Bemidji State University (BSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Bemidji State University
Lake Bemidji is literally the backyard here, and it shapes daily life. The university is known for practical, student-centered academics where lab, studio, and field work sit alongside courses in the arts and sciences. Expect breadth across business, health, technology, and environmental study, with faculty who favor conversation over podiums.
Campus life feels close-knit and outdoorsy. And the lake is right there. You'll find modern labs, a busy recreation center, lakeside study spots, and support that includes tutoring, advising, and counseling. Students dive into intramurals, hockey nights, gallery shows, paddling and winter fun. Career prep leans on internships and ties to regional employers and agencies, so learning meets real work. The Bemidji community adds coffee shops, local music, miles of trails, and that Paul Bunyan charm, while a steady focus on sustainability and respect for northern Minnesota cultures gives the place its grounded character.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Bemidji State University (BSU) offers 55 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,074 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (5 programs, 232 graduates), Education (10 programs, 165 graduates), Health (4 programs, 157 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 87 graduates) and Liberal Arts (1 programs, 78 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (5 programs, 232 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 129 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting | 60 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| E-Commerce | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0208 |
| Project Management | 21 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
52.0211 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0206 |
Education (10 programs, 165 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 78 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Special Education Teaching | 40 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
13.1314 |
| General Education | 10 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Mathematics Teacher Education | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1311 |
| Social Studies Teacher Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1318 |
| Science Teacher Education | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1316 |
| Health Education Teacher Preparation | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1307 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
| Music Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
Health (4 programs, 157 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 131 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 21 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.1501 |
| Community Health and Preventive Medicine | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2208 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1005 |
Psychology (1 programs, 87 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 87 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 78 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 78 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 63 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.0101 |
| Aquatic Biology | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1304 |
Natural Resources (2 programs, 41 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0601 |
| Environmental Studies | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
03.0103 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 40 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Security & Safety (3 programs, 39 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
| Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0405 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0103 |
Public Services (1 programs, 39 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
|
44.0701 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Bemidji State University (BSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Bemidji State University (BSU)
How much does it cost to attend Bemidji State University (BSU)?
The annual tuition at Bemidji State University (BSU) is $10,114 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $24,045 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,041 and books and supplies $890.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Bemidji State University offer?
Bemidji State University (BSU) offers 55 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (10 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Bemidji State University?
Bemidji State University (BSU) has an 70.7% acceptance rate and a 23.8% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,860
- Students admitted: 2,021
- Students enrolled: 480
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Bemidji State University?
Bemidji State University (BSU) provides financial aid to 12% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,052 and average loans of $8,907.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,803
- State/Local grants: $4,038
- Institutional grants: $3,363
- Federal loans: $5,398
The university supports 375 students with grants and 269 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Bemidji State University graduates?
Bemidji State University (BSU) graduates earn a median salary of $47,469 after 6 years and $53,755 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $37,138 (25th percentile) to $74,504 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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