Hospitality Administration/Management at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State's hospitality program graduates earn $41,984 in their first year—well above the $34,675 national median for similar bachelor's programs. That's the 95th percentile nationally, suggesting this program significantly outperforms most hospitality degrees. The estimated debt of $23,280, derived from national patterns at similar public institutions, represents just over half a year's starting salary—a manageable ratio by current standards.

The catch is what happens next: earnings actually decline slightly to $41,098 by year four, which is unusual for a bachelor's degree. Most graduates see some wage growth during their first few years in the workforce, even in fields with flatter career trajectories. This stagnation might reflect the realities of North Dakota's hospitality market, where opportunities could be limited compared to major tourism destinations or metropolitan areas. It's worth noting these are estimated outcomes based on peer programs, not tracked results from NDSU graduates specifically.

For parents, the calculus here depends heavily on where your child plans to work. The strong starting salary suggests North Dakota State prepares graduates well, but if they're planning to stay in Fargo long-term, understand that hospitality careers may plateau quickly. The debt load is reasonable enough that even flat earnings shouldn't create financial hardship, but this isn't a degree that typically leads to dramatic income growth. If your child is passionate about hospitality and has connections in the region, the numbers work—just don't expect the salary trajectory of a business or engineering degree.