Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at NDSCS.“About 75% of our students are CTE, so career technical education students. We are a very unique campus where we’re a two-year campus with a fouryear feel.” The formula appears to be working. Fall 2024 enrollment hit 3,367 students, a 7.2% increase that brings the college closer to its 1981 record than it has been in over four decades. The college’s residential life experience sets it apart from typical community colleges in the region. “There’s not a lot of two-year colleges that offer that,” Dr. Karch notes. “Many of them are commuter schools, and we know that student life experience really draws many students to our campus.” NDSCS maintains seamless transfer agreements with the North Dakota University system and Minnesota State system, ensuring students can continue their education if they choose. But increasingly, graduates are heading straight into high-paying careers. The college’s 97% job placement rate mirrors regional workforce demands and the practical focus of its programs in diesel technology, healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. THE DUAL CREDIT REVOLUTION The traditional boundaries between high school and college are dissolving across North Dakota’s educational landscape. Students once faced with an either-or decision now find multiple pathways opening before graduation day. This shift is both economic necessity and educational innovation. “The one population that has been growing exponentially is our dual credit population,” Dr. Karch explains. “Dual credit opportunities for our sophomores, juniors, and seniors allow them to take a high school class that also counts as a college course.” The numbers tell the story: dual credit enrollments have reached 1,058 students, the highest in NDSCS history. Students can pursue general education requirements or explore technical fields through welding and diesel courses, among others. The acceleration goes beyond individual courses. “Last year we had some first high school graduates earning certificates within some of our school 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
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