Analysis
A finance degree that carries $22,000 in estimated debt and leads to mid-$50,000s earnings by year four represents a manageable financial path, though the early numbers here rely entirely on estimates from comparable North Dakota programs. Minot State's graduates appear to track closely with the state's finance sector normsβsimilar programs across North Dakota produce first-year earnings around $50,000, placing this squarely in the middle of what's typical for the state but below the $53,600 national median for finance degrees.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests graduates could reasonably pay off loans within five years if they commit aggressively to repayment, and the relatively modest debt load compared to many finance programs nationwide (which median at $23,332) keeps the downside risk limited. What's less clear is whether Minot State's specific outcomes match these peer program estimatesβthe growth from an estimated $49,785 in year one to a reported $55,600 by year four shows solid progression, but without actual first-year data from this program, you're betting on the state average holding true.
For parents, the calculation comes down to whether this level of financial certainty is acceptable. The numbers suggest a workable investment if your student plans to stay in the regional market, but the lack of program-specific data means you're essentially backing North Dakota's finance job market rather than Minot State's particular track record in placing graduates.
Where Minot State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minot State University | β | $55,600 | β |
| University of Pennsylvania | $122,698 | $206,646 | +68% |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota | $47,744 | $63,775 | +34% |
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $53,163 | $62,889 | +18% |
| University of North Dakota | $49,785 | $56,582 | +14% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,634 | $49,785* | $55,600 | $22,192* | β | |
| $10,857 | $53,163* | $62,889 | $25,542* | 0.48 | |
| $10,951 | $49,785* | $56,582 | $24,093* | 0.48 | |
| $12,715 | $47,744* | $63,775 | $31,000* | 0.65 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 Minot State University, approximately 24% 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.