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 gives you a solid financial deal with low risk. You pay $12,514 a year and carry under $20,000 in debt at graduation, which stays below the median earnings you can expect a decade out. That gap between debt and income is where the value sits.
Nursing is the clear winner here. At $63,666, it pays roughly $12,000 more than accounting, the next program in line, and about $22,000 more than social work. The nursing debt load runs a bit higher at $21,960, but the earnings justify it, and North Dakota's demand for nurses gives you a regional job market that backs up those numbers.
The business majors tell a weaker story. Accounting, finance, and international business all land in the $40,000 range, close to what social work pays despite social work carrying lower debt. If you enroll in international business at $39,909, you are earning the least of the listed programs, so weigh whether that path pays for itself.
The main risk is finishing. Fewer than half of students graduate, and 28% do not return after the first year. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and those retention and completion numbers mean that risk is real for you before you commit.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $8,850, while over $110,000 pushes you past $15,500. That structure makes Minot State a strong fit if you come from a modest-income household and want nursing or a healthcare path. If you are chasing high business salaries or unsure you will finish, look harder at whether this fits your plans.
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.