Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Mary

University of Mary's business program commands one of the highest starting salaries in North Dakota at $57,057, landing graduates in the 89th percentile nationally—well above the $45,703 national median. That said, the 60th percentile placement within North Dakota itself tells a more nuanced story: while you're doing better than most business grads across the country, you're roughly middle-of-the-pack among North Dakota schools. Bismarck State College's graduates nearly double these earnings, suggesting local employers may value different credentials or specializations for their highest-paying roles.

The financial fundamentals look solid. With $27,654 in debt and a 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates face manageable payments—about half their first year's salary, which is better than most business programs nationwide. Earnings climb to $62,591 by year four, showing steady career progression rather than stagnation.

The bottom line: This is a safe bet that delivers above-average national outcomes without crushing debt. Your child will likely out-earn most business graduates nationwide and secure stable employment in North Dakota's economy. Just understand you're paying for a quality regional program, not necessarily the top-tier North Dakota business credential—and if staying in-state is the plan, it's worth exploring why Bismarck State's graduates command such premium salaries.