Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State graduates with this teaching credential earn nearly $4,000 more than the typical program nationally, placing them in the 80th percentile—solid performance for a field not known for high starting salaries. With first-year earnings of $46,970 and manageable debt of $25,485, the debt burden sits at just 54% of first-year income, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about half a year's salary.

The relative picture within North Dakota is more nuanced. While NDSU performs well against the national field, it lands in the middle of the pack statewide (60th percentile), trailing Valley City State and Mayville State by $2,600-$3,600 in starting salary. Earnings growth is also modest—just 3% over four years—which may reflect salary schedule realities in North Dakota's education system rather than program-specific issues. At this entry salary level, even incremental differences matter for monthly budgets.

For families considering in-state options, NDSU offers above-average preparation at typical in-state debt levels. The program won't lead to spectacular financial outcomes—teaching rarely does—but it positions graduates near the top quarter nationally while keeping debt reasonable. If your child is committed to teaching and drawn to NDSU's campus in Fargo, the financials work, though slightly higher-earning alternatives exist elsewhere in the state.