Students at the University of Jamestown achieve above-average earnings while benefiting from exceptional loan repayment outcomes that rank among the best nationally.
The university's focused programs in nursing and business, combined with personalized attention, create clear pathways to career success.
The University of Jamestown is a small private nonprofit college in North Dakota that delivers above-average earnings outcomes for graduates while maintaining moderate affordability. With median 10-year earnings of $56,621, graduates perform well in the job market, earning slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions. The university serves a moderately selective student body, with about 26% of students receiving Pell Grants and 28% being first-generation college students.
As a small institution, Jamestown offers an intimate learning environment with close faculty-student relationships and personalized academic support. The university's strongest programs center on nursing and business administration, which together represent the core of its academic mission and graduate outcomes. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct access to professors, creating opportunities for mentorship and hands-on learning that larger institutions often cannot provide.
While classified as "Selective Achievers" in terms of mobility, meaning it produces good outcomes but serves fewer low-income students than some peers, Jamestown provides solid value for families seeking a traditional private college experience. The combination of reasonable net prices for a private institution, strong loan repayment rates, and career-focused programs makes it an appealing option for students who thrive in smaller academic communities.
The University of Jamestown's program portfolio centers on two primary areas that drive strong graduate outcomes. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-return program and a key strength, graduating 26 students annually with median earnings of $61,859 ten years after graduation. This reflects the strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and the quality of clinical preparation that Jamestown provides through its nursing program.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 24 students with median earnings of $39,729. While more moderate than nursing outcomes, business graduates benefit from broad career flexibility and the practical, hands-on approach that characterizes Jamestown's professional programs. The university's small size allows for close faculty mentorship and direct industry connections that help students transition effectively into their chosen careers.
As a focused institution, Jamestown concentrates its resources on programs where it can deliver clear value and strong employer relationships. The combination of nursing and business represents practical, career-oriented education that aligns well with regional economic needs and provides graduates with marketable skills and professional networks that support long-term career success.
Graduates of the University of Jamestown achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $56,621 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university in the 67th percentile nationally for earnings, indicating that graduates earn more than typical college graduates across the country. The university also delivers earnings that exceed expectations by about $1,152 compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating meaningful added value for students who choose Jamestown.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's nursing and business programs, which represent the institution's primary areas of focus. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing 26 students in the most recent cohort, earn a median of $61,859 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the quality of Jamestown's nursing preparation. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 24 graduates, produces median earnings of $39,729, which while more moderate, still provides solid career preparation for students entering various business sectors.
The university's small size allows for focused career preparation and strong employer relationships within North Dakota and the broader region. With 213 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Jamestown demonstrates its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers despite its modest enrollment. The combination of personalized attention, practical training, and regional employer connections helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations.
The University of Jamestown maintains reasonable affordability for a private nonprofit institution, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $15,596 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $20,174 per year, and higher-income families pay approximately $21,810. These prices reflect substantial financial aid that helps make private education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Debt levels at Jamestown are manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical students graduate with $27,000 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the median earnings of $56,621 that graduates achieve by year ten. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,432, indicating that many families contribute directly to education costs while keeping student debt at sustainable levels. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, demonstrating that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes Jamestown particularly sustainable financially is the strong loan repayment performance of its graduates. The university shows exceptional repayment rates, with borrowers paying down balances much faster than national averages. By year four after graduation, borrowers have paid off nearly 25% of their original balance, placing the university in the 97th percentile nationally for balance reduction speed. This rapid payoff pattern reflects both the solid earnings graduates achieve and their commitment to financial responsibility.
University Of Jamestown Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
