arrests related to gun possession and drug offenses, which often correlate with higher crime rates on campus. Such incidents can create a hostile environment, affecting not just the victims but the overall campus atmosphere. The return to lower rates in 2021 was promising, indicating possible improvements in campus safety measures or community outreach programs. Nonetheless, the rates surged again in 2022 and 2023, suggesting that these improvements may not be sustainable without ongoing efforts.
As universities grapple with campus safety, it is crucial to analyze and address the factors contributing to these trends. Engaging students, enhancing security protocols, and fostering a culture of awareness can play a pivotal role in reducing crime. The data underscores the need for continuous evaluation of campus safety strategies to ensure a secure environment for all students. For further understanding of crime rate calculations, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.