At $20,318/yr net price, University of Jamestown graduates earn $56,621/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,621/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,318 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,621/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,621/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,596/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,178/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,174/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,157/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,810/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $63,749 | $86,648 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,859 | $27,955 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $24,500 |
The Risk Factor
44.0% of students at University of Jamestown 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
University of Jamestown delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's $56,621 median earnings fall short of justifying the $20,318 annual net price for many majors, particularly given the concerning 44% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, producing $61,859 in median earnings with manageable $27,955 debt loads. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions offer the highest earnings at $63,749, but the $86,648 debt burden creates a dangerous financial trap that could take decades to recover from.
Education and business majors face poor financial prospects. Teachers earn just $42,682 while business graduates average only $39,729, both well below what you need to comfortably service typical debt loads in North Dakota's job market.
The 64% retention rate signals that many students struggle with the academic demands or find better options elsewhere. If you transfer or drop out, you face the worst possible outcome: debt without a degree. The low graduation rate means over half of entering students never finish.
This school works financially if you're committed to nursing and can handle the program's demands. The relatively low debt for nursing graduates makes it viable compared to larger universities. For other majors, North Dakota's public universities offer better value propositions.
With only 26% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. You'll likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for need-based federal aid. Consider this school only if you're certain about nursing or can secure significant outside funding for other programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Jamestown worth the cost?
University of Jamestown graduates earn $56,621 annually after 10 years, which is modest for the $20,318 yearly cost. The low 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making the investment risky.
What programs at University of Jamestown have the best ROI?
Rehabilitation and nursing programs offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning $63,749 and $61,859 respectively. Education and business majors earn significantly less at around $42,682 and $39,729.
How much debt do University of Jamestown students typically graduate with?
Graduates leave with $27,000 in median debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does University of Jamestown provide good financial aid?
The net price of $20,318 suggests decent financial aid for a private school. Students should focus on high-paying programs like nursing or rehabilitation to justify the cost.