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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Turtle Mountain Community College

Belcourt, North Dakota · www.tm.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$2,794

$8,794 with room and board

Peer median $4,010

Undergraduates

840

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 10 : 1

“Peers” are all 35 tribal colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Turtle Mountain Community College (TMCC) is a prominent educational institution located in the heart of North Dakota, serving the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and surrounding communities. Established in 1972, TMCC provides a nurturing environment that emphasizes cultural heritage, academic excellence, and community involvement. The college's mission is to empower students through quality education, fostering personal growth and promoting lifelong learning. One of the notable features of TMCC is its commitment to integrating Native American culture into the curriculum, ensuring that students have the opportunity to explore their heritage while pursuing their academic goals.

TMCC offers a diverse range of programs, including certificates and associate degrees in fields such as business, health sciences, education, and liberal arts. The college boasts a dedicated faculty who are not only well-qualified but also deeply invested in the success of their students, providing mentorship and support throughout their educational journey. In addition to academic offerings, TMCC also emphasizes the importance of student life and extracurricular activities, providing various clubs, organizations, and sporting events that foster a strong sense of community and belonging among students. This well-rounded approach not only prepares graduates for successful careers but also instills values of leadership and service, making TMCC a vital part of the local community.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Turtle Mountain Community College

Turtle Mountain Community College, a private institution, has shown some notable trends in several key metrics over the years. One significant observation is the increase in tuition fees. From 2014 to 2024, the in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition has risen from $2,250 to $2,626, marking an increase of approximately 16.7%. This increase in tuition can be indicative of the rising operational costs that many institutions face, particularly in the current economic climate where inflation and funding cuts to community colleges are prevalent.

Another critical area is student retention rates. The retention rate saw fluctuations, peaking at 91.67% in 2018, but subsequently declining to approximately 66.67% in 2023. This decline is concerning as it suggests that fewer students are persisting in their studies, which could be reflective of various factors including financial pressures, academic challenges, or inadequate support systems for students.

Graduation rates also warrant attention, with data showing a very low on-time graduation rate of 16.67% in recent years. This statistic reflects the challenges students may face in completing their programs within the standard time frame. Such low graduation rates might deter potential students from enrolling, as they could view the institution as less effective in supporting timely academic completion.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has remained relatively stable, with women consistently representing a larger portion of the student body. In 2023, women made up approximately 61.10% of the undergraduate population, which is in line with national trends where females often outnumber males in higher education settings.

Overall, while Turtle Mountain Community College has maintained a stable tuition rate, the challenges in retention and graduation rates highlight areas that require strategic improvements to enhance student success and institutional reputation.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, remote
Nearest major city
Minneapolis, about 410 mi
Nearest international airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 410 mi
Belcourt, North Dakota
Also known as
TMC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Wanda Parisien (President)
Phone
7014777862
City
Belcourt, North Dakota
Address
10145 BIA #7, Belcourt, ND 58316

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate480 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's150 international (0.0%)
Master's90 international (0.0%)
Top 6 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Elementary Education and Teaching
4
Biology Teacher Education
4
Security Science and Technology, General
3
Organizational Leadership
2
Mathematics Teacher Education
1
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's9 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Turtle Mountain Community College

The graduation data from Turtle Mountain Community College reveals some interesting trends and highlights in various academic programs. Notably, the Elementary Education and Teaching program stands out with ten graduates earning a bachelor’s degree, indicating a strong interest and demand for educators in this field. This aligns with the broader national trend of emphasizing early childhood education, which is crucial for laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

In contrast, many other programs, particularly in the fields of science and technology, show no graduates at the bachelor’s or higher levels. This raises concerns about the potential skills gap in these critical areas, especially as the demand for qualified professionals in technology and healthcare continues to grow. The lack of international students graduating in these programs suggests that the college may need to enhance its outreach and marketing strategies to attract a more diverse student body.

Interestingly, the Health and Wellness program had two associate degree graduates, while the Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant program produced four graduates. This reflects a growing interest in health-related careers, which can be attributed to the ongoing global focus on health and wellness, particularly in light of recent health crises.

Overall, while certain programs show promising outcomes, there is a clear need for the college to evaluate and possibly revamp its approach to attracting students in high-demand fields like technology and engineering, ensuring that it remains responsive to labor market needs.

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

Liberal arts has 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$27,677
Educationhas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Mathematics Teacher Education.-
Biology Teacher Education.-
Homeland security has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Critical Infrastructure Protection.-
Security Science and Technology, General.-
Businesshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Organizational Leadership.-
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.-
Computer and information sciencehas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Network and System Administration/Administrator.-
Health professionshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Health and Wellness, General.-
Public administrationhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Human Services, General.-

Students

872 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 100.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (840)

White
17 · 2.0%
Black
3 · 0.4%
Hispanic
1 · 0.1%
Two or more races
1 · 0.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
34.3%
18–19
19.3%
20–21
9.3%
22–24
7.5%
25 and over
28.7%

Graduate students

Under 22
3.1%
22–24
0.0%
25–29
9.4%
30–34
12.5%
35 and over
75.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Turtle Mountain Community College in 2023

The student demographics at Turtle Mountain Community College in 2023 reveal a diverse and gender-balanced enrollment across various categories. The data shows a total of 120 new undergraduate students, with a nearly equal distribution of male (48.3%) and female (51.7%) students, indicating a healthy gender balance in this group. This trend is crucial as it reflects the college's commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

For continuing undergraduate students, the enrollment numbers stand at 378, with a more pronounced gender disparity. Here, only 37.3% of the students are male, while 62.7% are female. Such a discrepancy may raise questions regarding the retention rates among male students, prompting the college to explore targeted support programs to ensure equitable outcomes.

The data for undergraduate transfer students is minimal, with just 12 individuals, of which 41.7% are male and 58.3% are female. This category's small size may limit the generalizability of findings but still contributes to understanding student diversity.

Additionally, the total of 89 non-degree seeking students shows a significant female majority at 67.4%. This suggests that women are increasingly pursuing non-traditional educational pathways, which could be reflective of broader societal trends in education.

Overall, the data indicates a need for Turtle Mountain Community College to focus on enhancing male student engagement and retention while continuing to support its female population. With ongoing discussions about gender equity in education, the college's approach to addressing these disparities will be vital for fostering a balanced and inclusive academic environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Turtle Mountain Community College

The age distribution of students at Turtle Mountain Community College reveals some interesting trends that reflect broader societal patterns in higher education. The largest group of students is under the age of 18, comprising 35.5% of the total enrollments, with 56 male and 102 female undergraduates. This significant representation suggests that the institution attracts a considerable number of younger students, likely high school graduates seeking further education.

The 18-19 age group follows closely, with a composition of 53 females and 60 males, representing 27.1% of the total student body. As students transition into their late teens and early twenties, the enrollment numbers start to decline, particularly among males aged 20-21, where only 22 males are enrolled compared to 33 females. This disparity highlights a concerning trend where young males might be less inclined to pursue higher education compared to their female counterparts.

Notably, the data indicates a stark absence of graduate male students, which points towards a potential gap in higher educational attainment for males in this demographic. The age brackets of 25-29 and 30-34 also reflect a trend where female students outnumber male students significantly.

Ultimately, this age composition data not only underscores the gender disparity in higher education but also emphasizes the importance of targeted outreach and support strategies to engage male students in pursuing advanced degrees. As community colleges serve as critical access points for higher education, addressing these gender imbalances will be essential for fostering an equitable learning environment.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 35 tribal colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2024

0% 5% 10% 2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
20242025

Data insights

Insights on International Student Trends at Turtle Mountain Community College

The available data for Turtle Mountain Community College regarding international students highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of student demographics in higher education. Although specific numbers are absent, the trends of international student enrollment can significantly impact the academic environment and the institution’s cultural diversity.

International students often bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich classroom discussions and promote a global outlook among domestic students. This cultural exchange is essential in today’s interconnected world, where collaboration and understanding across borders are increasingly crucial.

Moreover, the presence of international students can enhance the college's reputation and attract more funding, partnerships, and resources. Institutions with diverse student bodies often rank higher in various academic metrics, which can lead to improved programs and opportunities for all students.

However, the challenges that international students face—such as adapting to a new culture, navigating visa regulations, and managing financial pressures—must also be acknowledged. Colleges need to provide adequate support systems, including counseling services, academic assistance, and social integration programs, to ensure that these students thrive.

As global events continue to shape the educational landscape, such as the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, it will be essential for institutions like Turtle Mountain Community College to adapt their strategies to maintain and grow their international student populations. Understanding these trends and challenges will be critical in fostering an inclusive and supportive academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$8,794

Undergraduate tuition
$2,794
Room and board
$6,000
Graduate tuition
$3,938
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $11,984 · all 35 tribal colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 24% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -6%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$29.7M

Government grants and contracts
$22.8M76.8%
Tuition and fees
$1.5M5.2%
Investment return
$1.5M5.1%
Gifts and private grants
$862K2.9%
Other
$3.0M10.0%

Expenses$27.1M

Institutional support
$6.9M25.5%
Instruction
$5.2M19.0%
Academic support
$3.8M14.0%
Scholarships
$3.2M11.9%
Student services
$2.1M7.7%
Public service
$816K3.0%
Research
$198K0.7%
Other
$4.9M18.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 35 tribal colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$69,692peers $56,588
Instructor
$69,692peers $53,768

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Other · Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference

Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference: basketball

2025
IndependentMENWOMEN
Basketball108
Golf93
2024
IndependentMENWOMEN
Basketball11-
Golf101
2023
IndependentMENWOMEN
Basketball108

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools around Turtle Mountain Community College:

  1. University of North Dakota - Ranked 236 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. North Dakota State University-Main Campus - With a ranking of 249, this comprehensive university is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation.

  3. Saint John's University - This liberal arts college, ranked 82, provides a distinctive educational experience with a focus on holistic development.

  4. College of Saint Benedict - Ranked 73, this women's college offers a strong liberal arts education and is known for its vibrant campus life.

  5. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - A leading comprehensive university ranked 53, it is part of the prestigious University of Minnesota system, offering a diverse range of programs.

  6. Macalester College - This highly regarded liberal arts college is ranked 27 and is known for its commitment to internationalism and social justice.

  7. Carleton College - With an impressive ranking of 9, this liberal arts college is celebrated for its rigorous academic environment and strong sense of community.

These institutions provide excellent educational opportunities in various fields and are all within proximity to Turtle Mountain Community College.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 35 tribal colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Turtle Mountain Community College

The crime statistics at Turtle Mountain Community College over the past decade reveal a notable decline in recorded offenses. The data shows a significant decrease in the average number of crimes per 1,000 students, dropping from 5.64 in 2013 to a steady 0.00 from 2018 onward. This decline is particularly encouraging, as it reflects a positive trend towards campus safety.

In 2013, the college experienced its highest crime rate, primarily driven by gun-related arrests, which were the only recorded incidents in subsequent years. The drop to zero incidents in 2018 and beyond suggests that either the college has implemented effective crime prevention measures or that student behavior has notably improved.

It is essential to consider the broader context of campus safety. Many colleges and universities across the country have faced challenges related to crime rates, particularly in areas such as drug-related arrests and incidents of violence. The absence of significant criminal incidents at Turtle Mountain Community College may serve as a model for other institutions.

Additionally, the national conversation around campus safety has intensified recently, with increased awareness and advocacy for measures to protect students. The data from Turtle Mountain Community College could contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of various safety protocols and programs.

Overall, the significant drop in crime rates at Turtle Mountain Community College is a positive development that should be celebrated and analyzed further to understand the factors contributing to this success. For detailed calculations of crime rates, you can refer to this link.

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.