North Dakota State University combines accessible admission with strong post-graduation outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university delivers earnings well above peer institutions while maintaining open admission standards, supporting both access and economic advancement for graduates.
Solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
In the above-average tier, reflecting controlled costs and reasonable debt levels
The university's effectiveness in converting educational access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
The university's effectiveness in converting educational access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisStrong earnings with open admission
North Dakota State University-Main Campus ranks #398 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 81.9th percentile placing it well above average. Located in Fargo, North Dakota, this medium-sized public university maintains open admission standards with a 95.8% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
The university enrolls 18.7% Pell-eligible students and 17.3% first-generation students, reflecting moderate access levels. Graduates earn $62,203 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 76th percentile nationally and $12,087 above the peer median of $50,116.
With earnings falling $3,152 below expectations relative to student demographics, the university demonstrates typical value-added performance at the 42nd percentile nationally. This combination of open access, strong absolute earnings, and manageable debt places North Dakota State University within the Selective Achievers quadrant, delivering strong outcomes while serving a relatively lower share of low-income students compared to peer institutions.
North Dakota State University delivers strong absolute earnings with controlled borrowing costs. Graduates earn a median of $62,203 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 76th percentile nationally and significantly above the peer median of $50,116.
Earnings range from $43,700 at the 25th percentile to $85,613 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across programs. While the university generates $3,152 below earnings expectations relative to student demographics, placing it around the national average on this measure, the absolute earnings performance remains strong.
Students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes at an accessible public university, particularly in engineering, health sciences, and business. Well-suited for students from rural backgrounds who value a comprehensive university experience with open admission standards but strong academic performance once enrolled.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the North Dakota State University-Main Campus hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus/analysis.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
North Dakota State University's published cost of attendance is $23,391 per year, including $15,511 in out-of-state tuition ($10,857 for in-state residents), $9,565 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $16,334 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,057 from the sticker price.
This net price sits $2,241 below the peer median of $14,093, making North Dakota State more affordable than similar institutions. The university's relatively modest sticker price compared to many four-year institutions, combined with meaningful financial aid, creates accessible pricing for middle-income families.
Net costs range significantly by family income, from $10,647 for the lowest-income families to $19,218 for the highest-income families, reflecting targeted financial aid distribution. The $8,571 gap between lowest and highest income tiers indicates progressive aid policies that support lower-income students while maintaining accessibility across income levels.
In-state students benefit from substantially lower tuition rates, making the university particularly attractive for North Dakota residents. The combination of reasonable sticker prices and meaningful financial aid creates cost structures that support broad access to higher education while maintaining quality academic programs and student services.
North Dakota State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early careers. Median earnings rise from $54,312 six years after enrollment to $57,779 at eight years and $62,203 at ten years, representing 14.5% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 4,363 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $3,152 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the university around the national average for value-added performance at the 42nd percentile.
However, absolute earnings rank in the 76th percentile nationally, significantly outpacing the peer median by $12,087. Low-income graduates earn $51,000, ranking in the top 25% nationally and demonstrating strong economic mobility outcomes for disadvantaged students.
Earnings span from $43,700 at the 25th percentile to $85,613 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and career trajectory differences. Approximately 27.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Clinical and Industrial Drug Development.
135 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
33 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
71 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
140 graduates
Information Resources Management.
19 graduates
North Dakota State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Clinical and Industrial Drug Development ranks #2 nationally, producing 135 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $123,115 and a value score of 87.5, making it one of the university's flagship programs.
Mechanical Engineering ranks #156 nationally and #1 in North Dakota, graduating 140 students with median earnings of $79,027. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #227 nationally but #1 in the state, representing the university's largest program with 202 graduates earning $64,237.
Computer Science ranks #150 nationally and #1 in North Dakota, graduating 85 students with median earnings of $73,998. Business Administration and Management graduates 110 students annually with earnings of $56,473.
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations ranks #12 nationally, reflecting the university's agricultural strengths and regional focus with strong career outcomes in the field.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Southern Connecticut State University Similar quality tier (#387 ranked) | CT | 81% | $55,043 | #387 | Compare |
Suny College At Geneseo Similar quality tier (#392 ranked) | NY | 64% | $67,316 | #392 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Similar quality tier in Midwest (#395 ranked) | WI | 76% | $58,561 | #395 | Compare |
University Of Louisiana At Monroe Similar quality tier (#383 ranked) | LA | 75% | $46,769 | #383 | Compare |
Louisiana Tech University Similar quality tier (#382 ranked) | LA | 73% | $52,279 | #382 | Compare |
North Dakota State University admits 95.8% of applicants, making it highly accessible to prospective students. This open admission approach means roughly 24 out of 25 applicants receive an offer of admission, placing the university in the Open Access category for selectivity.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that North Dakota State is more accessible than typical four-year institutions, accepting 11.2 percentage points more applicants than similar schools. This accessibility reflects the university's mission to serve students across academic preparation levels while maintaining strong post-graduation outcomes.
The high acceptance rate means that admission is primarily based on meeting basic eligibility requirements rather than competitive selection among qualified candidates. Students should view North Dakota State as an accessible option for higher education, though they should still ensure they meet minimum academic standards and complete all application requirements.
The university's open admission policy makes it an excellent choice for students seeking a comprehensive university experience without the stress of highly competitive admission processes. This accessibility allows the university to serve diverse student populations while delivering strong career preparation and post-graduation outcomes that exceed many more selective institutions.
