At $16,334/yr net price, North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates earn $62,203/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,203/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,334 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,336 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,203/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,203/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,199 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,647/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,429/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,166/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,427/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,218/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
63.7% of students at North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
North Dakota State University delivers solid return on investment for career-focused programs, though your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The pharmacy program stands out with graduates earning $117,751 annually, easily justifying the higher $79,304 debt load typical for professional programs.
Engineering fields offer strong value at NDSU, with computer engineering graduates earning $72,828 while carrying just $21,500 in debt. Agricultural and manufacturing engineering both hit $67,660 in median earnings, reflecting North Dakota's industrial base and the university's strong regional employer connections. Nursing graduates command over $100,000 annually with manageable debt around $46,124.
The financial risk centers on program selection and completion. With a 63.70% graduation rate, more than one-third of students never finish their degrees but still carry debt. The 76.90% retention rate signals academic challenges that could derail your investment.
NDSU works best financially if you target high-earning programs like pharmacy, nursing, or engineering and can handle the academic demands. The $16,334 annual net price keeps costs reasonable for a complete university. However, only 18.72% of students receive aid, suggesting limited need-based support.
Avoid NDSU if you plan to study lower-earning fields or struggle academically. The university's value proposition relies on completing a career-oriented degree program. Students uncertain about their major or needing extensive academic support face higher financial risk at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus worth the cost?
NDSU offers solid value with a net price of $16,334 and median debt of $23,199, leading to typical earnings of $62,203 after 10 years. The pharmacy and nursing programs provide particularly strong returns, while the 64% graduation rate suggests completion risk for some students.
What are the highest paying majors at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
Pharmacy graduates earn $117,751 annually, while nursing graduates make $101,072. Engineering fields like computer, agricultural, and manufacturing engineering all pay around $67,000-$73,000.
How much student debt do North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates have?
The median debt is $23,199, which is manageable compared to typical post-graduation earnings of $62,203. Students in high-paying programs like pharmacy can easily handle this debt load.
What is the graduation rate at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?
NDSU has a 64% graduation rate, meaning about one in three students don't finish their degree. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially given the time and money invested.