Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Bismarck State College

Nursing programs in North Dakota typically produce lower first-year earnings than the national average, but Bismarck State's estimated figures suggest a different trajectory. While peer programs in the state report median earnings around $42,000, similar associate-level nursing programs nationally suggest first-year earnings closer to $52,000—positioning this program potentially above its local competitors. The estimated debt of $18,000 creates a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly a third of their first-year salary.

The challenge here is that both numbers are national estimates, not actual outcomes for Bismarck State graduates. North Dakota's nursing market may pay differently than the national average used for these projections. What we know for certain is that North Dakota State College of Science—the one local program with reported data—shows $42,000 in earnings, suggesting the state's market runs about $10,000 below the national figure. If Bismarck State's graduates follow the same pattern, you'd be looking at lower earnings than estimated but still a reasonable debt load.

The practical takeaway: An associate degree in practical nursing generally offers solid job placement and stable work, and the estimated debt level here isn't alarming. However, reach out to Bismarck State directly for their actual graduate outcomes and local employer relationships. The difference between a $42,000 and $52,000 starting salary substantially changes this investment's value.