Students at the University of North Dakota achieve substantially higher earnings than similar students at other institutions, with graduates earning about $9,400 beyond expectations.
This earnings advantage places UND among the top performers nationally for both overall graduate earnings and outcomes for low-income students.
The University of North Dakota delivers exceptionally strong long-term value, ranking in the top 16% nationally for overall return on investment among public four-year institutions. What distinguishes UND is its ability to consistently produce graduates who earn significantly more than expected—about $9,400 above what similar students achieve at comparable universities. This earnings advantage, combined with reasonable net prices and solid program outcomes, creates a compelling value proposition for students and families focused on financial returns.
As a medium-sized public research university in Grand Forks, UND offers a comprehensive academic portfolio with particular strength in aviation, engineering, and professional programs. The university maintains moderate selectivity while delivering outcomes that rival much more competitive institutions. Graduates earn a median of $63,552 ten years after enrollment, with many programs leading directly into high-demand career fields.
UND's position as a "Selective Achievers" institution reflects its balanced approach—providing strong outcomes for the students it serves while maintaining reasonable accessibility. The university's location in North Dakota provides access to regional opportunities in energy, agriculture, and aviation industries, while graduates also succeed in national job markets across engineering, healthcare, and business sectors.
The University of North Dakota's program portfolio reflects its regional strengths and national competitiveness in specialized fields. Aviation programs stand out as the university's signature offering, graduating 196 students with median earnings of $43,368—figures that understate the long-term potential in pilot and aerospace careers where salaries typically accelerate significantly beyond the 10-year measurement period. These programs benefit from UND's reputation as one of the premier aviation universities in the country.
Engineering programs deliver the highest early-career returns, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $76,460 within ten years of enrollment. This strong performance reflects both program quality and the high demand for engineering talent in energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program by enrollment with 138 graduates, serving working professionals and career-changers with median earnings of $36,992.
The university's program mix balances professional preparation with traditional liberal arts offerings. While Psychology majors see more modest early earnings at $32,439, these programs often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or provide foundational skills for diverse career paths. UND's strength lies in its ability to deliver strong outcomes across this diverse portfolio, with most programs leading to earnings that exceed national expectations for similar institutions.
The University of North Dakota delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $63,552, placing the university in the 84th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. More impressive is UND's "earnings beyond expectations" performance—graduates earn about $9,400 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities. This substantial earnings boost demonstrates the university's ability to add real value to students' career trajectories.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, creating opportunities for students to maximize their return on investment through strategic major selection. Electrical and Electronics Engineering leads with median earnings of $76,460, while Aeronautics and Aviation programs—UND's signature strength with 196 graduates—produce solid mid-career earnings of $43,368 combined with excellent job placement rates. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program footprint with 138 graduates earning $36,992, while Psychology majors see more modest early-career earnings at $32,439. The university's aviation programs are particularly noteworthy, as they feed directly into high-demand pilot and aerospace careers where earnings typically accelerate significantly beyond the 10-year mark measured in these data.
The University of North Dakota offers reasonable affordability across income levels, with net prices that remain manageable for most families. Low-income students pay approximately $13,914 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $18,625 per year. Even high-income families face relatively modest net prices of $20,640, making UND accessible across a broad economic spectrum. These price points place the university around the national average for affordability among public institutions.
Debt levels at UND are moderate and sustainable given graduate earning potential. Typical students leave with about $22,057 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $15,226. With median graduate earnings of $63,552, most borrowers can comfortably manage standard repayment schedules. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully navigate their debt obligations. The combination of reasonable borrowing levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most UND students and families.
University Of North Dakota Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
