Location: Dickinson, ND•In-State Tuition: $9,118•Out-of-State Tuition: $11,218•Admission Rate: 60%
Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$37,548
Est. from national median (213 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$24,000
Est. from national median (142 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

What's striking about public health bachelor's programs in North Dakota is how sharply debt levels vary—the state median sits at $40,809, nearly 70% higher than the $24,000 estimated for Dickinson State graduates. Based on comparable public health programs nationally, first-year earnings typically land around $37,500, which would put Dickinson State's estimated debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.64—meaningfully below both the state's debt burden and what you'd find at peer programs nationwide (where median debt is $26,000). The only other North Dakota program with reported outcomes shows graduates earning $35,433, slightly less than the national benchmark.

The practical math here looks reasonable: monthly loan payments on $24,000 would run roughly $270 over ten years, manageable on an income approaching $38,000. Public health careers often start modestly but offer clear advancement paths in healthcare administration, community health, and epidemiology—fields with growing demand. However, it's crucial to understand these figures are estimates derived from similar programs across the country, not actual outcomes from Dickinson State's specific graduates. The small graduate cohort means the Department of Education suppresses this school's actual data.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated debt picture suggests Dickinson State could offer a more affordable path into public health than other options in North Dakota. But given the uncertainty around these estimates, you'll want to ask the school directly about graduate placement rates and actual starting salaries for their recent public health alumni before committing.

Where Dickinson State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

Dickinson State University (estimated ±10%)Other public health programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Dakota

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (4 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Dickinson State UniversityDickinson$9,118$37,548*—$24,000*—
Rasmussen University-North DakotaFargo$12,715$35,433*—$40,809*1.15
National Median—$37,548*—$26,000*0.69
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
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 national median of 213 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.