At $12,514/yr net price, Minot State University graduates earn $51,759/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,759/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,514 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,759/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,759/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,609 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,840/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,874/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,464/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,885/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,562/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 | $63,666 | $21,960 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,823 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,667 | $35,300 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $16,750 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $39,909 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $23,125 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $15,753 |
The Risk Factor
47.8% of students at Minot 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
Minot State University offers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your major choice and career goals. The low net price of $12,514 annually makes it one of North Dakota's more affordable options, but the 47% graduation rate creates significant risk that you might not finish your degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $63,666 annually against manageable debt of $21,960. Business administration also delivers solid returns at $57,318 in median earnings. However, communication disorders graduates face a problematic combination of high debt ($35,300) and relatively low earnings ($48,667), making loan payments difficult on that salary.
The biggest financial risk at Minot State is simply not graduating. With nearly half of students failing to complete their degrees, you could end up with debt but no credential to show for it. The 72% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially after their first year.
This school works best for North Dakota residents who plan to stay in the region and can handle the academic demands. The low sticker price attracts students, but you need realistic expectations about support services and graduation likelihood. If you require extensive academic support or prefer urban job markets, you might find better options elsewhere despite the higher cost.
Financial aid reaches only 24% of students, suggesting most families pay the full net price. Focus on completing your degree quickly and consider nursing or business programs if you want the strongest earning potential relative to your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minot State University worth the cost?
Minot State University offers decent value with a low net price of $12,514 per year and graduates earning $51,759 after 10 years. However, the 47.8% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying majors at Minot State University?
Nursing programs at Minot State University offer the best financial returns, with graduates earning around $63,666 annually. Business administration ($57,318) and accounting ($48,823) also provide solid earning potential compared to the relatively low cost of attendance.
How much student debt do Minot State University graduates have?
Minot State University graduates carry a median debt of $19,609, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for most programs, especially nursing and business majors.
What is the job market like for Minot State University graduates?
Minot State University graduates benefit from North Dakota's strong job market, particularly in healthcare and energy sectors. The nursing shortage creates excellent opportunities for MSU nursing graduates, while business majors can find work in the region's oil and agriculture industries.