At $7,164/yr net price, Williston State College graduates earn $44,017/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,017/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,164 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,017/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,017/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,099 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,393/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,557/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,367/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,433/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,224/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. | Associate | $56,415 | $17,841 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 | $6,700 |
The Risk Factor
39.5% of students at Williston State 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
Williston State College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with median earnings that outpace many community colleges nationwide. Your investment of $7,164 annually positions you well in North Dakota's energy-driven economy, where proximity to Bakken oil fields creates strong demand for skilled workers.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, generating $56,415 in median earnings that justify the higher debt load of $17,841. This program connects directly to regional healthcare needs and offers clear career progression. Liberal arts graduates earn considerably less at $25,774, though they carry minimal debt at $6,700.
Your biggest risk lies in the 39.5% graduation rate, meaning six out of ten students don't complete their programs. This creates potential for wasted time and money if you're not committed to finishing. The school's location in North Dakota's oil country means economic volatility could impact job prospects, particularly in energy-related fields.
You're a good fit here if you want practical training for regional industries without massive debt. The low aid percentage of 20.37% suggests most students can afford the modest costs without extensive borrowing. You should look elsewhere if you need complete student services or want guaranteed transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Focus on career-specific programs rather than general studies to maximize your return. The school's strength lies in preparing you for immediate employment in North Dakota's job market, not providing broad academic exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Williston State College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Williston State College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,164 per year and relatively low debt of $10,099. However, the 39.5% graduation rate is concerning and could impact your return on investment if you don't complete your degree.
Which programs at Williston State College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Williston State College provide strong returns with graduates earning around $56,415 annually. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $25,774, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
What are the risks of attending Williston State College?
The biggest risk is the low 39.5% graduation rate, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. While debt levels are manageable at around $10,000, incomplete degrees offer poor ROI regardless of cost.
How do Williston State College graduates' salaries compare to the investment?
With average earnings of $44,017 ten years after enrollment and low debt of $10,099, graduates who complete their degrees see reasonable returns. The key qualifier is actually finishing the program given the low graduation rate.