North Dakota State University-Main Campus ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,428
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$19,312/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
789%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
North Dakota State University-Main Campus has a high acceptance rate of 95.8% and a graduation rate of 63.5%. The average in-state tuition is $10,857. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $53,030, with earnings increasing to $54,312 after five years and $62,203 after ten years. The median debt for students is $23,199, and 52.8% of students receive financial aid.
The data suggests a positive return on investment. With a median debt of $23,199 and a starting salary of $53,030, graduates can likely pay off their debt relatively quickly. The earnings increase over time, indicating a potential for long-term financial growth.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The median debt is significantly less than the starting salary, suggesting graduates are likely to manage their debt effectively. The break-even timeline, or the time it takes to earn back the cost of tuition, is relatively short due to the high starting salaries.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,857
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,199
Median Earnings (5yr)
$54,312
Graduation Rate
64%
Receive Financial Aid
53%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | $129,311 | 4243% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $115,722 | 3618% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $73,799 | 1687% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $79,027 | 1928% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $39,825 | 122% |
| Biology, General | $49,894 | 586% |
| Psychology, General | $43,659 | 299% |
| Architecture | $60,880 | 1092% |
| Marketing | $58,602 | 987% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $48,240 | 510% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $62,889 | 1184% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $80,276 | 1985% |
Peer Comparison
789%
20yr ROI
754%
20yr ROI
558%
20yr ROI
558%
20yr ROI
557%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.