Rankings / By State

Best Master's Programs in North Dakota

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 12 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$48,871

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

48%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$11,954

Avg. Net Price

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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.

Key Findings

The average earnings for master's program graduates in North Dakota is $48,871.

Graduates from the University of North Dakota have an average earning of $63,552.

North Dakota State University has a graduation rate of 64%, higher than many peers.

Bismarck State College offers a net price of $10,270, the lowest among the top five.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 12

Avg. earnings at 10yr $48,871

Avg. graduation rate 48%

Avg. net price $11,954

Avg. median debt $20,533

How We Ranked

Master's programs in North Dakota ranked by graduate outcomes

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

Graduation62%

Earnings$63,552

Net Price$18,551

View full profile →

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND

Graduation48%

Earnings$54,277

Net Price$10,270

View full profile →

Minot State University

Minot, ND

Graduation46%

Earnings$51,759

Net Price$12,703

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND · 9,981 students · Public

The University of North Dakota, nestled in Grand Forks, has a vibrant enrollment of nearly 10,000 students. With a 62% graduation rate, the university offers an array of academic programs, particularly known for its research initiatives and strong emphasis on health-related fields, attracting students eager to make an impact in their professions.

77% accepted 62% graduate $63,552 earnings

University's full profile

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND · 2,839 students · Public

Located in the capital city of North Dakota, Bismarck State College serves a close-knit community of 2,839 students. With a graduation rate of 48%, the college emphasizes workforce readiness, offering a range of programs aimed at preparing students for immediate employment opportunities in the local economy.

48% graduate $54,277 earnings

Bismarck's full profile

Minot State University

Minot, ND · 2,062 students · Public

Minot State University, with a student body of 2,062, offers a more intimate college experience in the northwest part of North Dakota. The graduation rate is 46%, reflecting challenges in retention, but the university emphasizes personalized support and a strong community, which can help students succeed in their studies.

65% accepted 46% graduate $51,759 earnings

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND · 2,416 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $60,909 ten years after graduation, the University of Mary is a compelling choice for those looking to enter the workforce with solid financial prospects. The school’s 67% graduation rate suggests that students find the support they need to complete their education, creating a community where learners can thrive academically and socially.

75% accepted 67% graduate $60,909 earnings

University's full profile

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND · 958 students · Public

Valley City State University may appeal to students who value a close-knit campus environment, with just 958 students enrolled. The 99% acceptance rate indicates a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those who may not have the highest test scores but are eager to learn and grow in their academic journey.

99% accepted 51% graduate $52,725 earnings

Valley's full profile

Mayville State University

Mayville, ND · 733 students · Public

Located in the charming town of Mayville, Mayville State University presents a nurturing environment for students, particularly those who thrive in smaller settings. With only 733 students and a graduation rate of 40%, the school emphasizes personal growth and community, even though its completion rate may raise some concerns for prospective students.

40% graduate $47,828 earnings

Mayville's full profile

Dickinson State University

Dickinson, ND · 1,090 students · Public

Dickinson State University offers a unique blend of academic opportunities in the heart of North Dakota. With a smaller student body of 1,090, students often benefit from personalized attention from faculty, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and socially, despite the 47% graduation rate.

37% accepted 47% graduate $50,720 earnings

Dickinson's full profile

University of Jamestown

Jamestown, ND · 1,041 students · Private nonprofit

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 88%, the University of Jamestown can be an accessible option for many students seeking a private college experience. The median earnings of $56,621 ten years after graduation suggest that graduates often find solid career paths, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce.

88% accepted 47% graduate $56,621 earnings

University's full profile

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · 9,471 students · Public

North Dakota State University in Fargo is home to over 9,400 students and boasts a graduation rate of 64%. Known for its engineering, agriculture, and health sciences programs, NDSU emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, preparing students for careers in high-demand fields across the region.

95% accepted 64% graduate $62,203 earnings

United Tribes Technical College

Bismarck, ND · 569 students · Private nonprofit

United Tribes Technical College offers a unique educational environment for students, especially those from diverse backgrounds. With 78% of its students receiving Pell Grants, the college emphasizes accessibility and support for those with financial needs, fostering a community where everyone can pursue their educational goals together.

28% graduate $25,292 earnings

United's full profile

#11

Turtle Mountain Community College

Belcourt, ND · 543 students · Private nonprofit

Turtle Mountain Community College stands out with a 49% graduation rate, suggesting that nearly half of its students are successfully completing their degrees. This statistic reflects a supportive environment that helps students navigate their educational journey, especially within a close-knit community that values cultural connection and support.

49% graduate $32,079 earnings

Turtle's full profile

#12

Sitting Bull College

Fort Yates, ND · 257 students · Public

Located in Fort Yates, Sitting Bull College emphasizes cultural education and community engagement, making it a meaningful choice for students seeking to connect their studies with their heritage. The college's unique mission appeals to many, though the graduation rate of 23% points to challenges that some students face in completing their programs.

23% graduate $28,488 earnings

Sitting's full profile

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

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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