Dickinson, ND · Private University
Is Dickinson State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$50,720
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,118
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,218
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$44,872
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.52x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
43.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,442
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,270
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Dickinson State University graduates earn $5,720 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Dickinson State University ranked by graduate earnings
32 graduates
63 graduates
22 graduates
18 graduates
38 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Dickinson State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $65,020 | 5.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,499 | 4.5x |
| Human Resources Management and Services(1yr data) | $50,122 | 4.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $48,309 | 4.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,496 | 4.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,927 | 4.0x |
| Agriculture, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $42,583 | 3.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Dickinson State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $50,720 10 years after starting, $5,720 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.9 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.