Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Dickinson State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$49,785

Est. from ND median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,192

Est. from national median (246 programs)

Analysis

In North Dakota's tight-knit finance education market, three peer institutions suggest first-year earnings around $49,785 for bachelor's-level finance graduates—roughly $4,000 below the national median of $53,590. That gap reflects North Dakota's smaller financial services sector compared to major metro areas, though the estimated debt load of $22,192 keeps the ratio manageable at 0.45, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary.

The estimated debt figure comes from national peers rather than North Dakota schools, where finance programs typically carry slightly higher debt ($25,542 median statewide). If Dickinson State's actual outcomes mirror those of other ND programs more closely, graduates might face a tougher payoff timeline. The broader concern is whether a bachelor's in finance delivers competitive positioning when the state's flagship university (University of North Dakota) produces comparable earnings but likely offers stronger alumni networks and recruiting pipelines to regional employers.

For parents weighing this investment, the core question is placement: does Dickinson State connect graduates to the financial services opportunities that justify even moderate debt? Without actual outcome data for this program, you're betting on Dickinson State matching what similar ND schools deliver—a reasonable but unproven assumption. If your student has direct admission to NDSU or UND, those programs offer reported outcomes and established pathways that reduce uncertainty.

Where Dickinson State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Dakota

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Dickinson State UniversityDickinson	$9,118	$49,785*	—	$22,192*	—
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo	$10,857	$53,163*	$62,889	$25,542*	0.48
University of North DakotaGrand Forks	$10,951	$49,785*	$56,582	$24,093*	0.48
Rasmussen University-North DakotaFargo	$12,715	$47,744*	$63,775	$31,000*	0.65
National Median	—	$53,590*	—	$23,332*	0.44

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Dickinson State University, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in ND. Actual outcomes may vary.