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92.0%Acceptance
$24,820Tuition
947Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,621Earnings
#18 in North DakotaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About University of Jamestown

University of Jamestown builds its reputation on nursing and education programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. This Presbyterian-affiliated institution enrolls 947 students in the remote prairie town of Jamestown, North Dakota. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger universities cannot match. Strong Christian values permeate campus life and academic programs.

Students pay an average net price of $20,318 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,621 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the typical $27,000 in student debt. The 98.3% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success. Monthly loan payments average $286, a manageable burden given graduate earning potential.

Athletics play a major role in campus culture, with 544 student-athletes competing across 16 varsity sports as the "Jimmies." The school awards $6.8 million in athletic scholarships, reflecting its commitment to sports programs. However, the 44% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges that students should carefully consider. The 64% retention rate indicates some students struggle to find their fit in this small-town environment.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Jamestown operates as a small Presbyterian liberal arts college with particularly strong nursing and education programs. Students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships and personalized attention. The college's 4-year graduation rate sits at 46.57%, reflecting the challenges some students face in completing their degrees on time. However, the intimate class sizes allow professors to provide extensive academic support. Nursing students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs, while education majors gain hands-on experience in local schools. The college's Christian foundation integrates faith perspectives across disciplines. With only 947 students total, academic programs maintain small cohorts that foster collaborative learning environments.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
46.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.0%
Retention Rate
64.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,621
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $63,749
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $61,859
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $39,729

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Jamestown sits in a town of 15,000 people, roughly 100 miles west of Fargo. With 875 housing spots for 947 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in this tight-knit community. North Dakota winters demand serious coats and snow boots, with temperatures often dropping below zero from December through February.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. With 57% male enrollment, the campus leans heavily toward men, many drawn by the strong athletic programs. The Jimmies field 16 varsity sports teams, and 544 total athletes make up more than half the student body. Basketball games pack the Harold Newman Arena on winter weekends. The Presbyterian heritage shows in required chapel services and a dry campus policy. Students often gather in the Cube student center or venture to nearby Jamestown Reservoir for outdoor activities. Weekend options stay local since Bismarck lies 90 minutes away. The remote setting creates a campus bubble where everyone knows everyone.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
875 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1883

Campus Safety (2023)

15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 3 3 0 0
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 2 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
0°–19°F
July Avg
58°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
19.8"
Annual Snowfall
46.1"

Student Demographics

The student body reflects Jamestown's role as a regional Christian university drawing from across the upper Midwest. With 58% of students coming from outside North Dakota, the school attracts families seeking affordable faith-based education beyond state borders. The 58% male enrollment connects to strong programs in traditionally male-dominated fields alongside nursing and education. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families who value the Presbyterian foundation. The diverse geographic mix creates a tight-knit community where small-town values meet students from various backgrounds seeking personalized Christian higher education.
Men
58.0%
Women
42.0%
White
68.0%
Black
2.5%
Hispanic
8.3%
Asian
0.4%
In-State Students
42.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.1%

Location

Jamestown sits in the heart of North Dakota, about 100 miles west of Fargo, the state's largest city. The town of 15,000 residents offers a classic small-town atmosphere surrounded by prairie landscapes and agricultural communities. With 42% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from North Dakota's rural communities. The remote setting means students experience true small-town college life, where the campus becomes the center of social activity. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 875-bed housing capacity accommodates most of the 947 enrolled students on campus. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare University of Jamestown with similar schools in the region.
Address
Jamestown, North Dakota 58405

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,621
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,899
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,600
Loan Repayment Rate
75.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Jamestown?

University of Jamestown accepts 92.04% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Presbyterian-affiliated institution focuses on providing opportunities for students who want a close-knit Christian college experience in rural North Dakota.

How much does University of Jamestown cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $20,318 per year, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $15,596. Despite the $24,820 sticker price, the school provides meaningful financial support to help make this private Christian education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Jamestown?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring small classes and personal attention in this community of 947 students. This intimate academic environment supports the university's strong programs in nursing and education.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Jamestown?

The six-year graduation rate is 44.00%, while graduates earn a median salary of $56,621 ten years after enrollment. The 98.3% employment rate shows that Jimmies graduates find work, though the completion rates reflect the challenges many students face at this small institution.

Where do students live at University of Jamestown?

Housing capacity serves 875 students, nearly the entire enrollment of 947, creating a residential campus experience. Room and board costs $8,920, and the retention rate of 64.45% suggests students appreciate the tight-knit community atmosphere.

How prominent are athletics at University of Jamestown?

With 544 total athletes across 16 varsity sports, athletics play a major role on this campus of fewer than 1,000 students. The university awards $6,795,639 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in recruiting talented student-athletes to compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.