Business Administration, Management and Operations at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Rasmussen University-North Dakota charges premium prices for its business associate's degree—graduates carry nearly double the debt of typical programs both nationally and in-state—but the earnings largely justify the investment. First-year earnings of $43,736 land in the 92nd percentile nationally and beat the state median by $7,600, though the program ranks at the 60th percentile within North Dakota itself. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within a manageable timeframe, especially given that 46% of students receive Pell grants and likely lack family financial support.

The real question is whether the higher debt load makes sense when nearby Williston State College produces similar first-year earnings ($36,138) at half the cost. However, Rasmussen's graduates enter the workforce earning $12,000 more than Williston grads, which offsets the additional debt within roughly two years. Earnings growth is modest at 3% over four years, but the strong starting salary provides a solid foundation.

For families who can't afford to relocate for college, this program offers competitive earnings despite the higher price tag. The key is ensuring your child can complete the degree without additional borrowing—that $25,555 figure assumes on-time completion, and any delays would worsen the financial picture considerably.