Carpe Diem: North Dakota's Higher Education Boom -- Somewhat Related to the Bakken

Link here.

Carpe Diem picked up a New York Times story that I would have missed.

Ms. Malinowski is evidence of an unlikely trend: the growing allure of higher education in North Dakota. The state ranks 48th in the U.S. at attracting tourists. Its young people routinely flee for warmer or more exciting places. The private sector here, struggling to lure sufficient numbers of workers from elsewhere, is wrestling with labor shortages even amid national unemployment around 9%.

But college students are flocking here in ever greater numbers. Out-of-state students account for about 55% of the 14,500 enrolled at North Dakota State University, as well as at similarly sized University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Nonresident students at North Dakota's 11 public colleges constitute a higher ratio than in almost every other state.

I believe the UND aviation program is one of the top aviation programs in the country. Part of the reason, as I understand it, is the number of days year-round that weather is clear and great for flying. Cold in the winter, perhaps, but that doesn't stop flying. It's a lot colder at altitude than it is on the ground.

It is my understanding that the UND / NDSU geosciences departments are top notch, and with the Bakken play, are becoming increasingly sought after. Folks graduating with geology degrees from UND/NDSU will find jobs in the oil industry.

Williston State College has partnered with leading oil industry companies to train folks for jobs in the oil patch.