North Dakota State College of Science

What Is It Known For?

For more than a century, North Dakota State College of Science has prepared students for successful careers through hands-on technical training. Each semester, about 2,800 students learn from dedicated instructors in small classes. With a student-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, every student gets the attention they need to master their chosen field.

The college’s rich history began in 1903, making it a pioneer in two-year residential education. Today, students can pursue their goals at either the main campus in Wahpeton, North Dakota, or at the newer NDSCS-Fargo location on 19th Avenue North. Both campuses carry forward the tradition of blending practical skills with career-focused learning.

Degrees & Certifications

NDSCS offers a wide range of degrees and certifications that provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in their careers. These programs usually span from one to two years, depending on the type of degree or certification pursued. Some examples of programs include:

  • Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts Transfer
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene, Diesel Technology, and Automotive Technology
  • Diplomas in Practical Nursing
  • Certificates in Medical Coding and Pharmacy Technician

Class Schedules

NDSCS provides flexible class scheduling, including morning, afternoon, and evening classes. The school also supports online and hybrid learning options, making education accessible for students with different needs. Many programs incorporate hands-on learning experiences, externships, or clinical training, especially in fields such as healthcare.

Is It Legit?

NDSCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and maintains several program-specific accreditations, including:

Acceptance Rate

NDSCS has an open admissions policy, meaning that most students who meet the basic requirements are accepted.

How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)?

Tuition rates at NDSCS vary based on residency and the location of the classes. At the Wahpeton campus, North Dakota residents pay $196.86 per credit, while U.S. residents are charged $228.08. Tuition at the Fargo campus is slightly lower, with North Dakota residents paying $183.09 per credit and U.S. residents paying $214.31.

Online classes come with a higher per-credit fee: $213.81 for North Dakota residents and $245.03 for U.S. residents. Dual-credit courses for high school students are also offered at discounted rates. To estimate your specific costs, visit the Tuition & Fees page.

Programs & Courses

Business

  • Business Management

Healthcare

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Dental Assisting & Hygiene
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician

Criminal Justice & Law

  • Criminal Justice

Professional Services

  • Culinary Arts

Skilled Trades

  • CDL/Truck Driving
  • Industrial/Manufacturing
  • Construction Management Technology
  • Auto Body Repair and Refinishing Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel Technology
  • Electrical Technology
  • Fire Science
  • Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
  • Plumbing
  • Precision Machining Technology
  • Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
  • Welding Technology

Technology

  • Computer Technology
  • Information and Communications Technology

Campus Locations

Wahpeton 800 6th Street North Wahpeton, ND 58076

Fargo 1305 19th Avenue N. Fargo, ND 58102

Reviews

Based on Google reviews for the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, the school presents a mixed bag, with strong praise for the practical, relationship-based environment and significant criticism aimed at the quality and administration of its technical and online programs, particularly Electrical Studies.

Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars

Common Praises

Positive Culture and Opportunities: Older and more general reviews highlight a strong, relationship-based environment geared toward student success. Phrases like “Great people and great opportunities,” and “A school based on relationships” are used. There is also specific, long-standing appreciation for certain departments, such as the Electronics department 50 years ago. One reviewer specifically noted the benefit of a “Strong alumni network.”

Effective Support Staff and Social Life: A very recent review (4 weeks ago) specifically praised the financial department, with one staff member being called a “huge life saver.” A few reviews mention a lively social scene, calling it a “legit party school lol” and noting it has unique activities like “DANCE COPPETUIOES” (competitions).

Common Criticisms

Deficiencies in Technical and Online Programs: The most detailed and persistent negative feedback focuses on the Electrical Studies and apprenticeship programs, with critics explicitly stating it is “not a good College to go to for electrical studies.” Complaints include inadequate instruction (teachers speaking too silently or offering limited help) and claims that the school “like[s] to take your money but are not there to help you.” The online programs are labeled a “joke,” citing issues like inaccurate materials and poor communication (difficulty reaching staff via phone and unclear emails).

Limited Student Life and Campus Infrastructure: Due to the small size of the school, one former student would “n’t recommend it,” pointing out that “opportunities are extremely limited” and “very few clubs” are operational due to low student enrollment. A student noted a key logistical issue with “some of the slowest wifi someone could provide,” and a Local Guide offered a practical warning about the “extremely Brrrrrr!!!” winter and fall weather, including the need for a “block heater for your oil”—a consideration for students traveling to the Wahpeton campus.

Momentum

Recent reviews (within the last 2-5 months) show a conflicting trend: one highly positive mention of a staff member in the financial department and a few general positive ratings, but also the most explicit negative review calling the Electrical Studies program a disappointment. This indicates that while administrative support can be exceptional, the core academic delivery in certain flagship trade programs remains a point of serious contention for recent students. NDSCS has proactively responded to the major criticisms of the apprenticeship program, suggesting an awareness of these specific departmental issues.