# Best Master's Programs in North Dakota

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 12 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-north-dakota

## Methodology

Master's programs in North Dakota ranked by graduate outcomes

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of North Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-dakota) | Grand Forks, ND | 62% | $63,552 | $18,551 | $22,057 | 0.35x |
| 2 | [Bismarck State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bismarck-state-college) | Bismarck, ND | 48% | $54,277 | $10,270 | $11,533 | 0.21x |
| 3 | [Minot State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/minot-state-university) | Minot, ND | 46% | $51,759 | $12,703 | $19,609 | 0.38x |
| 4 | [University of Mary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-mary) | Bismarck, ND | 67% | $60,909 | $17,770 | $24,000 | 0.39x |
| 5 | [Valley City State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/valley-city-state-university) | Valley City, ND | 51% | $52,725 | $11,890 | $20,369 | 0.39x |
| 6 | [Mayville State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mayville-state-university) | Mayville, ND | 40% | $47,828 | $11,456 | $18,585 | 0.39x |
| 7 | [Dickinson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dickinson-state-university) | Dickinson, ND | 47% | $50,720 | $14,092 | $18,442 | 0.36x |
| 8 | [University of Jamestown](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-jamestown) | Jamestown, ND | 47% | $56,621 | $19,567 | $27,000 | 0.48x |
| 9 | [North Dakota State University-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus) | Fargo, ND | 64% | $62,203 | $15,543 | $23,199 | 0.37x |
| 10 | [United Tribes Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/united-tribes-technical-college) | Bismarck, ND | 28% | $25,292 | $3,569 | N/A | N/A |
| 11 | [Turtle Mountain Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/turtle-mountain-community-college) | Belcourt, ND | 49% | $32,079 | $3,428 | N/A | N/A |
| 12 | [Sitting Bull College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sitting-bull-college) | Fort Yates, ND | 23% | $28,488 | $4,605 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Master's Programs in North Dakota." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-north-dakota

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.