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 costs about $9,600 a year, and ten years after enrolling the median earnings land near $20,000 a year. That number is low. It sits below what full-time minimum-wage work produces in many places, and it tells you the financial return here is weak on its own terms.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed for this school, so treat any degree here as a starting credit-earner or a transfer step, not a direct route to a paycheck. As a tribal two-year college in Lame Deer, its value is tied to the rural job market of the Northern Cheyenne reservation and southeastern Montana, where high-wage employers are scarce. Coursework that transfers to a four-year school elsewhere is where your dollars work hardest. anything terminal that ends at this campus carries more financial risk.
The net price barely moves across income. A family under $30,000 pays about $9,361, and a family in the $48,000-$75,000 range pays slightly more, around $10,411. So lower income does not buy you a meaningfully cheaper year here, and the sticker cost is roughly the same whether money is tight or moderate.
This school fits you if you live near Lame Deer, want to stay in the community, and plan to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree that pays off later. It also fits if low cost and local access matter more to you than immediate earnings. Look elsewhere if you need a two-year credential that leads straight to strong wages, because the earnings data here does not support that expectation. Keep your borrowing minimal given how low post-enrollment earnings run.
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.