At $3,455/yr net price, Sitting Bull College graduates earn $28,488/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,455 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $28,488/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-5,512/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,351/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,802/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,580/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,566/yr |
The Risk Factor
23.9% of students at Sitting Bull College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Sitting Bull College presents a challenging financial picture with a median 10-year earnings of $28,488 despite an extremely low net price of $3,455 annually. The 24% graduation rate creates significant risk that you may invest years without completing your degree, leaving you with limited earning potential and potential debt.
The earnings data reflects the reality of the local job market in rural North Dakota and the types of programs offered at this tribal college. Most graduates likely remain in the region where opportunities in education, social services, and tribal administration provide steady but modest compensation. Your financial return depends heavily on completing your degree, which only one in four students accomplishes.
This school makes financial sense if you need an affordable pathway to higher education while staying connected to your community and culture. The low cost means you can minimize debt even if completion takes longer than planned. You should consider Sitting Bull College if traditional four-year institutions feel financially or culturally out of reach.
Look elsewhere if you need higher earning potential to justify your educational investment. The combination of low completion rates and modest regional wages creates real financial risk, especially if you struggle academically or need to transfer to complete your degree.
With nearly 69% of students receiving financial aid, most costs are covered through federal grants and tribal funding. The key strategy involves focusing intensively on degree completion rather than minimizing costs, since the low graduation rate poses the greatest financial threat to your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sitting Bull College worth the cost?
Sitting Bull College has a very low net price at $3,455 per year, but graduates earn only $28,488 ten years after enrollment. The extremely low graduation rate of 24% means most students don't finish their programs.
What is the return on investment for Sitting Bull College?
The ROI is poor despite low costs. With average earnings of $28,488 after 10 years and only 1 in 4 students graduating, most students would be better off pursuing other options.
Do Sitting Bull College graduates struggle with student debt?
While the low net price of $3,455 means minimal debt for those who graduate, the 24% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree and may still owe money.
Which programs at Sitting Bull College offer the best job prospects?
With overall graduate earnings of just $28,488 after 10 years, no programs at Sitting Bull College show strong earning potential compared to national averages.