Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,036
83rd percentile (60th in ND)
Median Debt
$21,129
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
30
Adequate data

Analysis

Minot State's marketing program launches graduates into surprisingly strong starting salaries—$52,036 puts them ahead of 83% of marketing programs nationwide and well above the $44,728 national median. With just $21,129 in typical debt, the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than five months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden that compares favorably to the national median debt of $24,267. However, the 60th percentile ranking among North Dakota's six marketing programs tells a more nuanced story: while Minot State delivers solid value, UND and NDSU graduates edge ahead slightly in the state job market.

The earnings decline to $46,635 by year four deserves attention but isn't necessarily alarming—it could reflect graduates changing career paths or the natural fluctuations in North Dakota's economy. What matters more is that even at year four, these graduates still earn above the national marketing median and maintain very manageable debt levels.

For North Dakota families seeking an affordable marketing degree that provides genuine competitive advantage nationally, Minot State delivers. The combination of low debt and strong early earnings creates real financial flexibility for graduates, even if they're not quite at the top of the state's programs. This is particularly valuable for students who might not gain admission to the state's flagship universities or who prefer Minot's smaller campus environment.

Where Minot State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Minot State UniversityOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Minot State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Minot State University graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 83th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Dakota

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Minot State University$52,036$46,635$21,1290.41
University of North Dakota$48,843$64,234$24,1870.50
North Dakota State University-Main Campus$47,815$58,602$25,0000.52
Rasmussen University-North Dakota$41,377$58,760$37,5300.91
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in North Dakota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Dakota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks
$10,951$48,843$24,187
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo
$10,857$47,815$25,000
Rasmussen University-North Dakota
Fargo
$12,715$41,377$37,530

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.

Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.