Students at Minot State University benefit from exceptional affordability that keeps debt low while still delivering earnings that exceed expectations for similar institutions.
The combination of low costs and solid career preparation creates a sustainable path to degree completion and professional success.
Minot State University offers a distinctive combination of affordability and specialized program strength that serves students well in the long run. Located in North Dakota, this medium-sized public university maintains accessible admission standards while delivering solid financial outcomes for graduates. The university particularly excels in affordability, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels, with low-income students paying just $8,840 annually and middle-income families facing net costs around $11,464.
What makes Minot State noteworthy is its focused approach to career preparation in high-demand fields. With about 35% of students being first-generation college attendees and 24% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves a substantial population of students who benefit from its clear pathways into nursing, social work, education, and business. Graduates earn a median of $51,759 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid value given the institution's affordable cost structure and the economic realities of the upper Midwest region.
As a regional public university, Minot State provides the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and program breadth that students need for professional success. The university's strength lies not in prestige or selectivity, but in its ability to prepare students for stable, meaningful careers in fields where North Dakota and the broader region have consistent employment demand.
Minot State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional institution focused on preparing students for careers in high-demand fields. The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing programs, where Adult Health Nursing graduates 54 students annually with median earnings of $63,666, making it both a substantial program and the highest-earning field. This reflects the strong demand for healthcare professionals in North Dakota and the broader region.
Social work represents the university's largest program commitment, with Forensic Social Work graduating 60 students who earn a median of $41,565 two years after graduation. While the earnings are more modest than in healthcare, this reflects the service-oriented nature of social work careers and the stable employment opportunities available in the field. Business Administration and Management, with 58 graduates earning around $38,829, provides a solid foundation for students interested in private sector careers or entrepreneurship.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education that aligns with regional economic needs. Agricultural Teacher Education, though smaller with 32 graduates, represents the university's connection to North Dakota's agricultural economy and produces teachers who earn competitive salaries in education. These programs collectively demonstrate Minot State's commitment to preparing students for careers that serve essential community needs while providing stable, middle-class incomes.
Graduates of Minot State University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect both the institution's program strengths and the regional job market. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $51,759, placing the university around the 59th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. What's particularly noteworthy is that graduates earn about $3,200 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating higher-than-expected earnings that suggest the university adds meaningful value to student outcomes.
The strongest financial returns come from Minot State's health and human services programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both a high-enrollment and high-earning field, with 54 graduates earning a median of $63,666 ten years out, making it the program with the highest aggregate return. Forensic Social Work, the university's largest program with 60 graduates, produces median earnings of $41,565, reflecting the stable but more modest pay scales typical in social services. Business Administration and Management graduates, with 58 students in the cohort, earn around $38,829, while Agricultural Teacher Education majors see earnings of approximately $39,729.
These program-level outcomes reflect Minot State's focus on practical, career-oriented education in fields with consistent regional demand. The university's earnings beyond expectations suggest that graduates benefit from strong preparation, local employer relationships, and the advantage of entering fields where North Dakota's economy provides stable opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Minot State University stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels, ranking in the top 25% nationally for keeping costs manageable for families. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $8,840 per year, well below what most public universities charge, while middle-income families face annual costs around $11,464. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $15,562 annually, making Minot State accessible to a broad range of economic backgrounds without the sticker shock common at many institutions.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $19,609 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,000, reflecting the university's success in keeping overall costs low enough that families don't need to rely heavily on parent borrowing to make college affordable. The combination of low net prices and reasonable debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most families.
What makes Minot State particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is how well the costs align with post-graduation earning potential. With graduates earning a median of $51,759 ten years out and carrying modest debt loads, most borrowers can comfortably manage repayment while building their careers. The university's 0% federal loan default rate reflects this financial sustainability, indicating that graduates consistently earn enough to meet their loan obligations without significant financial stress.
Minot State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
