Is An Associate Degree in North Dakota Really Worth the Money?

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — Figures show North Dakota residents seeking an associate degree spend an average of $11,535 annually, but some of those degrees will lead to higher wages and some won't.

U.S. Department of Education data show some North Dakota two-year campuses garner higher wages for their students, a nearly $16,000 difference between the highest and lowest salary averages from the top 10 two-year schools.

The Williston Herald reports that there doesn't seem to be any correlation between cost to attend and average salary.

The North Dakota State College of Science outranks the other nine schools with an average salary of $41,300, based on IRS reports for students 10 years after attending college.

Students pay nearly $10,600 annually at the college, which is $130 less than Dickinson State University. Data show that Dickinson State students average $2,500 less in salary than NDSCS students.

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