Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Bismarck, ND (2026)
Bismarck, North Dakota has a population of about 74,146. The city’s median household income is $77,608 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 38.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. In the Bismarck, ND metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $76,790 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Bismarck
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Bismarck city center.
No Bismarck-area programs are currently indexed in our directory.
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Dakota schools on the North Dakota liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Bismarck
Bismarck is part of the Bismarck, ND metro area (BLS area code 13900). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to North Dakota statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $72,790 | Bismarck, ND | $79,989 |
| Management Analyst | $76,790 | Bismarck, ND | $84,385 |
| Technical Writer | $65,740 | ND statewide | $72,242 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $43,650 | ND statewide | $47,967 |
| Editor | $54,080 | Bismarck, ND | $59,429 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $67,060 | Bismarck, ND | $73,692 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $76,210 | Bismarck, ND | $83,747 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Bismarck at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,146 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $77,608 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 38.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Bismarck-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Mandan, ND – 5.5 mi away (21,769 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Bismarck?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Bismarck are: Management Analyst ($76,790), Human Resources Specialist ($76,210), Public Relations Specialist ($72,790). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with North Dakota statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Mandan instead of Bismarck?
Mandan, ND is 5.5 miles from Bismarck and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Bismarck an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Bismarck’s median household income of $77,608 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Bismarck while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Dakota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in North Dakota
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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