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North Dakota's tribal colleges offer the nation's most affordable business education, with United Tribes Technical College charging just $2,010 net price annually. The state's 14 programs span from these community-focused institutions to full universities, creating a $18,386 cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. Business graduates find opportunities in North Dakota's energy boom, agricultural cooperatives, and healthcare systems that support the state's growing economy. Earnings potential varies significantly, from $38,289 at Valley City State to $104,749 at Bismarck State College, reflecting the varied career paths available to management professionals in both rural and urban markets.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,010 $4,252 33.8%
2 $3,455 $4,010 23.9%
3 $3,474 $2,626 54.5%
4 $10,725 $5,195 48.0%
5 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
6 $13,613 $8,514 48.1% 83.5%
7 $14,454 $7,935 40.3% 71.2%
8 $15,270 $9,118 43.4% 72.0%
9 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
10 $18,227 $12,715 57.9%
11 $18,568 $21,468 68.2% 81.4%
12 $18,998 $10,951 63.3% 83.3%
13 $20,318 $24,820 44.0% 92.0%
14 $20,396 $18,762 38.8% 44.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes tribal colleges the most affordable business education option?

Three tribal colleges rank among the top four cheapest programs, with United Tribes Technical College at $2,010 net price and Sitting Bull College at $3,455. These institutions receive federal funding that helps subsidize education costs for Native American students and others in their communities.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive programs?

Turtle Mountain Community College achieves a 54.5% graduation rate despite its $3,474 net cost, outperforming several more expensive options. Meanwhile, University of Mary commands $18,568 annually but delivers a 68.2% graduation rate, showing that higher investment can yield better completion outcomes.

Does Bismarck State College justify its middle-tier pricing?

At $10,725 net price, Bismarck State produces graduates earning $104,749 annually, the highest in the state. This creates a strong return on investment despite costing five times more than the cheapest tribal college options.

Where do North Dakota business programs offer the best debt-to-earnings ratio?

Mayville State University graduates carry $19,703 in debt while earning $41,441, creating a manageable 48% debt-to-income ratio. Bismarck State College graduates earn more than twice their $15,250 debt load, making it another financially sound choice.

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