Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in North Dakota
- 10
- Schools
- $45,490
- Avg. Earnings
- 43%
- Avg. Graduation
- $12,071
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,437
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 10 schools run from $17,008 to $63,552, a 3.7× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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United Tribes Technical College delivers the most for the money: roughly $25,292 in median earnings against $3,569 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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United Tribes Technical College is the lowest-cost school here at $3,569 a year in net price.
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University of Mary graduates 67% of its students, versus a 43% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of North Dakota carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.35× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Valley City State University ($52,725 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of North Dakota ($63,552), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- United Tribes Technical College costs $3,569 a year and University of Jamestown costs $19,567. Yet their graduates earn $25,292 and $56,621, nowhere near the $15,998 price gap.
- On value, United Tribes Technical College beats University of North Dakota: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with United Tribes Technical College and University of Mary. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $52K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Valley City State University #1 overall | $52,725 ▲ +16% vs avg | $11,890 | 51% | 83 |
| 2 Mayville State University #2 overall | $47,828 ▲ +5% vs avg | $11,456 | 40% | 80 |
| 3 Minot State University #3 overall | $51,759 ▲ +14% vs avg | $12,703 | 46% | 78 |
| $60,909 ▲ +34% vs avg | $17,770 | 67% | 75 | |
| $50,720 ▲ +11% vs avg | $14,092 | 47% | 75 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in North Dakota
This analysis ranks 10 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $45,490 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 43% and an average net price of $12,071.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: United Tribes Technical College — Net Price: $3,569 | Graduation Rate: 28%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Mary — 67% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of North Dakota — Median alumni earnings: $63,552
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$51,240
Median earnings (10yr)
46%
Median graduation rate
$12,297
Median net price
2.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Education programs feed a workforce defined by paradox: chronic teacher shortages and high social value on one side, modest pay and high attrition on the other. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The programs that matter most reliably move graduates into classrooms and keep them there.
Start with the medians across these 10 schools. Graduates earn a median of $51,240 ten years after enrollment, or about $3,240 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 46%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $12,297 a year with about $20,369 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 36% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.3%.
What we’re seeing: districts compete hard for credentialed teachers, but the pay ceiling makes affordability decisive. With median earnings near $51,240 and a typical net price of $12,297, value in this field is driven as much by low cost as by salary.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Valley City State University lands at #1 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,725 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,890 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Mayville State University lands at #2 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Minot State University lands at #3 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $51,759 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,703 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Mary lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $60,909 a decade after enrolling, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,770 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Dickinson State University lands at #5 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $50,720 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,092 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of North Dakota lands at #6 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $63,552 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,551 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Jamestown lands at #7 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $56,621 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,567 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
United Tribes Technical College lands at #8 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (93/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (41/100). Graduates earn a median $25,292 a decade after enrolling, 44% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,569 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Sitting Bull College lands at #9 with a 46/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (17/100). Graduates earn a median $28,488 a decade after enrolling, 37% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,605 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Cankdeska Cikana Community College lands at #10 with a 42/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (10/100). Graduates earn a median $17,008 a decade after enrolling, 63% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,507 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 10 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering education programs in North Dakota, potential students are evaluating a mix of factors that can shape their future careers. Each of the schools listed here shares a commitment to preparing educators, but they also reflect different strengths in terms of earnings and graduation rates.
The schools on this list stand out based on key outcomes such as average earnings, graduation rates, net price, and student debt. For example, prospective students should pay close attention to how much graduates earn and how many students complete their programs. These metrics provide a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation and can help families understand the potential return on their investment.
Take Valley City State University and the University of Mary, for instance. Valley City graduates earn an average of $52,725, with a 51% graduation rate, whereas the University of Mary has higher earnings at $60,909 and a significantly better graduation rate at 67%. This contrast highlights how a school’s support systems can influence student success and financial outcomes, prompting a deeper look into what each institution offers.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 7 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2.3%. Dickinson State University leads the group at 4.1%, with University of Jamestown (2.5%) and University of Mary (2.4%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 8.3% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Dickinson State University leads at 13.9%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 29.8% across this list. University of Jamestown posts the highest success rate at 44.4%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.70 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Dickinson State University reaches 1.73, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
While all five schools provide valuable education programs, the differences in their outcomes are significant. For example, the University of Mary excels with a graduation rate of 67% and higher average earnings of $60,909. In contrast, Mayville State University, while offering a lower net price of $11,456, has a graduation rate of just 40%, indicating that students may face challenges completing their degrees.
As you sift through these schools, consider what matters most for your situation. Are you prioritizing low debt, or is it more important to attend a school with a strong support system that helps students graduate? Think about the campus environment, program fit, and location too. Each of these factors will influence your overall experience and future opportunities.
Ultimately, this data tells us that the path from college to a stable career is heavily influenced by the choices you make now. Choosing the right education program can lead to higher earnings and greater job stability. For families weighing options, the decision can shape not just the student’s future but the family’s financial wellbeing as well.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Education Colleges in North Dakota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in North Dakota ranking? +
Valley City State University in Valley City, ND ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in North Dakota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $52,725 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 51% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of North Dakota posts the highest median earnings on this list: $63,552 ten years after enrollment, well above the $45,490 average across the 10 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, United Tribes Technical College leads: graduates earn a median $25,292 against net price of about $3,569 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Mary has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 67%, compared with a 43% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $12,071 a year across the 10 ranked schools with cost data. United Tribes Technical College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,569. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education Colleges in North Dakota ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 10 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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