Quick Facts

• Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
• Address: 3315 University Dr, Bismarck, ND 58504
• School Type: Private Tribal Technical College / 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Institution
• Programs Offered: Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Heavy Equipment Operations, Commercial Vehicle Operations and additional academic/technical programs
• Training Style: Hands-on CTE training combined with college education and culturally relevant student support
• Tuition Range: Program-specific; additional trade expenses currently include $1,000 Welding, $2,850 Automotive, $600 Heavy Equipment and $600 Commercial Vehicle Operations for listed tools/equipment requirements
• Program Length: Certificates, diploma, associate and bachelor’s programs; specific trade pathways vary
• Online Programs Available: Yes, selected academic degrees
• Hybrid Learning: Selected college programs; core trades are primarily hands-on
• Financial Aid: FAFSA, federal grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships and tuition waivers; UTTC currently states it does not offer federal student loans
• FAFSA School Code: 014470
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.4 (61 Reviews)
• Website: Official United Tribes Technical College website

Overview

United Tribes Technical College is one of North Dakota’s most distinctive technical colleges. Located in Bismarck, UTTC combines traditional college education with practical career and technical programs in welding, automotive, heavy equipment and commercial driving.

UTTC was founded to serve Native American students and is operated by five Tribal Nations: the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, Spirit Lake Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Importantly, the college welcomes students of all backgrounds.

It is also a fully accredited college rather than simply a short-term vocational school. UTTC has maintained Higher Learning Commission accreditation since 1982.

Programs Offered

Current Career and Technical Education options include:

• Welding Technology — Certificate
• Heavy Equipment Operations — Certificate
• Commercial Vehicle Operations — Certificate
• Automotive Technology — Diploma
• Automotive Technology — AAS

Welding Technology

UTTC offers Welding Technology as a certificate program.

The program is housed within the college’s Skills Center alongside Automotive, Heavy Equipment and Commercial Vehicle Operations.

The current required Welding Technology equipment fee is $1,000, divided into $500 in the first term and $500 in the second. That covers items including:

• Welding hood
• Jacket
• Boots
• Gloves
• Certification testing fees

This is useful for students because certification testing expenses are incorporated into the published program-specific equipment cost.

Automotive Technology

Automotive students can choose either a:

• Diploma
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

UTTC currently lists $2,600 for automotive tools and toolbox expenses, divided into $1,300 during each of the first two terms, plus approximately $250 for boots.

The AAS provides a longer college-level pathway, while the diploma offers a more concentrated automotive credential.

Heavy Equipment Operations

The Heavy Equipment Operations certificate is particularly relevant for students interested in construction, earthmoving and industrial equipment.

The current program-specific clothing/equipment expense is approximately $600 for jacket and boots.

The program provides a short technical pathway rather than requiring students to complete a longer associate degree.

Commercial Vehicle Operations

UTTC’s Commercial Vehicle Operations certificate provides another fast workforce pathway.

Current additional expenses total approximately $600 and cover:

• Boots
• Drug screening
• DOT medical physical

Students pursuing commercial-driving careers must still satisfy applicable state and federal CDL requirements.

Tuition & Financial Aid

UTTC’s current tuition page lists program-specific expenses separately from general tuition. For trade students, the major additional costs currently include:

• Welding Technology — $1,000
• Automotive Technology — $2,600 tools/toolbox + $250 boots
• Heavy Equipment Operations — $600
• Commercial Vehicle Operations — $600

Students should request their current full cost-of-attendance estimate from UTTC before enrolling because tuition, housing, meals and general college charges are separate from these program-specific expenses.

UTTC offers an important financial advantage for qualifying Native American students. Enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may qualify for the Native American Tuition Waiver. For eligible full-time students in certificate through associate programs, the waiver is currently worth $1,800 per semester.

Financial assistance can also include federal grants, scholarships and Federal Work-Study. UTTC specifically states that it does not currently offer federal student loans.

FAFSA school code: 014470.

Accreditation

United Tribes Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has maintained continuous institutional accreditation since 1982. Its current accreditation extends through 2031.

This institutional accreditation distinguishes UTTC from shorter private training centers that may only have state approval.

Why Students Choose This School

• Welding Technology certificate
• Automotive diploma and AAS
• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Commercial Vehicle Operations
• Hands-on Skills Center
• HLC-accredited college education
• Tuition-waiver opportunity for qualifying Native American students
• Federal grants and scholarships
• On-campus housing options
• Culturally relevant tribal-college environment
• Open to students of all backgrounds

Career Opportunities

Depending on program, graduates may pursue entry-level positions such as:

• Welder/Fabricator
• Automotive Technician
• Automotive Service Technician
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Construction Equipment Operator
• Commercial Truck Driver
• Transportation Technician

Employer testing, CDL licensing and certification requirements may apply.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied Google listing:

⭐ Average Rating: 4.4 (61 Reviews)

Because UTTC offers programs extending well beyond skilled trades, its overall Google rating should not be interpreted as a program-specific Welding or Automotive rating.

Enrollment Tips

Native American applicants should specifically ask the financial-aid office about the Native American Tuition Waiver. There is currently no separate waiver application or deadline; eligible students have the award applied after the semester census date.

All applicants should also complete the FAFSA. UTTC says the admissions process generally takes one to three weeks once required documents are received.

For automotive students, remember to budget for the substantial tool requirement in addition to normal tuition.

Bottom Line

United Tribes Technical College deserves featured placement on the North Dakota page, particularly for students considering welding, automotive, heavy-equipment or commercial-driving careers. Unlike a narrow private trade school, UTTC combines hands-on CTE programs with an HLC-accredited college environment, housing and broader student services. Its Native American Tuition Waiver can make it an especially attractive option for qualifying tribal members, while the college remains open to students from all backgrounds.