Business Administration, Management and Operations at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State's business program sits in an interesting position—it beats national averages by about 5% in first-year earnings but lands below the state median. That 40th percentile ranking within North Dakota reflects the unusually strong business outcomes across the state, where programs like Bismarck State and University of Mary substantially outperform. Still, starting at $48,105 with manageable debt of $23,250 (a 0.48 ratio) creates a foundation that's far from concerning.

The 17% earnings growth to $56,473 by year four suggests steady career progression, and the program's accessible admission standards mean most qualified applicants can secure admission. The debt burden is actually lower than both state and national medians, which matters when you're comparing value across options. With over 100 graduates in the data set, these numbers are reliable indicators of what your student might expect.

The practical reality: this program won't lead the pack among North Dakota business schools, but it delivers solid middle-of-the-road outcomes at below-average cost. If your child has already gained admission to University of Mary or UND and finances are comparable, those might edge ahead. But NDSU's business program remains a reasonable choice that should comfortably support loan repayment while building toward mid-career earnings in the mid-$50s. It's the kind of program that works well for students seeking stability over standout performance.