At $9,594/yr net price, Chief Dull Knife College graduates earn $20,073/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,594 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,376 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $20,073/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-13,927/yr |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,361/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,411/yr |
Analysis
Chief Dull Knife College offers minimal financial returns, with graduates earning a median of $20,073 ten years after enrollment. This income level places most graduates below the poverty line for families, making the $9,594 annual cost difficult to justify based purely on earnings potential.
The college primarily serves the Northern Cheyenne reservation community, where job opportunities remain limited and many positions do not require formal credentials. Your local employment prospects will largely depend on tribal government positions, healthcare support roles, or continuing to four-year institutions for teacher preparation.
You face significant financial risk if you rely on federal loans to cover costs, as your future earnings will struggle to support loan payments. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support beyond federal programs. Without substantial grant aid or family support, debt accumulation becomes a serious concern.
This college makes financial sense if you can attend without borrowing, live at home to minimize costs, and view it as preparation for transfer to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere. The cultural and community connections may provide non-financial value that justifies attendance for tribal members seeking to remain in their community while gaining some post-secondary credentials.
You should look elsewhere if maximizing earning potential is your primary goal, if you need to borrow significantly to attend, or if you can access similar programs at lower cost through distance learning or other regional colleges. The combination of low earnings outcomes and limited local job market makes this a poor choice for students seeking financial mobility through education alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chief Dull Knife College worth the cost?
Chief Dull Knife College has a low net price at $9,594 per year, but graduates earn only $20,073 annually after 10 years. This represents poor return on investment compared to other colleges.
How much debt do Chief Dull Knife College students graduate with?
With a net price under $10,000 annually, most students can graduate with minimal debt if they receive adequate financial aid. However, the low post-graduation earnings make even small debt burdens difficult to repay.
What programs at Chief Dull Knife College have the best job prospects?
As a tribal college focused on cultural preservation and basic education, Chief Dull Knife College offers limited career-focused programs. Students seeking higher-paying careers typically need to transfer or pursue additional education elsewhere.
Should I choose Chief Dull Knife College over other Montana schools?
Chief Dull Knife College serves an important cultural mission for Native American students but offers limited financial returns. Consider it primarily for cultural connection and affordable entry-level education, not career advancement.