Get a College Degree in Williston for Under $5,000?

Yes you can! Select bachelor's degrees have become affordable, thanks to outstanding scholarships.

By Patsy B. Weiler on August 26, 2023

iStock.com/Phira Phonruewiangphing

A new partnership between the University of Mary and Williston State College has been unveiled, creating a program that will allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree in Williston (without leaving town!) — and with an affordable price tag.

Individuals who have earned their associate degree and want to continue their studies in nursing — RN to BSN – elementary education, business administration and business management can earn their bachelor’s for $4,985, thanks to generous scholarships offered by the University of Mary.

Nursing students will begin in summer 2023 classes, and other disciplines can enroll for fall 2023.

“We know that higher education anchors a city, and we have been in a conversation with the City of Williston and Williams County officials about how we could remove barriers, help students stay in Williston and get their bachelor’s,” says Rachael Brash, executive director of University of Mary Online. “By offering the generous scholarship support, a student’s total tuition to receive their bachelor’s degree is less than $5,000 in those four majors.”

Scholarship money has been provided by the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck, Sanford Health, City of Williston and Williams County. CHI St. Alexius Health is also expected to be involved.

Brash explains that nursing, education and business are core programs for the university and will well serve the expanding population that is sinking roots in Williston and northwest North Dakota because of the region’s growing energy industry.

Designed to be flexible and convenient for working students, the hybrid learning format will meet online and on-site at Williston State. The University of Mary has offices in the west side of the Williston State College Foundation complex. The nursing program is part of the university’s Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences and recognized as one of the best in the country.

“University of Mary is a private college that is mission driven. We are going to go where we are needed and not expect students to come to us,” Brash says. “Not only are we meeting workforce needs, such as the demand for trained nurses, but also providing education for the whole of life and skills to contribute to their communities. Expanding educational opportunities is critical for northwest North Dakota, and we have a long-term growth strategy for our presence in Williston.”

Another new program set to launch in September 2023 is the Nursing Academy, a selective track for first-year, full-time freshmen enrolled at University of Mary in Bismarck. Accepted students will have the opportunity to graduate in 2.6 years without cost. The tuition-free offering was developed through innovative partnerships with Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Health.