Skip to main content
Bismarck State College stands out among North Dakota's business programs with graduates earning $104,749 annually despite the program costing just $10,725 net. This earning power reflects strong demand for business professionals in the state's energy sector, where oil production and pipeline operations require skilled managers. The 14 programs range from ultra-affordable community colleges at $2,010 to private institutions reaching $20,396. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with six schools offering net costs below $16,000. North Dakota's low unemployment rate and growing healthcare and agriculture industries create steady opportunities for business graduates across management roles.
14
Programs
$2,010 – $20,396
Net Price Range
$48,646
Avg. Program Earnings
48.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,725 $104,749 $5,195 48.0%
2 $12,514 $38,829 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
3 $18,568 $54,359 $21,468 68.2% 81.4%
4 $14,454 $41,441 $7,935 40.3% 71.2%
5 $13,613 $38,289 $8,514 48.1% 83.5%
6 $16,334 $43,128 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
7 $18,227 $47,129 $12,715 57.9%
8 $15,270 $38,597 $9,118 43.4% 72.0%
9 $18,998 $40,209 $10,951 63.3% 83.3%
10 $20,318 $39,729 $24,820 44.0% 92.0%
11 $3,455 $4,010 23.9%
12 $20,396 $18,762 38.8% 44.4%
13 $3,474 $2,626 54.5%
14 $2,010 $4,252 33.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bismarck State College's business program such strong value?

Graduates earn $104,749 annually while paying just $10,725 net cost, creating an strong return on investment. The program maintains a 48% graduation rate and average debt of $15,250, well below many four-year alternatives.

How do public and private business programs compare in cost?

Public schools average $13,000-$19,000 in net costs while private institutions like University of Mary reach $18,568-$20,396. However, University of Mary achieves a 68.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than most public options.

Is North Dakota State University worth the higher cost for business students?

At $16,334 net cost, NDSU graduates earn $43,128 annually with a strong 63.7% graduation rate. The university's location in Fargo provides access to the state's largest business community and corporate headquarters.

What earning potential can business graduates expect across different schools?

Earnings vary dramatically from $38,289 at Valley City State to $104,749 at Bismarck State College. Most programs fall between $38,000-$47,000, reflecting opportunities in North Dakota's energy, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.