Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.7%
- Retention Rate
- 76.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $62,203
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,199
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,751 | $79,304 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $101,072 | $46,124 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,828 | $21,500 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Agricultural Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,401 | $21,050 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,409 | $26,097 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $64,865 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,556 | $22,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,397 | $24,250 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,576 | $25,625 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,417 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $58,866 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,673 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $22,875 |
Outcomes Overview
NDSU graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $23,199 and earn $62,203 ten years after graduation. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 37%, well below the concerning 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $246 consume just 5% of typical graduate income. The university's strong ties to agriculture, engineering, and technology sectors help explain the solid earnings trajectory. Many graduates find opportunities in North Dakota's booming energy industry or return to family farming operations with modern agricultural technology skills. The 98% employment rate reflects the practical, career-focused education NDSU provides. Strong return on investment.