At $15,270/yr net price, Dickinson State University graduates earn $50,720/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,720/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,270 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,720/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,720/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,442 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,547/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,472/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,949/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,160/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,040/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. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $25,250 |
| Data Processing. | Bachelor | $45,696 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $20,856 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $41,789 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,621 | $15,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,597 | $19,000 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
The Risk Factor
43.4% of students at Dickinson State University 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
Dickinson State University delivers weak financial returns that reflect the challenges of North Dakota's limited job market outside energy and agriculture. With median earnings of $50,720 ten years after graduation and a troubling 43% graduation rate, more than half of your classmates won't finish their degrees.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at $63,005 annually, though you'll graduate with $25,250 in debt. The program's strong earning potential makes this debt manageable in North Dakota's healthcare market. Business and education majors earn in the low $40,000s, which barely justifies the cost given limited career advancement opportunities in rural North Dakota.
Your biggest risk is the 60% retention rate, which signals academic or financial struggles that force many students to leave. The low graduation rate compounds this problem. You're also betting on staying in a state with few major employers outside Bismarck and Fargo.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing or planning to work in North Dakota's public sector, where the cost of living helps stretch modest salaries. The $15,270 annual net price is reasonable, but only 22% of students receive aid, so you'll likely pay closer to full price.
Look elsewhere if you want career flexibility or higher earning potential. The combination of weak graduation rates and limited regional opportunities makes this a risky investment for most majors. Consider North Dakota State University for better outcomes, or out-of-state options if you can afford them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dickinson State University worth the cost?
Dickinson State University offers decent value with relatively low debt ($18,442 median) and affordable net costs ($15,270 annually). However, the 43% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $50,720 are modest compared to other four-year degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Dickinson State University?
Nursing programs at Dickinson State University provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $63,000 annually. Data processing ($45,696) and education programs ($42,682) offer moderate returns but significantly less than nursing.
How much student debt do Dickinson State University graduates have?
Dickinson State University graduates have a median debt of $18,442, which is lower than the national average. The manageable debt load helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings of $50,720.
What is the graduation rate at Dickinson State University?
Only 43% of students graduate from Dickinson State University, which is well below the national average for four-year institutions. This low completion rate represents a significant risk factor when considering the school's overall value.