Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests reasonable financial footing, though both figures here come from national patterns rather than UND's specific outcomes. Peer programs across the country typically see graduates earning around $53,000 in their first year with roughly $21,000 in debt—numbers that translate to manageable monthly loan payments of about $240 on the standard repayment plan. This falls well within the conventional affordability threshold of 8-10% of gross income.
The challenge for parents evaluating UND's program is the lack of visibility. As the only school in North Dakota offering a Business/Managerial Economics bachelor's degree, there's no local comparison point, and the small graduate cohort means actual outcomes remain unpublished. Similar programs nationally show considerable variation—the top quarter of programs push median earnings above $60,000—so understanding where UND falls within that spectrum matters significantly for return on investment.
Given the estimates align closely with typical business program outcomes and suggest affordable debt levels, the fundamental economics appear sound if your student is committed to this specific field. However, the absence of program-specific data means you're betting on UND matching the national norm rather than having evidence they exceed it. Before committing, connect directly with UND's career services to understand actual employer relationships and graduate placement patterns—they can provide the concrete outcomes data that federal reporting cannot.
Where University of North Dakota Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,951 | $53,219* | — | $21,125* | — | |
| $62,982 | $106,701* | — | —* | — | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of North Dakota, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.