At $12,515/yr net price, Dakota College at Bottineau graduates earn $40,576/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,576/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,515 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,060 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,576/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,576/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,507 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,245/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,062/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,175/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,745/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,796/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,860 | $18,442 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,717 | $9,840 |
The Risk Factor
53.4% of students at Dakota College at Bottineau graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Dakota College at Bottineau offers solid returns for students who choose the right program, but your major selection makes all the difference. The nursing program delivers strong earnings at $57,860 annually, justifying the higher debt load of $18,442 and positioning graduates well in North Dakota's healthcare market.
Liberal arts graduates face a harsh financial reality with median earnings of just $17,717 per year. This income barely covers living expenses and makes the $9,840 in debt burden problematic, even though it's relatively modest. The 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs.
You should consider Bottineau if you plan to enter nursing and want affordable training close to home. North Dakota's rural healthcare needs create steady demand for registered nurses, and the program's outcomes reflect this market reality. The overall low net price of $12,515 keeps costs manageable compared to four-year alternatives.
Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts or general studies unless you have a clear transfer plan to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere. The earnings data shows these programs don't provide career-ready skills for today's job market.
Financial aid reaches only 12% of students, suggesting most pay close to sticker price. This works in your favor since the published costs already reflect the true expense for most families. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs and maximize your time in the workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dakota College at Bottineau worth the cost for most students?
Dakota College at Bottineau offers decent value for nursing students who earn around $58,000 annually, but the overall graduate earnings of $40,576 barely justify the $12,515 annual cost. With a 53% graduation rate, many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Dakota College at Bottineau have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Dakota College at Bottineau provide strong ROI with graduates earning $57,860 annually. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn only $17,717, making these programs poor financial investments.
How much debt do Dakota College at Bottineau graduates typically have?
Dakota College at Bottineau graduates leave with a median debt of $10,507, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for liberal arts majors earning under $18,000.
Does Dakota College at Bottineau prepare students for good-paying careers?
Dakota College at Bottineau effectively prepares nursing students for solid careers, but graduates in other fields often struggle with below-average earnings. The school's overall graduate earnings of $40,576 fall short of what most four-year degrees provide.