At $10,802/yr net price, North Dakota State College of Science graduates earn $50,513/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,513/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,802 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,513/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,513/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,222/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,643/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,918/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,467/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,866/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 | $58,673 | $18,773 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $49,102 | $12,500 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,808 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $45,383 | $11,554 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,426 | $11,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $41,565 | $11,123 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $40,821 | $16,090 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,489 | $11,000 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $34,704 | $11,000 |
The Risk Factor
49.9% of students at North Dakota State College of Science 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
North Dakota State College of Science gives you a solid financial return for a two-year school. You leave with $12,000 in median debt against median earnings of about $50,500 a decade out, so the earnings comfortably outpace what you borrow. For a public two-year college, that debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor.
The nursing associate degree pays the most here at nearly $59,000, but it also loads you with the highest debt on campus at close to $19,000. The trade and technical programs are the sweeter deal on paper: agricultural mechanization, vehicle maintenance and repair, and architectural engineering technology all clear $45,000 while keeping debt near or below $12,500. Vehicle maintenance stands out because you earn about $45,000 on roughly $11,500 of debt. These are hands-on programs feeding directly into North Dakota's agriculture, construction, and equipment industries, which is why the earnings hold up.
The main risk is the near-50% graduation rate. Half of enrolled students don't finish, and if you drop out you still owe on any loans you took without the credential that makes these salaries possible. The payoff here depends heavily on completing your program.
If your family earns under $48,000, you pay between $6,200 and $7,600 a year, and the trade programs make that money back fast. Above $110,000, your net price jumps to nearly $13,900, more than double the lowest tier, but the total two-year cost is still modest against these earnings.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical or trade credential and plan to work in the regional job market. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree or a program outside the technical and health fields listed, since the strong outcomes here are concentrated in those hands-on associate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Dakota State College of Science worth the cost?
With a net price of $10,802 and median debt of just $12,000, North Dakota State College of Science offers good value for students who graduate. The low cost makes it less risky than most colleges, though the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at North Dakota State College of Science?
Nursing programs at North Dakota State College of Science lead to the best earnings, with graduates earning around $58,673 annually. Agricultural mechanization and environmental control technology programs also pay well, with graduates earning $45,000-49,000.
How much debt do North Dakota State College of Science graduates have?
North Dakota State College of Science graduates leave with a median debt of $12,000, which is much lower than the national average. This manageable debt level makes the financial risk relatively low even if career outcomes vary.
What is the job market like for North Dakota State College of Science graduates?
North Dakota State College of Science graduates earn a median of $50,513 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable given the low cost and debt. Technical programs like nursing and agricultural mechanization align well with regional job demand in North Dakota.