At $18,998/yr net price, University of North Dakota graduates earn $63,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,552/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,998 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,552/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,057 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,914/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,615/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,625/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,282/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,640/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. | Master | $107,376 | $51,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,645 | $53,187 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 | $20,220 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $27,000 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,762 | $27,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,660 | $59,500 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,325 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,608 | $22,500 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $18,211 |
The Risk Factor
63.3% of students at University of North Dakota graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of North Dakota delivers solid financial returns for specific programs but requires careful major selection to maximize your investment. The school's location in an energy-rich region creates strong earning potential for technical fields, while healthcare programs consistently outperform national averages.
Nursing and allied health programs represent your best financial bets, with registered nursing graduates earning over $107,000 annually despite higher debt loads around $51,000. The strong regional demand for healthcare workers in North Dakota and surrounding states makes these debt levels manageable. Engineering majors also perform well, with electrical engineering and petroleum engineering graduates earning in the mid-70s with moderate debt burdens under $30,000.
Business administration offers surprising value at this school, matching engineering salaries while carrying just $20,000 in debt. This reflects North Dakota's energy sector creating management opportunities that may not exist in other regions.
The main financial risk lies in choosing programs outside these high-earning fields. With only 63% of students graduating, you face real completion risk if you struggle academically. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who stay finish, but the gap between retention and graduation indicates transfer patterns that could extend your time to degree.
You should consider UND if you want to study nursing, engineering, or business and plan to work in the upper Midwest energy corridor. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit opportunities may be limited, making the reasonable sticker price important for middle-income families. Avoid this school if you need substantial financial aid or want to study liberal arts fields where regional job markets offer limited premium over national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Dakota worth the cost?
University of North Dakota offers reasonable value with a net price of $19,000 and median debt of $22,000, but the 10-year earnings of $63,500 are below average for college graduates. The school's worth depends heavily on your major, with nursing and engineering programs showing much stronger returns than the overall average.
What are the highest paying majors at University of North Dakota?
Nursing programs at UND lead in earnings potential, with registered nursing graduates earning around $107,000 annually. Engineering fields like electrical and petroleum engineering also perform well, with graduates earning $76,000-$77,000. Business and general programs show more modest returns.
How much debt do University of North Dakota graduates typically have?
UND graduates carry a median debt of $22,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $63,500 ten years after graduation, debt repayment may still be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at University of North Dakota and does it affect ROI?
University of North Dakota has a 63% graduation rate, meaning over one-third of students don't finish their degree. Students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without the earning potential of a degree, making program completion critical for positive ROI.