North Dakota State College of Science
#7 Best Nursing Colleges in North Dakota- Graduation Rate
- 52% C-
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $50,513 B-
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $11,261 B
- 34% less than the typical college
- Enrollment
- 1,909
Bottom line: A B- overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 23.3× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $23.3 over 20 years. Ranked #7 in Best Nursing Colleges in North Dakota.
Every $1 spent returns $23.3 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,002,653.
What The Data Says
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A B- overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
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Earnings 24% above the national college median.
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Social mobility rate of 2.97% — an engine of upward economic mobility.
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Every $1 invested returns $23.3 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why North Dakota State College of Science Matters
North Dakota State College of Science is a public community college in Wahpeton, ND and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network and a strong record of moving students up the income ladder. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Community College
- Carnegie Class
- Associate's College
- Enrollment
- 1,909
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Mechanic & Repair Tech, Health Professions, Construction Trades, Humanities
Why students choose North Dakota State College of Science
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
This school does not report a competitive admit rate — most qualified applicants are admitted.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $11,261 a year after grants and scholarships — 34% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $50,513 ten years after enrolling — 24% above the typical college, against $12,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 3.0% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 11% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.58 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of about 1,909 students, North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton is a solid choice for those interested in practical, hands-on programs. It appeals to individuals looking to dive into fields like Health Professions, Construction Trades, and Mechanic & Repair Tech. The college emphasizes real-world skills, making it especially relevant for students who want to enter the workforce quickly and effectively.
Looking at life after graduation, students earn an average of $50,513 within ten years of completing their studies. This is important because it underscores the potential return on investment for a degree from here. Many students find that the cost of education is manageable given the average net price of $11,261 after financial aid, and with a median debt of $12,000, it’s clear that students can graduate without being overwhelmed by loans.
When it comes to affordability, North Dakota State College of Science stands out for its accessibility. The relatively low net price makes it feasible for many students, and with a Pell Grant rate of 16%, there are resources available for those who need them. The college tends to attract students who are motivated, focused on their careers, and ready to take advantage of the practical training and support offered here.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective North Dakota State College of Science is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into North Dakota State College of Science? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
North Dakota State College of Science, located in Wahpeton, North Dakota, enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 52%.
- Retention Rate
- 79%
- Full-Time Faculty
- 88%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $7,536
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.34
- First-Gen Students
- 24%
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend North Dakota State College of Science? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at North Dakota State College of Science is $6,973, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $11,261. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $7,803 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $12,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $5,974
- Out-of-State
- $6,973
- Avg Net Price
- $11,261
- Median Debt
- $12,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 16%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 30%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $7,803
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $7,297
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $9,678
- Family Income $110K+
- $14,772
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at North Dakota State College of Science — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is North Dakota State College of Science Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of North Dakota State College of Science earn a median of $50,513, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $48,800
- 8 Years
- $49,782
- 10 Years
- $50,513
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.24x
- Earning > $25K
- 74%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (173)
- 31%
- 100% (173)
- 31%
- 100% (173)
- 31%
- 100% (173)
- 31%
How North Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is North Dakota State College of Science Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, North Dakota State College of Science delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $11,261/year ($45,044 total). Graduates earn $50,513 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,047,697 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,002,653 (23.3× your investment). The median debt is $12,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 52% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $45,044
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,047,697
- Net Return
- $1,002,653
- ROI Multiple
- 23.3×
- Cost Per Year
- $11,261
- Median Debt
- $12,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does North Dakota State College of Science Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
North Dakota State College of Science is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.97%, among the highest in the country. About 9.7% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 30.6% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $63,200, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 2.97%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 30.6%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 9.7%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $85,867
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $837,186
- Investment Income
- $998,178
Top Programs
The fields North Dakota State College of Science awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Mechanic & Repair Tech 19% $53,924 early-career
- Health Professions 19% $69,715 early-career
- Construction Trades 15%
- Humanities 12%
- Precision Production 7% $49,387 early-career
- Business & Marketing 6% $40,073 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 1%
- Culinary & Personal Services 1% $34,755 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for North Dakota State College of Science's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into North Dakota State College of Science? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
North Dakota State College of Science, located in Wahpeton, North Dakota, enrolls students across a range of programs. The graduation rate is roughly 52%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend North Dakota State College of Science? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at North Dakota State College of Science is $6,973, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $11,261. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $7,803 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $12,000 in federal student loans.
Is North Dakota State College of Science Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of North Dakota State College of Science earn a median of $50,513, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does North Dakota State College of Science Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
North Dakota State College of Science is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.97%, among the highest in the country. About 9.7% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 30.6% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $63,200, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is North Dakota State College of Science? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at North Dakota State College of Science. Its economic connectedness score is 1.58, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.02), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 3% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to North Dakota State College of Science.
- Dakota County Technical CollegeRosemount, MN · Close peer52% grad $51,938 earnWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Alexandria Technical & Community CollegeAlexandria, MN · Close peer60% grad $49,393 earnWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Minnesota North CollegeHibbing, MN · Close peer42% grad $45,570 earnWhy: similar earnings · similar size · similar net price
- Ridgewater CollegeWillmar, MN · Close peer48% grad $43,827 earnWhy: similar grad rate · similar size
- Inver Hills Community CollegeInver Grove Heights, MN · Close peer22% grad $49,898 earnWhy: similar earnings · similar size · similar net price
- Northland Community and Technical CollegeThief River Falls, MN · Close peer52% grad $44,425 earnWhy: similar grad rate · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is North Dakota State College of Science? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at North Dakota State College of Science. Its economic connectedness score is 1.58, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.02), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 3% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note