Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Jamestown

University of Jamestown's business program graduates earn above the national median but trail most other North Dakota options—ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide despite the program's 58th percentile national standing. With first-year earnings of $47,850 and debt of $26,000, graduates start with manageable obligations (0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio), though they're earning about $4,000 less annually than the typical North Dakota business graduate from the start.

The earnings trajectory shows healthy 12% growth over four years, reaching $53,482, but even at that point graduates lag behind what they might earn from University of North Dakota, University of Mary, or several other in-state alternatives. This gap matters when tuition costs are likely similar across North Dakota public and private institutions. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) adds uncertainty—a few outlier careers could swing these numbers significantly in either direction.

For North Dakota families, this comes down to fit versus financial optimization. The debt load is reasonable and earnings beat national averages, so graduates aren't struggling. But if your child could access University of North Dakota or University of Mary, those programs show measurably stronger earning outcomes without necessarily charging more. Jamestown works as a safety school where your student can earn a solid business degree, just not as the financial frontrunner among state options.