Compare 5 Sports Studies. programs in North Dakota. Average earnings: $48,695.
With top graduates earning $57,821, Sports Studies stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $10K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Dickinson State University's Sports Studies program leads with graduates earning $57,821, well above the $48,695 average across North Dakota programs. University of Mary follows at $47,957, while North Dakota State produces graduates earning $46,653—demonstrating that smaller regional institutions can outperform larger universities in specialized fields.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Dickinson State graduates borrow $18,442 and face just a 7.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it the clear value leader.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $57,821 | 8 | $18,442 | Excellent | $10,030 | Good | |
| #2 | University Of MaryPrivate | $47,957 | 26 | $24,000 | Manageable | $13,500 | Challenging |
| #3 | $46,653 | 79 | $23,199 | Manageable | $14,621 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $46,594 | 38 | $22,057 | Manageable | $14,269 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $44,450 | 12 | $18,585 | Good | $9,812 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
