Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
North Dakota State's nursing program starts strong with $70,821 in first-year earnings, but then takes an unusual downward trajectory, dropping to $64,237 by year four—a 9% decline that's uncommon in healthcare fields. While the initial salary beats the North Dakota median slightly, it falls short of the national benchmark by about $4,000, placing graduates in just the 28th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within the state.
The debt picture offers some relief, with $30,500 representing a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than most programs nationally. However, when you look at the competitive landscape in North Dakota, NDSU ranks near the bottom among nursing programs—Mayville State graduates earn $77,525 in their first year, nearly $7,000 more than NDSU graduates.
The earnings decline over time is particularly puzzling for nursing, where experience typically translates to higher pay. This could signal geographic limitations, fewer advancement opportunities, or other structural issues that parents should investigate. Given that multiple North Dakota nursing programs deliver stronger outcomes with similar or lower debt burdens, families should seriously consider alternatives like Mayville State or the University of Jamestown before committing to NDSU's program.
Where North Dakota State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $70,821 | $64,237 | $30,500 | 0.43 |
| Mayville State University | $77,525 | — | $28,250 | 0.36 |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota | $74,861 | $82,469 | $39,232 | 0.52 |
| University of Jamestown | $74,094 | $66,306 | $28,000 | 0.38 |
| University of North Dakota | $73,097 | $64,294 | $25,792 | 0.35 |
| Minot State University | $72,522 | $69,266 | $27,111 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in North Dakota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Dakota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayville State University Mayville | $7,935 | $77,525 | $28,250 |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota Fargo | $12,715 | $74,861 | $39,232 |
| University of Jamestown Jamestown | $24,820 | $74,094 | $28,000 |
| University of North Dakota Grand Forks | $10,951 | $73,097 | $25,792 |
| Minot State University Minot | $8,634 | $72,522 | $27,111 |
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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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 328 graduates with reported earnings and 331 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.