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 gives you a low-debt path with a middling payoff. A median debt of $10,507 against median earnings around $40,000 ten years out means you likely clear your loans without drowning, but the salary ceiling here is real. This is a school where the program you pick decides everything.
Nursing is the reason to come. The associate nursing track pays roughly three times what the general liberal arts associate degree pays, and it carries a higher debt load for a reason: it leads to an actual job. North Dakota's rural hospitals and clinics need nurses, so that credential converts directly into regional work. If you enroll here for nursing, the math works.
The general liberal arts and humanities associate degree is the opposite bet. It pays under $18,000 a year, below what full-time minimum-wage work produces, and it comes with debt attached. Treat that program as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint. If you stop there, you paid for a credential that does not pay you back.
The financial risk specific to this school is the completion gap. Just over half of you finish. If you borrow, spend two years, and leave without the degree, you carry the debt with none of the earnings. The nursing debt load only pays off if you actually pass and get licensed.
The net price tiers are unusual: families under $48,000 pay less than families above it, so the aid here favors lower incomes. If your family earns over $110,000, expect close to full sticker with little discount. If you're low-income and headed for nursing, this is a strong fit. If you want a bachelor's-level career or plan to major in general studies, look elsewhere or use this only as a cheap transfer launch.
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.