Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Jamestown

University of Jamestown nursing graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $74,094—slightly above the state median and ranking in the 60th percentile among North Dakota programs. However, the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, and the concerning earnings drop to $66,306 by year four deserves attention. While some decline might reflect nurses transitioning to different care settings or moving into part-time roles, a 10% decrease warrants a conversation about local job market dynamics in Jamestown versus larger North Dakota cities.

The $28,000 median debt sits right at state and national norms, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 in that first year. For context, graduates from nearby Mayville State earn about $3,400 more initially, though University of Jamestown outpaces several established programs like University of Mary and Minot State. The 94% admission rate suggests accessible entry, though only 26% of students receive Pell grants—lower than many public alternatives.

The small sample size is the elephant in the room here. If your child is drawn to Jamestown's campus environment and the first-year numbers hold, this could work financially. But compare job placement support carefully against larger programs with more predictable outcomes, and understand that staying in the Jamestown area after graduation may limit earning potential compared to Fargo or Bismarck markets.