At $18,227/yr net price, Rasmussen University-North Dakota graduates earn $39,080/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,080/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,227 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,080/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,080/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,899 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,602/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,300/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,675/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,682/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 | $73,870 | $25,000 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,886 | $20,058 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $28,113 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $24,433 |
| Computer Engineering. | Associate | $52,107 | $19,203 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $50,515 | $32,391 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $27,865 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,129 | $26,142 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,852 | $20,283 |
The Risk Factor
57.9% of students at Rasmussen University-North Dakota 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
Rasmussen University-North Dakota delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $39,080 barely justifying the $18,227 annual cost. Only nursing and computer programs offer solid payoffs that make the investment worthwhile.
Your best bet financially is registered nursing, where graduates earn $73,870 with $25,000 in debt. Computer systems analysis also pays well at $61,516, though debt data isn't available. Computer science and computer engineering graduates see decent returns around $53,000-$56,000, making these programs viable if you can keep borrowing reasonable.
The major financial risk here is program choice. With overall median earnings barely above $39,000, most majors outside healthcare and tech likely lead to poor returns on your investment. The 57.9% graduation rate means four in ten students leave with debt but no degree.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing or computer programs and can complete your degree. The regional job market in Fargo supports these fields reasonably well. You should look elsewhere if you're considering other majors, as the earnings data suggests limited financial upside.
With less than half of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay close to full price. The relatively low median debt of $20,899 suggests the school may offer payment plans or shorter programs that limit borrowing, but this doesn't offset weak earnings in most fields. Your financial strategy should focus entirely on high-earning programs or finding a less expensive alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rasmussen University-North Dakota worth the cost?
With average 10-year earnings of $39,080 and a net price of $18,227 annually, Rasmussen University-North Dakota offers modest financial returns. The nursing programs provide much stronger ROI with graduates earning $56,886-$73,870, but other programs struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Rasmussen University-North Dakota?
Nursing programs at Rasmussen University-North Dakota lead earnings with graduates making $56,886-$73,870 annually. Computer Systems Analysis ($61,516) and Computer Science ($55,964) also provide decent returns compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $39,080.
How much debt do Rasmussen University-North Dakota graduates have?
Rasmussen University-North Dakota graduates carry a median debt of $20,899. With average earnings of $39,080, this debt load is manageable for nursing and computer science graduates but creates financial strain for lower-earning programs.
What is the graduation rate at Rasmussen University-North Dakota?
Rasmussen University-North Dakota has a 57.9% graduation rate, meaning over 40% of students don't finish their programs. This completion rate is below average and adds risk to the investment, especially given the modest earnings outcomes for most graduates.