At $14,454/yr net price, Mayville State University graduates earn $47,828/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,828/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,454 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,828/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,828/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,585 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,575/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,238/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,676/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,436/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,448/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,725 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,441 | $19,703 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $24,748 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $16,875 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
40.3% of students at Mayville 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
Mayville State University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The median earnings of $47,828 ten years after graduation barely justify the costs, especially when paired with a concerning 40% graduation rate that means six out of ten students never finish their degree.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across programs. Teacher education majors, despite representing the university's strongest offerings, earn just $37,424 to $41,725 annually while carrying debt loads up to $24,748. Business administration graduates fare similarly with $41,441 in median earnings against $19,703 in debt. Liberal arts majors face the worst outcomes, earning only $29,685 with $16,875 in debt.
Your biggest financial risk at Mayville State is not graduating at all. The 67% retention rate signals that one-third of students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. The low graduation rate compounds this problem, leaving many students with loan payments but no credential to boost their earning power.
This school works financially only for students with specific circumstances: North Dakota residents pursuing teaching careers who can secure merit aid, or those with family connections to local employers. The 24% of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support availability.
Most students should look elsewhere. The combination of poor graduation rates, modest earnings potential, and limited aid makes Mayville State a poor financial choice. If you're set on teaching in North Dakota, compare costs carefully with other regional options that offer better completion rates and stronger alumni networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mayville State University worth the cost?
With a low graduation rate of 40% and median earnings of $47,828 ten years after graduation, Mayville State's ROI is below average for North Dakota universities. The affordable net price of $14,454 helps offset concerns, but the high dropout risk makes this a questionable investment for many students.
What are the best paying majors at Mayville State University?
Teacher education programs at Mayville State offer the highest returns, with graduates earning around $41,725 annually. Business administration follows at $41,441, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $29,685.
How much debt do Mayville State University graduates have?
Mayville State graduates carry a median debt of $18,585, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, with only 40% of students actually graduating, many leave with debt but no degree to show for it.
Does Mayville State University have good job placement rates?
While specific job placement data isn't available, the 10-year earnings of $47,828 suggest modest career outcomes. The low graduation rate of 40% indicates many students struggle to complete their programs, which significantly impacts career prospects.