Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in North Dakota
- 12
- Schools
- $48,871
- Avg. Earnings
- 48%
- Avg. Graduation
- $11,954
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,533
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $25,292 at the low end to $63,552 at the top. That 2.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Turtle Mountain College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $32,079 against $3,428 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Turtle Mountain College, at $3,428 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Mary graduates 67% of its students, well above the 48% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Bismarck State College: graduates owe only 0.21× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Turtle Mountain College ($3,428/yr) and University of Jamestown ($19,567/yr) produce graduates earning $32,079 and $56,621 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $16,139 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Turtle Mountain College outperforms University of North Dakota: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: University of Mary graduates 67% of its students versus 23% at Sitting Bull College. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Turtle Mountain College and University of Mary. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $53K 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 University of North Dakota #1 overall | $63,552 ▲ +30% vs avg | $18,551 | 62% | 69 |
| 2 Bismarck State College #2 overall | $54,277 ▲ +11% vs avg | $10,270 | 48% | 69 |
| 3 Minot State University #3 overall | $51,759 ▲ +6% vs avg | $12,703 | 46% | 68 |
| $60,909 ▲ +25% vs avg | $17,770 | 67% | 67 | |
| $52,725 ▲ +8% vs avg | $11,890 | 51% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in North Dakota
This analysis ranks 12 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $48,871 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 48% and an average net price of $11,954.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Turtle Mountain College — Net Price: $3,428 | Graduation Rate: 49%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Mary — 67% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of North Dakota — Median alumni earnings: $63,552
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
North Dakota Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in North Dakota?
$52,242
Median earnings (10yr)
47%
Median graduation rate
$12,297
Median net price
2.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across North Dakota serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
The median graduation rate across these 12 schools is 47%. Median graduate earnings reach $52,242 ten years after enrollment, roughly $4,242 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $12,297 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $20,369. Some 33% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.3%.
For North Dakota, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $12,297 and graduates earning a median of $52,242, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of North Dakota lands at #1 with a 69/100 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, 30% 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 #2
Bismarck State College lands at #2 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $54,277 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,270 a year, well under 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 #3
Minot State University lands at #3 with a 68/100 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, 6% 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 67/100 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, 25% 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
Valley City State University lands at #5 with a 67/100 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, 8% 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 #6
Mayville State University lands at #6 with a 67/100 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, 2% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Dickinson State University lands at #7 with a 66/100 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, 4% 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 #8
University of Jamestown lands at #8 with a 64/100 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, 16% 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 #9
North Dakota State University-Main Campus lands at #9 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $62,203 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,543 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
United Tribes Technical College lands at #10 with a 51/100 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, 48% 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 #11
Turtle Mountain College lands at #11 with a 49/100 composite, led by value per dollar (94/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (21/100). Graduates earn a median $32,079 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,428 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Sitting Bull College lands at #12 with a 43/100 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, 42% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 12 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right master's program can be a pivotal decision for many students. In North Dakota, several institutions stand out for their strong outcomes, especially when it comes to post-graduation earnings and completion rates. For instance, graduates from the University of North Dakota report an average earning of $63,552, which highlights the financial benefits of selecting the right program.
What sets these schools apart? It all boils down to key metrics: graduation rates, earnings potential, debt levels, and mobility. The schools listed below have been ranked based on how well they prepare students for life after graduation. You'll see a range of outcomes, from the percentage of students graduating to the average debt incurred, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Take Bismarck State College and the University of Mary as examples. Bismarck State College has a graduation rate of 48% and average earnings of $54,277, while the University of Mary boasts a higher graduation rate at 67% and average earnings of $60,909. This contrast illustrates the trade-offs between different programs and the importance of considering both completion rates and potential earnings as you make your decision.
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
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 8 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Dickinson State University leads the group at 4.1%, with Bismarck State College (2.5%) and University of Jamestown (2.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 8.5% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Dickinson State University enrolls the most, at 13.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 29.2% across the list, peaking at 44.4% at University of Jamestown.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.69, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Dickinson State University is highest at 1.73.
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
When we look closely at the data, a clear pattern emerges. The University of Mary outperforms Bismarck State College in several key metrics: with a graduation rate of 67% compared to Bismarck’s 48%, it's evident that the support systems at the University of Mary may be more effective in helping students finish their degrees. Additionally, the University of Mary graduates earn an average of $60,909, significantly more than Bismarck’s $54,277.
As you consider these rankings, think about what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing low tuition costs, or is a high graduation rate more important? Factor in location and program fit as well. Some students thrive in larger institutions with numerous resources, while others prefer smaller, more intimate settings. Balance this data against your personal circumstances, ensuring you choose a program that aligns with your goals and financial situation.
Ultimately, these outcomes reflect a broader trend: the path from college to a stable career can vary greatly. One family's choice of the University of North Dakota could lead to a higher earning potential and a better shot at financial stability. This data underscores the importance of making informed decisions that will impact lives long after graduation.
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 Master's Programs in North Dakota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in North Dakota ranking? +
University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs in North Dakota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $63,552 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 62% 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 $48,871 average across the 12 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, Turtle Mountain College leads: graduates earn a median $32,079 against net price of about $3,428 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 48% 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 $11,954 a year across the 12 ranked schools with cost data. Turtle Mountain College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,428. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Master's Programs 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 12 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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