Students at Bemidji State University achieve above-average long-term earnings while maintaining excellent loan repayment performance that reflects the practical value of their education.
The combination of solid career outcomes and zero loan defaults demonstrates the university's effectiveness in preparing graduates for financial stability.
Bemidji State University delivers consistent value as a medium-sized public institution in northern Minnesota, combining accessible admission with above-average long-term financial outcomes for graduates. The university serves a diverse student body where about 26% receive Pell Grants and 27% are first-generation college students, yet maintains graduation rates and earnings that exceed expectations for similar regional institutions.
What distinguishes Bemidji State is its ability to produce graduates who earn more than typical for the region and student profile. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $53,755, placing the university in the 63rd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. The university's strongest programs cluster in nursing and business fields, where graduates consistently achieve solid early-career earnings and stable employment prospects.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Bemidji State focuses on providing educational access while supporting students toward meaningful career advancement. The university maintains moderate net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying about $10,918 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $13,262. This combination of affordability, accessibility, and above-average outcomes makes Bemidji State a reliable choice for students seeking practical career preparation in Minnesota's northland region.
Bemidji State University's program portfolio reflects a practical, career-focused approach that serves regional workforce needs effectively. The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing programs, with Adult Health Nursing leading both in scale and outcomes—150 graduates earning a median of $62,654 ten years out. This program represents the institution's flagship offering, combining high enrollment with excellent earning potential in Minnesota's growing healthcare sector.
Business programs form the university's largest academic footprint, with Business Administration graduating 194 students annually at median earnings of $40,855, while the more specialized Accounting program produces 43 graduates earning $46,193. These business fields provide stable career foundations and reflect the university's strength in preparing students for management, finance, and entrepreneurial roles throughout the region.
Even programs with more modest earnings demonstrate the university's commitment to comprehensive education. Psychology graduates, earning $33,726 with 71 total graduates, often use their degrees as stepping stones to graduate school or specialized training in counseling, social work, or related fields. This program mix—balancing high-return professional fields with foundational liberal arts disciplines—allows Bemidji State to serve diverse student interests while maintaining strong overall employment outcomes.
Graduates of Bemidji State University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for a regional public institution. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $53,755, with the university ranking in the 63rd percentile nationally for graduate earnings. The university also demonstrates positive earnings beyond expectations, meaning graduates typically earn more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting effective career preparation and program quality.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's nursing and business programs. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 150 graduates, earn a median of $62,654 ten years out, benefiting from strong demand in healthcare fields. Business Administration, the university's largest program overall with 194 graduates, produces median earnings of $40,855, while Accounting graduates achieve $46,193. Even programs with more modest earnings like Psychology at $33,726 provide stable career foundations, though students in these fields may need to consider graduate school or specialized training for higher earning potential.
The university's career outcomes reflect its practical, professionally-oriented program mix and strong connections to regional employers. With 94 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Bemidji State demonstrates its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers, particularly in healthcare, business, and technical fields that serve Minnesota's diverse economy.
Bemidji State University maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, with net prices that align well with typical public university costs. Low-income students pay approximately $10,918 per year, while middle-income families see annual costs around $13,262, both figures that represent manageable investments relative to the long-term earnings graduates achieve. Even higher-income families face net prices of about $21,518, which remains competitive for a four-year public institution offering comprehensive academic programs.
The university's debt structure supports sustainable financing for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $19,750 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns well with the median earnings of $53,755 that graduates achieve by year ten. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,500, reflecting families' measured approach to educational financing. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Bemidji State demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational debt obligations.
What makes the financial picture particularly sustainable is the university's strong loan repayment performance. Borrowers consistently pay down balances faster than national averages, with the institution ranking in the 79th percentile for balance reduction by year four. This pattern reflects both the practical career preparation students receive and the manageable debt levels they carry, creating a foundation for long-term financial stability.
Bemidji State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
