Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at University of Mary

University of Mary graduates earn $44,806 in their first year—about $600 below the state median for teacher education programs. That places them in the 40th percentile among North Dakota's dozen schools offering this degree, trailing programs at Dickinson State ($49,811) and University of Jamestown ($49,608) by roughly $5,000 annually. Nationally, the picture looks rosier: these graduates outpace the national median by $3,000, landing in the 73rd percentile. The debt load of $27,000 is modest compared to education programs nationwide, giving this program a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable for a teaching career where income stability matters more than rapid growth.

The challenge here is North Dakota's competitive landscape. If your child can secure admission to Dickinson State or Jamestown, that extra $5,000 annually adds up to $200,000+ over a teaching career. However, University of Mary serves a purpose for students who need its Bismarck location or prefer its smaller environment. The 78% admission rate suggests accessibility matters here.

Important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary widely. For families prioritizing in-state teaching placement and affordability over maximizing earnings, this works. But if your child has options among North Dakota's teacher prep programs, compare financial aid packages carefully—those top-tier programs might offset their advantage through scholarships, or the gap might widen it.